Diane McCarthy from the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center will be at the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce office from 9am until 4pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. This drop-in event will provide business owners and entrepreneurs and opportunity to learn more about the SBDC resources available to them. To make an appointment, contact Diane via email or call 540.568.3227.
Each year, the State buys goods and services totaling more than $7 billion – learn how your company can be a part of that!
This webinar is designed to educate small, woman and/or minority business owners about opportunities to sell their goods and services to the Commonwealth of Virginia and many local governments.
The workshop will provide information about the Virginia procurement process (the eVA system) and the benefits of SWaM certification.
Speaker: Angela Barber, Business Services Manager, Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity, Eastern VA Region
A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.
- GovCon Sales Process
- Data, Processes, & Tools
- Your Technology Stack: What is that?
- BD – Tools across the sales process:
- Business Management
- Market Intelligence
- CRM
- Pipeline Management
- Proposal Support/Management (including the rise of large language models and assistive AI)
- BD – Tools across the sales process:
- Bringing it all together
- GovCon Basic Knowledge
- Business Strategy
- Process Improvement
- Cost Effective Low-to-No-Code Platform Integration
- Tracking and Visualizing Performance
Instructor Tasha Jones is a U.S. Navy Veteran and the Founder of Twenty39, an operations enablement firm that provides transformation services and low to no code solutions for businesses and government clients. She has over twenty years’ experience in the U.S. Federal, Defense, and Intelligence market space; and is a recognized problem solver and data champion, adept at translating complex business and technical concepts into simple, mission focused messages and implementations. Ms. Jones is an industry-recognized leader in developing data informed solutions, turning around “off the rail” projects and “just getting the job done right”!
Outside of business hours, Tasha supports entrepreneurs and social impact organizations and serves on the board for Citrine Angels; a membership group providing early-stage investment opportunities and education to female investors in the Washington DC Metro area.
Webinar information will be sent to registrants prior to the class and will be conducted via GoToWebinar. After registration is complete, your email confirmation will contain the link. You MUST register your name and email and receive the login information and calendar invite before you can join the webinar. You may attend without downloading the software, but please understand your webinar functions may be limited.
By registering for this training event, you consent to having your name and contact information, along with your registration and attendance status shared with the instructor. Instructors do not have access to other confidential client information and often simply use it to send follow-up class materials. As in-kind donors, each instructor has agreed not to use information in any way contrary to the interests of Virginia APEX Accelerator, its sponsors, grantors, or clients (you), including but not limited to unauthorized marketing and sales. If you have questions or concerns, please email apex@gmu.edu to discuss with the host of this training or do not register for this session.
To effectively regulate alcohol manufacturers, State and Federal agencies assign producers into discrete categories and apply different provisions to each group. However, given the variety of bev-alc companies operating today, it’s not always clear what compliance looks like for all producers.
In this webinar, regulatory expert Kevin Anderson will provide insights into the evolving world of compliance for non-traditional production. The discussion will cover such arrangements as contract production, rotating proprietorship, non-alcoholic beer, wine, and spirits, and more.
SPEAKER: As a Virginia Alcoholic Beverage Control Authority special agent, Kevin Anderson was on the lookout for regulatory violations, underage drinking and other vices. Today, he has switched to the business side of the alcohol industry— navigating state and federal alcohol regulations for his winery, brewery, distillery, wholesale and retail clients. After leaving the Virginia ABC Authority in 2015 Kevin became a consultant with ABC Consulting and BreweryCompliance.com, a national consulting firm based in Virginia that offers state and federal licensing assistance along with compliance and consulting services. Kevin was named 100 People to Meet in 2020 by Virginia Business.
A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.
A helpful guide for small business owners!
In today’s digital landscape, small businesses face an increasing number of cybersecurity threats. Navigating cybersecurity compliance can be daunting, especially for those with limited resources and expertise. This comprehensive guide provides small business owners with practical insights and actionable steps to effectively manage cybersecurity risks and ensure compliance with relevant regulations.
Whether you’re a startup or an established small business, staying ahead of cybersecurity challenges is essential for protecting sensitive data, maintaining customer trust, and securing long-term success.
Speaker: Quiana Gainey, Virginia SBDC Cyber Industry Expert
A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.
During this live webinar (Zoom), attendees will learn:
- Financing Basics – Types of Financing
- Funding Sources & Financing Programs
- Common Misconceptions of Small Business Financing
- Bank Financing Basics
- Preparing for Financing
- Strategies for your Bank Presentation
- And Much More!
Speaker: Timm Johnson – Director & Senior Business Counselor, Mason SBDC
Co-sponsor(s) & Partner(s): Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Prince William Chamber of Commerce
Cancellation Policy: Please provide 24-hours notice prior to event. Kindly email – help@masonsbdc.org (preferred) or call 703-261-4105 to notify the team.
Special Instruction: This live webinar will be presented via Zoom. Webinar access details (Zoom invitation) will be provided after registration
• This webinar will provide an overview of the SBIR/STTR Program’s eligibility rules (including its ownership, size, and affiliation requirements that have certain differences from other SBA programs), work performance and other key compliance considerations, review of the program’s three-phased approach including maximizing strategies for Phase III contracts, and explanation of the program’s unique and beneficial data rights provisions.
About the instructor:
Paul Hawkins is a Virginia-based attorney specializing in representing government contractors. His business and commercial law practice focuses on helping government contractors successfully navigate the various legal and compliance issues they face on a daily basis. Paul advises clients across a wide range of corporate, commercial, and regulatory matters with specific emphasis on small business and Federal Acquisition Regulation compliance, forming government contracting teaming relationships and strategic partnerships (including joint ventures and the SBA’s mentor protégé program), protests and contract claims, intellectual property issues, and mergers and acquisitions. https://www.reavesgovcon.com/
Webinar information will be sent to registrants prior to the class and will be conducted via GoToWebinar. After registration is complete, your email confirmation will contain the link. You MUST register your name and email and receive the login information and calendar invite before you can join the webinar. You may attend without downloading the software, but please understand your webinar functions may be limited.
By registering for this training event, you consent to having your name and contact information, along with your registration and attendance status shared with the instructor. Instructors do not have access to other confidential client information and often simply use it to send follow-up class materials. As in-kind donors, each instructor has agreed not to use information in any way contrary to the interests of Virginia APEX Accelerator, its sponsors, grantors, or clients (you), including but not limited to unauthorized marketing and sales. If you have questions or concerns, please email apex@gmu.edu to discuss with the host of this training or do not register for this session.
Grab your lunch and join us the first Thursday of each month to learn more about SBA programs and network with other small business owners.
Topic: Crowdfunding
Are traditional funding sources not a fit for your business? Consider crowdfunding. Join us as we discuss how crowdfunding works, why it may work for you, and tips and tricks on how to be a successful crowd funder. Finding revenue is one of the challenges for a project/idea/business. There are many options to help fund it. One option that may be the stepping stone to success is crowdfunding. Come in and learn if this is a possible funding stream for your future success. Maximized to the fullest use can mean more than money.
Key Takeaways:
- What is crowdfunding?
- How can crowdfunding help you finance your business?
- Mistakes to avoid in a crowdfunding campaign.
Speaker(s): Martin Short, Lead Economic Development Specialist & Public Information Officer
Once registered, an automated email with the Zoom link will be sent to you. If you need further assistance or have a question, please contact us at (540) 654-1383
This session will present some common sense tips on how to write an effective state or federal contract proposal.
Topics covered include:
- Understand Uniform Contract Format – RFP
- Things to consider before writing
- Proposal writing tips
- Typical evaluation criteria
- Win Theme development
- Keys to proposal success
- Typical elements of successful proposals
- Why proposals lose points
Instructor Lisa Wood is the current statewide director of Virginia APEX Accelerator. She previously was the Statewide Director of the Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) for the Connecticut PTAC and prior to that was Statewide Director with the Ohio Department of Development after serving as PTAC Director for the Northwest Commission of Pennsylvania. Before joining the PTAC (now APEX Accelerator) community, Lisa was a Contracting Officer for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. in the Greater Pittsburgh Area.
Webinar information will be sent to registrants prior to the class and will be conducted via GoToWebinar. After registration is complete, your email confirmation will contain the link. You MUST register your name and email and receive the login information and calendar invite before you can join the webinar. You may attend without downloading the software, but please understand your webinar functions may be limited.
IMPORTANT NOTICE: Please note that this GoToWebinar event will be recorded for future publication/distribution by the Virginia APEX Accelerator. By joining this session, you automatically consent to be recorded during the Q&A period if you choose to speak. If you do not consent to being recorded, you may constrain your questions to written submissions. If you have questions or concerns, please email apex@gmu.edu to discuss with the host organization or do not join the session.
Overview of Live Webinar
Refresh your knowledge to effectively market your goods and/or services! This live webinar (via Zoom) will cover the following marketing essentials:
- How to choose your target group(s)
- How to communicate with your target(s)
- Market Definition
- Market Segmentation
- Competitive Analysis
- Company Branding
- Online (SEO) and Offline Marketing
Speaker: Bernard Ferret – Senior Business Counselor, Mason SBDC & Serial Entrepreneur
Co-sponsor(s) & Partner(s): Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Prince William Chamber of Commerce
Cancellation Policy: Contact us earlier than OR 72 hours (3 days) prior to event. Kindly email – help@masonsbdc.org (preferred) or call 703-261-4105 to notify the team.
Special Instruction: This live webinar will be offered on the Zoom platform. You will receive a Zoom inivitation link after the registration.
Diane McCarthy from the Shenandoah Valley Small Business Development Center will be at the Lexington-Rockbridge Chamber of Commerce office from 9am until 4pm on the second and fourth Tuesdays of every month. This drop-in event will provide business owners and entrepreneurs and opportunity to learn more about the SBDC resources available to them. To make an appointment, contact Diane via email or call 540.568.3227.
This session will cover:
- The variety of websites available, the possibilities for upgrading yours to better accommodate online sales and the estimated costs to accomplish this.
- The various e-commerce platforms available and how to select the best based on your specific business needs.
- How to setup and manage your online storefront or service portal and how to use data and marketing to maximize returns.
A confirmation email with the Zoom login information will be sent after registration – a day before before the event – please be on the lookout for it.
Instructor: Cameron Nelson, Technology Advisor, VA SBDC
Mr. Nelson has over 19 years experience in technology, and as a senior tech consultant in Silicon Valley helping Fortune 500 companies improve their digital marketing and eCommerce. At the same time he founded several tech companies, including a SaaS website for tree preservation and a blockchain platform for nonprofits. Cameron is accomplished in language, culture, has an MBA and MA and believes new technology products have the ability to help shape our world for the better.
Webinar Learning Objective
Please join Senior Business Counselor, and Adjunct GMU Professor George Siragusa, as he guides you through a step-by-step process of building your Value Proposition Design which is invaluable to startups, early stage companies, growth, or even mature businesses!
The Value Proposition Design (VPD) is a framework that enables businesses to develop and solidify their foundational ideas for how they will create, communicate, deliver and then extract marketplace value for a differentiated product or service intended to solve a specific problem aligned with a specific customer need while delivering tangible benefits, for an intended potential customer segment in a domain space or industry sector. It lives inside something called the Business Model Canvas, another important foundational business framework.
The VPD is absolute “ground zero” thinking for:
- Entrepreneurs with ideas for a product or service business
- Early stage companies
The VPD is critical formative thinking for:
- New business ventures
- Growth businesses
The VPD is valuable for:
- Businesses considering a “pivot” in some aspect of their business
- Mature businesses looking to expand or grow their offerings or markets
The VPD will:
- help clients understand how they can create enduring personal value with your products
- lower your cost of customer acquisition and retention
- avoid wasting your scarce resources of time and money
Upon completion of this NO-COST webinar you should be able to:
- Become familiar with the definition of a Value Proposition Design and why it is considered such a “bedrock principle” for any business venture
- Understand 3 specific benefits VPD brings to your business
- See how it is one of the very first actions you should take to begin forming your ideas around a product or service you believe to be a viable business
- Understand the relevance of the Value Proposition Design (VPD) to your business
- Become familiar with the 8 steps to building / refining a VPD for your business
- See a list of 10 characteristics of a great Value Proposition Design
- Become familiar with the ways in which the VPD can impact and inform your communication tactics and strategy
- Follow a “use case” to help illustrate how the VPD can inform your marketing strategy
- Answer your specific questions about VPD along during the webinar
THERE IS NO COST to ATTEND; but REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
Speaker: George Siragusa – Senior Business Advisor, Mason SBDC, Adjunct Professor, George Mason University teaching Entrepreneurship for Engineers at the School of Engineering, and Senior Mentor for 3 area Startup Venture Accelerators
Co-sponsor(s) & Partner(s): Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Prince William Chamber of Commerce
Cancellation Policy: Contact the Center regarding cancellation earlier than 24 business hours prior to event. Kindly email – help@masonsbdc.org (preferred) or call 703-261-4105 to notify the team.
Special Instruction: This live webinar will be presented via Zoom. Webinar access details (Zoom invitation) will be provided after registration.
The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 5% of that spend is allocated for Small Business. This is a huge opportunity for firms, who qualify, to grow their business and become part of the challenging world of Government Contracting through set-aside opportunities. In order to get noticed by small business offices, you must first create a winning capability statement. This is the most importing marketing piece you will create for your business. A properly formatted capability statement will help you get noticed and differentiate you from your competition.
Key Takeaways:
- Proper formatting of the statement
- Information to include and not include
- Differentiators, Core competencies and past performance content
- You will be provided an editable template to use for your own capability statement
- How to use the statement
Speaker(s): Lisa Wood is the Statewide Director of the Virginia PTAC, hosted by George Mason University where she is also an Adjunct Professor of Management. Prior to that, she served as the Statewide Director with the Connecticut and Ohio PTAC programs and was also Director for the Northwest Commission PTAC in Pennsylvania. Before joining the PTAC community, Lisa was a Procurement Specialist for Bechtel Plant Machinery, Inc. in the Greater Pittsburgh Area. In this role, Wood performed contract administration and negotiation duties. She also recommended bidders, handled issue inquiries, negotiated bids, performed cost and price analysis, and prepared comprehensive letters to justify recommended contract actions. Ms. Wood holds an MBA from the University of New Haven and a BSBA through Robert Morris University of Pittsburgh where she is also pursuing her PhD in Instructional Management and Leadership.
If you need further assistance or have a question, please contact us at (540) 654-1383