Success Story: Branded Content Media

Branded Content Media Finds Its Next Story in Government Contracting

Location: Northern California | San Francisco County | San Francisco

Business Type: Video Production

Small Business Center: Norcal APEX Accelerator

Assistance Received: Procurement and Contracting

California State Assembly District: 19 

California State Senate District: 11

Visit Branded Content Media online

Doug Birnbaum founded Branded Content Media to help mission-driven organizations connect with their audiences through the power of visual storytelling. With over 15 years of helping clients communicate through powerful visuals, the San Francisco-based video production company was thriving. Then COVID-19 hit, and nearly everything slowed down, including production work. 

With a bit of extra free time on his hands, Doug began exploring other business opportunities. A referral from his SCORE mentor introduced him to Norcal APEX Accelerator, and with no-cost assistance now available to him, Branded Content Media was on track to begin an entirely new journey: government contracting. 

Like many small businesses, Branded Content Media found government contracting confusing at first. Doug was not sure what registrations he would need, what certifications he might qualify for, which agencies to sell to, or even how to read a jargon-heavy Request for Proposal. Beyond those hard skills, he also needed to learn how to build relationships with government buyers and position his business to be competitive in public procurement. Once he connected with his Procurement Specialist, Branded Content Media began making its plan. 

Through Norcal APEX Accelerator’s one-on-one counseling, Doug began securing what he would need to build a successful foundation. He tackled the Cal eProcure and SAM registrations, along with a few local government registrations, while learning the marketing practices that work best for government contractors. Branded Content Media built a strategic marketing plan, including a refined capabilities statement, an elevator pitch, and a communication strategy for reaching buyers at the agencies he wanted to work with. With Norcal APEX Accelerator’s guidance, Doug gained more than compliance; he gained the confidence to move into the government contracting space. 

“Working with Norcal APEX Accelerator has been a game-changer,” Doug said. “Their support demystified the federal contracting process and gave me the tools I needed to confidently pursue government opportunities, both at the state and federal levels. I recently produced a national broadcast piece for the U.S. Army’s 250th birthday, and I wouldn’t have gotten there without the clarity and momentum I gained through APEX.” 

Since connecting with Norcal APEX Accelerator, Branded Content Media has registered in SAM, Cal eProcure, and with local county and city agencies. With that foundation in place, Doug has won a variety of contracts with federal and state agencies, including Covered California, GoBiz, and the U.S. Army. With momentum on his side, and Norcal APEX Accelerator just a call away, Branded Content Media continues to expand its reach in government contracting. 

Visit Branded Content Media online to learn more. 

If you’re a small business in Northern California looking to break into government contracting, connect with Norcal APEX Accelerator for no-cost, one-on-one procurement counseling. 

7/28/2026