Advisory for emerging & diverse businesses
TCFEB helps small and diverse businesses grow from the inside out — through federal contracting strategy, operational readiness, and workforce training built for the way agencies actually buy.
By the numbers
Led by Diana Potts — the federal contracting consultant with real-world agency experience and over $17B in awarded contract influence.
Meet the founderRecognition
Who we are
The Center for Emerging Business partners with small, diverse, and mission-driven firms preparing to compete for federal work, scale their operations, and build workforces that hold up under real pressure.
We combine two decades of experience inside federal agencies with a practical, no-fluff approach to business development — so our clients grow with strategy behind every step, not luck.
“We help founders build companies the federal market takes seriously — and teams that can carry the work.”
Diana Potts
Founder & Principal Advisor
The founder
Diana has spent 20+ years at the intersection of business growth and federal contracting strategy, advising startups, small firms, and agencies including DOD, FEMA, NASA, and GSA.
Her clients don't just win contracts — they build the internal capacity to deliver on them, retain the talent that carries the work, and grow without the whiplash that comes from scaling without strategy.
“Winning federal work isn't about paperwork — it's about being the company an agency wants to keep working with. That's what we build.”
What we do
Every engagement is shaped around your goals, timeline, and readiness — not a template. Here's where we work.
Compete for federal work with the same clarity the agencies do. We turn certifications and capability statements into a strategy that actually opens doors.
Operational depth and leadership systems that let founders scale without burning out the business they built.
The people side of growth — building the skills, alignment, and pipelines that turn hiring into retention.
How we help
Every client is different — but the arc of good advisory work isn't. This is how we take you from readiness to result.
We map your goals, readiness, and the gap between where you are and where the market expects you to be.
A practical growth or contract strategy that reflects your timeline, capital, and appetite — not a template.
We build the systems, teams, and internal muscle so you can execute the plan without breaking the business.
Long-term support for implementation, capacity, and the next phase of growth after the first win.
Impact
Our clients don't need cheerleaders — they need clarity. TCFEB shows up with real market experience, plain-spoken counsel, and a track record that speaks in outcomes, not adjectives.
Who we work with
Agency experience
A private resource hub for founders, teams, and clients — strategy briefings, case notes, and digital learning tools you won't find on a generic consulting blog.
Get notified at launchShort, sharp strategy briefings from Diana on winning federal work, building teams, and running a serious business.
Case notes from firms who moved from readiness to real awards — with the strategy behind each win.
Deep-dive playbooks on capture strategy, agency positioning, and the operational work behind growth.
Self-guided curriculum for founders and teams — with a member subscription launching alongside the release.
Let's talk
Book a 30-minute introductory call. We'll listen to where you are, name what's in the way, and tell you honestly whether we're the right advisors to help you get there.