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Small Business Administration (SBA) points to Trilogy Innovations as example of helping socially disadvantaged businesses do business with federal government.
When Brandon Downey and Randy Cottle founded systems and software engineering company Trilogy Innovations, Inc., in 2010, the U.S. Small Business Administration’s West Virginia District Office was there to help. The two Mountain State natives who own and operate Bridgeport, West Virginia-headquartered Trilogy attended a presentation from the SBA District Office on government contracting set-aside programs, including the 8(a) program for socially disadvantaged business owners.
Following that presentation, the SBA played an early role in the history of Trilogy, which now approaches 40 employees. More than a decade after the company was founded, Downey and Cottle pursued the 8(a) program and connected with Melissa Loder, SBA West Virginia District Office Senior Area Business Opportunity Specialist.
“Brandon and Randy asked all the right questions and followed through with all the right action steps to become 8(a) certified,” Loder said.
In May 2021, they entered the program and received two 8(a) set-aside awards from the Department of Justice early in their program tenure.
“I was impressed with the drive, tenacity, and willingness to get the job done,” Loder said of the company. “This led to their early success in the program.”
The 8(a) program is not the only SBA service that has led to the recent success at Trilogy. When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Trilogy was able to secure a Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from First United Bank & Trust — a loan designed to remove the burden of worrying what the future held during a globally trying time — and allowed Trilogy to retain all its employees. Trilogy’s PPP loan was fully forgiven in July of 2021.
While growing their small business is at the top of the to do list, Downey and Cottle also want to see the technology sector grow in their home state. This led to the inaugural Tech Yeah Conference in August 2022. The event highlighted innovative companies in the Mountain State and served as a vessel to help other small businesses learn the path to success in the federal market. SBA’s West Virginia District Office attended Tech Yeah and showcased the programs and services the agency has available to assist small businesses on their pathway to doing business with the federal government.
The second Tech Yeah Conference is planned for Spring 2023 and Trilogy continues to grow. Trilogy Innovations was listed at #590 in the Inc. 5000 this year, as well as the 31st fastest-growing IT services company in the nation — and the fastest-growing company in West Virginia.
Article Written by Patrick Gregg, Communications Manager - Trilogy Innovations, Inc.
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