How One Expert (and the NBDC) Turned My Capability Statement into Gold
Writing a capabilities statement feels a lot like trying to distill your whole identity (your business, your passion, your why) onto a single page. If you’re a small business owner like me, you know exactly what I mean.
When I first sat down to write Lozafina’s capability statement, I thought, How hard could this be? We’re a storytelling powerhouse. We handle marketing, branding, and public relations like pros. We bring vision to life. But the moment I started typing, I froze.
Who was I really writing this for? A procurement officer? An investor? A corporate decision-maker? Each has their own lens, their own needs, and their own criteria. Trying to speak their language while staying true to my brand? Nerve-wracking doesn’t even begin to cover it.
But I pushed through, fine-tuned every word, and felt… proud-ish. It was decent. Maybe even good. Then I met Harold Sargus.
Enter: A Real-Life Capabilities Whisperer
Thanks to the incredible April Hibbler of the Nebraska Opportunity Exchange (more on her in a second), I was connected with Harold Sargus, a seasoned procurement consultant with the Nebraska Business Development Center (NBDC).
And let me just say—thank goodness for this man.
He took one look at my capabilities statement and gently, expertly, turned it on its head in the best way possible. Harold showed me that Lozafina wasn’t just a marketing firm. We were a solutions provider. A bridge-builder. A team that empowers brands with strategy, cultural relevance, and authenticity. He helped me shift my narrative from what we do to the value we bring.
In one session, he transformed my overwhelmed one-pager into a powerful elevator pitch that I now confidently share with government agencies, corporate partners, and investors alike.
Why the NBDC Matters (Especially for Small Businesses)
The NBDC is a godsend for Nebraska-based businesses. They’re like the ultimate business best friend—providing free or low-cost consulting, training, and resources to help small businesses like mine compete in bigger arenas.
And procurement? That’s the process government and large institutions use to purchase goods and services from outside suppliers. It’s a goldmine of opportunity—but without guidance, it's easy to feel lost in a maze of red tape, acronyms, and requirements.
Thanks to Harold and the NBDC, I now understand how Lozafina can tap into public contracts and confidently approach larger clients. They gave me the language, the tools, and the confidence.
None of this would’ve happened without April. She made the call that connected me to Harold, and I will forever be grateful. You always need people in your corner who not only believe in your vision but also know exactly who to call to move things forward.
Thank you, April, for being that person.
My Advice to Other Entrepreneurs? Tap In.
If you’re a small business in Nebraska (or honestly, anywhere), don’t go it alone. Both the NOE and NBDC are here to help you level up, stand out, and scale smart. Whether you're working on a capabilities statement, a growth strategy, or trying to get procurement-ready, resources make a world of difference.
Because sometimes, all it takes is one expert to help you see yourself clearly - and pitch your brilliance with power.