From Startup to Multi-Million Dollar GovCon Success
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Tejash Patel, Founder and CEO of Tays Inc., has built a thriving IT services company specializing in software engineering, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and data analytics. Since founding the company in 2013, Patel has steadily grown his business, securing numerous small contracts before scaling up to major government contracting opportunities. His company was recently awarded an $8 million task order as a subcontractor for the Social Security Administration (SSA), marking a significant milestone in its expansion. "Just throughout the years, the success of building relationships is really how we were able to get there," Patel shared, emphasizing the power of persistence and strategic partnerships.
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The journey wasn’t without challenges. Learning the complexities of the government contracting space and transitioning from a startup to a growth-stage business required continuous adaptation. Keeping up with rapidly evolving technology and navigating the intricacies of federal procurement were among Patel’s biggest hurdles. He credits his APEX Accelerator counselor, Richard Paden for providing invaluable guidance. "Richard has provided valuable information on how to be successful as a government contractor based on his experience. He helped me with the capability statement, how to approach decision-makers, building a sales pipeline, and so much more," Patel explained.
This mentorship played a crucial role in strengthening Tays Inc.'s position in the industry.
Patel encourages other small businesses to leverage APEX Accelerator resources early in their journey. "There's just a lot to learn. I wish I had known about the APEX Accelerator when I started the company—it would have been incredibly useful," he admitted. His advice to aspiring government contractors is to start small, be patient, and continuously build relationships. Looking ahead, Patel envisions further expansion beyond SSA, using his established partnerships to secure contracts with other federal agencies. His success story demonstrates that with persistence, strategic guidance, and the right resources, small businesses can break into and thrive in the competitive world of government contracting.
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Listen to his story on our podcast
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