The latest BRIDGE Proposal Lab info session on December 10 brought together small business owners and socially and economically disadvantaged individuals from across Maryland, Virginia, DC, and Delaware for a lively, practical deep dive into what it takes to win federal funding. The session offered a guided walk-through of how Cohort 2 of the program will operate, what participants can expect, and why this federally funded initiative from Maryland TEDCO continues to stand out as a powerful accelerator for emerging businesses.
Attendees explored the structure of the Lab, including its hands-on coaching model, its disciplined training format, and its AI-powered tools designed to help small firms raise the quality of their proposal efforts. The facilitators highlighted the program’s exceptional track record, noting that participants achieve win rates more than double the national average. That metric alone sparked plenty of excitement, setting the tone for a session focused on practical advantage rather than theory.
One of the strongest points of engagement came from the discussion of teaming opportunities. Presenters explained how the Lab helps participants form strategic partnerships, match capabilities with larger primes, and step into the competitive arena with far more clarity. This collaborative architecture is part of what makes the BRIDGE ecosystem such a powerful resource for very small businesses and SEDI founders.
The info session also covered eligibility details, selection criteria, and clear steps for submitting a strong application for Cohort 2. With only 20 companies being accepted, the presenters urged attendees to apply early and to follow the guidance shared during the webinar to strengthen their submissions. The Lab’s no-cost enrollment, made possible by the U.S. Treasury SSBCI program and delivered through TEDCO and OST Global Solutions, makes the opportunity especially compelling for resource-constrained founders who need both structure and expert support.
The event wrapped with an open Q&A where participants asked about timelines, proposal strategies, evaluation expectations, and how to get the most value from the Lab’s tools and coaching sessions. By the end of the hour, attendees walked away with a clear picture of how the program operates and how it can transform their ability to compete for federal contracts and grants.
Cohort 2 is now open for applications, with submissions due December 12, and seats are expected to fill quickly. For entrepreneurs aiming to elevate their government contracting game, this program offers a practical, guided pathway toward stronger proposals and better outcomes.
Learn more and apply: https://www.ostglobalsolutions.com/bridge-proposal-lab/
