Paul Fuzak and John Thompson exude an attitude of perseverance and a serene confidence. It helped them to understand the intricacies of government contracting and the benefits of doing business with the federal government.
Introduced by family, Paul and John quickly became friends and eventually business partners of DataScapes Inc. Founded over 30 years ago, the Buffalo-based company offers its customers full service office furniture and furnishings that include panel, freestanding and desking systems, as well as filing and storage, wood case goods, seating, architectural, ergonomics and final touch products.
“We knew we had the opportunity to grow as entrepreneurs,” said Paul. “We were in pursuit of new business ideas that are still paying off. We wanted to expand our product lines and develop system designs to enhance our ability to reach our customers, connect our furniture, technology, and interior landscaping.”
In order to pursue these new business ideas and expand into the government market, Paul and John quickly turned to government contracting to get their business to a new level and sought assistance from the Cattaraugus County Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC). “The PTAC classes have been instrumental in giving us advice and encouragement which has kept our business strong. Once we got started we found the government contract solicitation process was simple.”
“DataScapes, Inc. is a perfect example of the way our PTAC works with businesses interested in government contracting from the very beginning until they win their first award and beyond,” said Joe Williams, PTAC Director.
DataScapes Inc. earned the quality certification it needed to become a prime government contractor. Paul and John then decided that the next step was to explore yet another potential business opportunity by attending the U.S. Small Business Administration’s Matchmaker program.
SBA’s Business Matchmaking is a co-sponsored event with SCORE Buffalo Niagara and Business First of Buffalo. It provides opportunities for small businesses to schedule individual appointments with government and procurement officials regarding potential contracts. The program’s events also include networking and education sessions, awards luncheon and exposition where small businesses can also reach potential customers throughout the day.
Paul attended his first SBA Matchmaker in 2008. He was immediately impressed by the large number of meetings available to him and John, especially his meeting with the United States Air Force Base who was looking for high-end office systems furniture to integrate and fit their facilities. DataScapes Inc. was eager to accommodate and after working together on a request, they received a contract.
Thrilled with their first contract commitment, Paul continued to attend SBA’s annual business matchmaking event and again, recorded additional contracts with the United States Army in 2011. DataScapes Inc. has received three contracts in excess of $300,000.
“We can’t say enough good things about PTAC and SBA, or how fortunate we were to receive not one but three contracts from attending the Business Matchmaker event.” John said. “They have been a tremendous advantage for our current growth. They continuously look out for small business, and without programs like these, we would never have had these opportunities.”
“For the last six years we have provided small firms like DataScapes Inc., the opportunity to meet with key buyers and personnel from federal government agencies,” said Franklin Sciortino, district director of the SBA Buffalo district office. “The SBA Business Matchmaker has developed into a destination for Western New York firms to find federal contracting opportunities, which helps maximize the growth of small business throughout our region.”
The SBA Buffalo District Office, SCORE Buffalo Niagara and Business First will host the 7th Annual Small Business Matchmaker on Wednesday, May 11, 2011. For more information and to view this year’s brochure, please visit SBA sba.gov/ny/buffalo.
The SBA provides small business counseling and training through a variety of programs and resource partners. For more information, please contact your local SBA Buffalo district office at (716) 551-4301 or visit us online at sba.gov.