The Small Business Government Communications Network has released its Federal Communications & Creative Services Report, finding that 2013 spending rose 17.2 percent to $1.7B.
The gain is the first rise in contracting since tracking began in 2010.
The report gauges outlays at 25 federal agencies and departments for services such as PR, marketing, advertising, consulting, graphic design, video, market research, and event management.
Small businesses grabbed 42.3 percent or $724.4M of the total outlays, which was up 15.2 percent from 2012.
Contracting dollars for PR and advertising rose 43 percent and 30.9 percent, respectively.
Smaller PR shops got 50.8 percent of the PR spending, while their advertising agency counterparts took 38.8 percent.
The federal government has established a goal of spending at least 23 percent at small firms.
Jim Krol, executive director of SBGC, said the survey results are "a great sign for creative and communicators."
He also noted that the 42.3 percent share for small business shows "the federal government continues to recognize small firms can help agencies and departments meet their communications contracting needs."
Edelman and rapper Pharrell Williams have launched Mighty Dream as a creative advocacy shop to serve communities of color.
WPP plans to launch an investment promotion campaign to spur economic development in war-ravaged Ukraine.
WPP has partnered with the Black Equity Organisation, which launched May 24, to advance equal opportunity and justice for Black people in the UK.
The Michigan Economic Development Corp. has selected Finn Partners after a competitive pitch to promote The Wolverine State as a world-class business location and a great place to visit.
Prime Policy Group represents Puerto Rico’s Senate as it pushes for a broad range of economic development issues in Washington.
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