How To Position Early For Government Funding Opportunities

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Every time there’s talk of a government shutdown, thousands of federal employees start to worry — and rightfully so. Paychecks get delayed, contracts freeze, and even “stable” jobs suddenly feel uncertain.

I’ve seen it happen over and over again. Good people — people who’ve given years to serving this country — get caught off guard when the system slows down or shuts down.

But here’s the truth: you don’t have to wait for the next budget battle to hit before you protect yourself financially. You can start building your own source of income, right now, using the one thing that already makes you incredibly valuable — your federal experience.

Why Federal Workers Need Multiple Streams of Income

Let’s be real: working for the government used to mean rock-solid job security. But that’s just not true anymore. Over the past decade, we’ve seen multiple shutdowns, hiring freezes, and pay freezes. Even when the lights are on, promotions can move at a snail’s pace.

Meanwhile, most federal employees live paycheck to paycheck. So, when that paycheck stops — even for a few weeks — it can put serious pressure on your finances.

That’s why I believe every federal worker should have at least one other source of income outside of their government job. Not a second job that eats up your nights and weekends — but a smart, flexible side business that leverages what you already know.

And that’s where freelance consulting comes in.

Why Consulting Is the Smartest Side Business for Federal Employees

Federal employees have something the private sector desperately needs: insider knowledge of how the government operates.

You understand:

• How agencies make decisions

• How contracts get awarded

• What compliance really looks like

• And how programs are structured

That’s gold.

Companies spend billions every year trying to sell to the federal government — but most of them have no idea how to navigate the system. They need people who understand it from the inside. That’s where federal professionals can step in and get paid very well for their expertise.

When you position yourself as a consultant who helps companies understand government processes, you instantly stand out. You’re not just another contractor — you’re a trusted insider who can help them win real business.

Step-by-Step: How to Start a Freelance Consulting Business

Let me walk you through how I’ve helped federal employees turn their expertise into profitable consulting work — often while keeping their day job.

Step 1: Learn the Basics of Government Contracting

You don’t need to be a contracting officer to understand how the system works. But you do need a foundation — things like how federal agencies buy, where to find contract opportunities, and what makes a proposal stand out.

This knowledge not only boosts your confidence, it also gives you credibility when talking to potential clients. You become the bridge between commercial businesses and government buyers.

Step 2: Set Up Your Consulting Business Properly

This is where most people get stuck — and where I tell them to slow down and do it right.

Form an LLC to protect yourself legally.
Open a business bank account to separate finances.
Get insurance — even basic professional liability coverage — to show clients you’re legitimate.
Then build a simple, clean website and a professional LinkedIn profile that showcases your expertise.

You’re not just another “freelancer.” You’re a professional consultant. And presentation matters.

Step 3: Learn How to Sell and Price Your Services

This is the game changer.

You can have all the knowledge in the world, but if you can’t communicate your value and close clients, your business won’t grow.

That’s why I teach every consultant to master the sales process — from identifying ideal clients to conducting discovery calls, negotiating terms, and pricing based on value, not hours.

If your work helps a company win a $1 million contract, you’re not billing by the hour — you’re charging based on the value you bring. That’s how consultants earn $10K, $20K, even $50K per project.

💡 Value-Based Pricing: Stop Trading Time for Money

This is one of the most important lessons in consulting — you’re not being paid for your time, you’re being paid for your insight.

Federal experience is rare. Companies can’t find it easily. When you help them avoid mistakes, win contracts, or save time, that’s worth far more than an hourly rate.

Switching to a value-based model allows you to charge based on results, not hours worked — and it’s how many of our GovClose graduates went from earning a government salary to making six figures in their consulting business.

Building Trust Through Professionalism

Credibility is everything in consulting.

Clients want to know they’re working with a professional who can deliver. That’s why your online presence matters — your website, LinkedIn profile, and even your email signature should project competence and clarity.

It’s also why business setup details — like an LLC, business insurance, and contracts — are so important. They show clients that you take your business seriously and give them confidence in working with you.

Success Stories: Federal Employees Who Made the Leap

Over the years, I’ve seen dozens of federal workers turn their skills into thriving consulting businesses.

One former program analyst started advising small defense contractors on how to respond to RFPs — and within 12 months, she was earning more than her GS salary just from consulting clients.

Another, a retired contracting officer, began offering training and bid strategy sessions for IT firms. He scaled his consulting practice to over $250,000 per year — all built on the knowledge he gained inside the government.

These aren’t overnight success stories. They’re the result of structure, consistency, and the willingness to learn how to sell and position yourself effectively.

How GovClose Helps Federal Workers Launch Consulting Businesses

This is exactly why I built GovClose — to help veterans and federal employees translate their experience into real-world income.

Our one-year certification program teaches everything from understanding government sales and contracting processes to building your consulting offer, marketing, and closing deals.

You get access to weekly coaching calls, a step-by-step roadmap, and a private “war room” community where we share strategies, review proposals, and help each other grow.

It’s hands-on, practical, and built for people who are serious about building financial freedom without walking away from their government careers right away.

The Entrepreneurial Path for Federal Employees

Consulting isn’t for everyone — but for those with an entrepreneurial mindset, it’s one of the most flexible, rewarding, and low-risk ways to create financial security.

You can start small, keep your federal job, and test your ideas. If you find your niche, you can scale your business and create income that’s recession-proof — and shutdown-proof.

Ultimately, consulting gives you options. It allows you to take control of your financial future instead of waiting for another continuing resolution to pass through Congress.

Final Thoughts

If you’re a federal worker who’s tired of feeling financially stuck or vulnerable to the next shutdown, it’s time to start thinking differently.

You’ve already built a career around public service — now it’s time to use that experience to build wealth, independence, and security for yourself and your family.

You don’t need to leave government to do it — but you do need to start.

And when you’re ready, GovClose is here to help guide you every step of the way.

Ready to Get Started?

👉 Learn more about starting your consulting business at GovClose.com

👉 Hire a GovClose-Trained Consultant here: https://match.govclose.com

👉 Get Weekly Government Contracting Business Tips: https://federalytics.substack.com

👉 Explore the GovClose Certification Program for step-by-step training

👉 Follow me on LinkedIn for free live training and Q&A