Westinghouse Savannah River Company/The Washington Group wanted to develop small businesses in their community. Under a prime contract with the U.S. Department of Energy, they hired DESA to administer a Small and Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program. The program's chief goal was to spur business growth and economic development for smaller businesses by connecting them with large corporations - not limited to Westinghouse.  
 
DESA consultants provided:

• Customized research to match small-business products and services to the needs of major firms.
• Individualized counseling to help small businesses understand the contract procurement process.
• Assistance in preparing business, marketing, and financial plans.
• Seminars on business and technical topics.
  

The program helped small businesses in the Lower Savannah River Region of South Carolina, enabling them to obtain work throughout the Southeast.