Notice

Pennsylvania’s Mentor-Protégé Program Celebrates Nine Small Business Graduates

Nine Pennsylvania small businesses have completed the Department of General Services’ (DGS) Mentor-Protégé Program (MPP), a year-long initiative designed to help small, small diverse, and veteran-owned businesses strengthen their ability to compete for Commonwealth contracting opportunities.

Through mentorship, training, and relationship-building, the program provides participating businesses with practical knowledge and experience to navigate Pennsylvania’s procurement process. Graduates have reported expanded access to contracting opportunities, new Commonwealth contracts, and significant business growth.

For three consecutive years, more than $1 billion in Commonwealth contracting opportunities have been directed to small businesses.

During FY 2025–26, the Commonwealth awarded $76.7 million through the Small Business Reserve Program, worked with hundreds of small, diverse, and veteran-owned businesses, and spent more than $198 million with veteran-owned businesses.

The Mentor-Protégé Program is part of DGS’s broader effort to expand economic opportunity, strengthen Pennsylvania businesses, and increase participation in Commonwealth procurement.