Government-to-Citizen (abbreviated G2C) is the communication link between a government and private individuals or residents. Such G2C communication most often refers to that which takes place through Information Communication Technologies (or ICTs), but can also include direct mail and media campaigns. G2C can take place at the federal, state, and local levels. G2C stands in contrast to G2B, or Government-to-Business networks. One such Federal G2C network is USA.gov: The United States' official web portal, though there are many other examples from governments around the world Guide to Government to Consumer Markets Tap into government to consumer markets to take advantage of the offerings By Linda C. Ray Government to consumer markets provide numerous opportunities for consumers, both private and commercial, to take advantage of the many government offerings available. G2C business involves everything from grants and loans to copies of property transactions and credit reports. Government contracts can be very lucrative and constitute a huge market for government to consumer businesses. Consumer to government markets are built by consumers looking for safe investments through bonds and other safe investment vehicles. In the government to consumer marketplace, consumers are protected by regulations and agencies that keep watch on the public safety. Finally, G2C e-commerce is becoming more popular for citizens to purchase postage, registrations and permits via G2C websites. 1. Look for startup funding through the government to consumer marketplace 2. Land contracts through government to consumer e-commerce 3. Put your money in a safe consumer to government vehicle Action Steps The best contacts and resources to help you get it done Apply for grants in the government to consumer business There are millions of dollars available in government to consumer markets that are never awarded. Businesses don't want to bother with the paperwork that is inherent in any G2C business transaction, or they just don't know about the grant possibilities and where they might fit. There are consultants and agencies that can help you maneuver through the government to consumer marketplace. I recommend: Grant Funding Solutions is a database of sources for consumers to find government grants in the government to consumer marketplace. They sell information that can save you countless hours of researching the G2C markets. My Government Resources is a source managed by the Small Business Administration to assist small business find available grants and loans in the government to consumer marketplace. You can check your eligibility through this site as well. Utilize G2C e-commerce sites to make government contacts Getting a government contract, whether it's for developing a new office plaza or providing food in federal cafeterias, is a real coup for any company. Learn to navigate through the federal and regional G2C markets that are available online. I recommend: Find RFP is a subscription service to find G2C markets that require outside contractors to fulfill the orders. The main site offers many tips and information about the federal and local government to consumer business process. Fed Biz Opps is the U.S government’s virtual government to consumer marketplace. No registration is required to access the commercial opportunities. Buy bonds in the consumer to government market Government bonds have always been a safe investment that should be included in a well rounded portfolio. When the markets are most volatile, you usually can find solid returns in government to consumer sales of federal and municipal bonds. Find a broker or buy bonds directly online. I recommend: At Treasury Direct, you can participate in government to consumer e-commerce at any level. Find information here about bond auctions as well as information on state securities. Zions Direct offers bond sales for more than 25,000 bond producers. They also sell other investment vehicles. Tips & Tactics Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide • • While paperwork for G2C contracts is indeed weighty, the benefits may outweigh the burden imposed by the government bureaucracy. Hire a grant writer or other freelancer to deal with the paperwork if you aren't up to it.
