The non-gaming business interests of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi continue to grow and expand in Michigan and Indiana.
Bodwé Professional Services Group announced that three of its companies — The Steelhead Engineering Company, Bodwé Technology Solutions and Bodwé Federal Services — achieved 8(a) certifications from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). These certifications will enhance Bodwé Group’s ability to serve federal clients and expand its capabilities across various markets.
The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development (BD) Program is a nine-year program created to help socially and economically disadvantaged organizations gain access to — and succeed in — the federal marketplace. Bodwé has a successful track record with the 8(a) program. Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering (7GAE), the founding company within Bodwé Professional Services Group, received its certification in 2014 and was the first tribal 8(a) firm in Michigan. 7GAE, which graduated from the program earlier this year, employs over 80 people and has grown to $40 million in annual revenue, which wouldn’t have been possible without the advantages of the 8(a) program. Now, this status is extended to three more Bodwé companies, affording them preference for future federal projects.
“Receiving these new 8(a) certifications marks a significant milestone in our journey,” said Jeremy Berg, president and chief operating officer of the Bodwé Professional Services Group. “Our success is rooted in the foundation laid by our valued employees — first through Seven Generations Architecture + Engineering, and now continued with our expansion into additional service offerings. This is a testament to our commitment to deliver high-quality, reliable services to our clients. These new certifications will enable us to leverage the unique advantages of being a tribally owned 8(a) and drive the Bodwé mission of long-term scalable growth.”
Bodwé Group is part of Mno-Bmadsen, the non-gaming investment enterprise and wholly owned instrumentality of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi. A family of professional services companies, Bodwé was formed in 2020 with the mission to build sustainable professional services businesses that grow the economy and legacy of the Pokagon Band. The SBA’s 8(a) program is a vital component of the Bodwé strategy to achieve sustained success.
Bodwé is organized into branches to offer specialized services while maintaining a unified operational approach, ensuring high-quality solutions across all sectors. The Bodwé Branches include:
- The Buildings Services Branch — Offers integrated full-service architecture and engineering.
- The Infrastructure Services Branch — Specializes in civil engineering, planning and environmental consulting.
- The Federal Support Services Branch — Provides federal agencies with consultants and contractors.
The collective expertise and the additional capabilities of the newly certified companies will support the Bodwé mission to grow the economy and legacy of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi for future generations. The 8(a) program’s benefits, such as sole source awards up to $100 million without Justification and Authorization and pre-award discussions and negotiations, will significantly enhance opportunities for Bodwé and its companies.
