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Every year, the federal government awards a portion of contracting dollars specifically to businesses owned by veterans. Also, small businesses owned by veterans may be eligible to purchase surplus property from the federal government.

Certification with SBA allows service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) to compete for federal sole-source and set-aside contracts across the federal government. Certified veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) have additional opportunities to pursue sole-source and set-aside contracts at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the VA’s Vets First program.

Presentator: William Pocan, Economic Development Specialist – U.S. Small Business Administration/Richmond District Office

Overview of Live Webinar

What You Need to Do to Secure Your Smartphone: Top 10 Security Settings for Android and iPhone

Attention all small business owners! Do you know how to use the security settings built into your Android or iPhone? If not, this webinar is for you. In this session, we will show you how ten (10) crucial security settings can help protect your business:

1. Protection Against Unauthorized Access: Security settings such as passcodes, biometric authentication, and pattern locks prevent unauthorized users from accessing your device and the sensitive information stored within it.
2. Data Privacy: Security settings help safeguard your personal and sensitive data, including photos, messages, emails, and financial information, from being accessed or stolen by cybercriminals or malicious apps.
3. Prevention of Identity Theft: By enabling security features like two-factor authentication and device encryption, you reduce the risk of identity theft and unauthorized use of your online accounts and personal information.
4. Remote Tracking and Wiping: Some security settings, such as Find My iPhone or Find My Device for Android, allow you to remotely locate, lock, or erase your device in case it gets lost or stolen, enhancing the chances of recovering it and protecting your data.
5. Defense Against Malware and Viruses: Certain security settings and features, such as app permissions, app store security, and automatic software updates, help protect your device from malware, viruses, and other digital threats that could compromise its security and functionality.

Using the proper security settings on your Android or iPhone is essential for safeguarding your device, personal and business data, and online identity from bad actors and unfortunate accidents.

The webinar will be presented by the following speakers:

Dr. Teresa Piliouras – CEO and Founder, Technical Consulting & Research, Inc., an IT company specializing in AI, cybersecurity, quality management, and data analytics. Dr. Piliouras is a consultant, educator, inventor, and author. She holds a BS from the University of Illinois, an MBA from Iona College, and a PhD from NYU Tandon School of Engineering.

Pui Lam (Raymond) Yu – Executive Vice President Engineering at Technical Consulting & Research, Inc., has over 20 years of industry experience in Cybersecurity, Software Engineering, and Systems Engineering. He received his BEEE and MSEE from Stevens Institute of Technology and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, respectively, and his MSCS from New York University Tandon School of Engineering.

Adithya Rajendran – Cybersecurity Analyst at Technical Consulting & Research, Inc. He received his Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from Baskin Engineering at UCSC, and has a strong foundation in programming, data structures, algorithms, and software engineering.

Harshit Agrawal – Cybersecurity Analyst, Technical Consulting and Research, Inc. He received his BTech in Computer Science from Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam Technical University in Lucknow, India and his Master’s in Cybersecurity from Syracuse University.

Jonathan Aung – Cybersecurity Analyst, Technical Consulting and Research, Inc. He received his Bachelor’s in Computer Science from Boston University. His journey in Cybersecurity is largely self-directed with a concentration in offensive security.

Pushpa Rani – Cybersecurity Intern, Technical Consulting and Research, Inc. She is currently pursuing her Bachelor’s in Cybersecurity at George Washington University.

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.

The following webinar is being facilitated by the Virginia APEX Accelerator at the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)

The Federal Government buys over $600 billion per year on goods and services, 23% of that spend is allocated for small business. This is a huge opportunity for small firms to grow their business and become part of the challenging world of Government Contracting. Before entering into this arena you must first know how to market yourself to government. This presentation will help you prepare your firm to get noticed by government and prime buyers by developing a proper marketing plan and strategy.

In this session you will learn:

• Steps to take to be where you can be found by buyers
• Preparing a winning capability statement
• Organize your website, business cards and marketing materials
• Prepare a marketing plan to attract buyers

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.

Arm yourself with strategies for long-term security!

In an era marked by relentless cyber threats, building a cyber-resilient business is not just a goal—it’s a necessity. This comprehensive guide explores the key components of cyber resilience, equipping business owners and leaders with the knowledge and tools needed to fortify their organizations against cyber-attacks.

From implementing robust security measures and leveraging cutting-edge tools with proactive planning and strategic investments, businesses can thrive in an increasingly digital world while safeguarding their assets, reputation, and customer trust.

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.

The following will be covered during this live webinar:

• Power of SEO and social media for attracting customers, including local SEO to precisely target your market.
• Website optimization for lead generation. How personas, message maps, and content calendars help to make your website and social media footprint more attractive when integrated.
• Social selling as an amplifier of your existing sales and marketing strategy. Learn to build an omni channel presence and customer journey for faster wins.
• What your digital channel strategy needs, to be effective in terms of content, technology and investment.
• How to effectively use paid media and advertising. Cost savings of optimizing your website and SEO to maximize paid media spend and ROI.

Speaker: Hussain Shah, Subject Matter Expert – Digital Marketing, Mason SBDC & Timm Johnson – Director, Mason SBDC

Co-sponsor(s) & Partner(s): Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Prince William Chamber of Commerce

Cancellation Policy: Contact the Center regarding cancellation 24 business hours prior to the event. Kindly email – help@masonsbdc.org (preferred) or call 703-261-4105 to notify the team.

Special Instructions: This live webinar will be presented via Zoom. Webinar access details (Zoom invitation) will be provided after registration.

Speaker(s): Heather Rosen, President of FranNet of Virginia and D.C.

Co-Sponsor(s): FranNet of Virginia and DC, a franchise advisory and development services firm with 50+ offices in North America

The following webinar is being facilitated by the Virginia APEX Accelerator at the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)

In this class we will showcase the federal landscape and you will have the ability on how  to consider your scope, scale and size for any contracting opportunities. We will discuss how to display your relevant past performance which match or exceeds government requirements. You will also learn how your past performances are rated by the buyers.

About the instructor: Daryl Corley, Virginia APEX Accelerator Procurement Counselor

More than 30 years of contracting experience with comprehensive contract Life Cycle support in reviewing initial procurements package for accuracy to contract closeout. Most recently, he worked as a Senior Consultant for MSDS Consultant Services, LLC, which included working with the diverse business community, and clients on contractual issues, provide training material for stakeholders and clients — instructing classes on contract regulatory compliance in the federal government. He created a best practice mentor protégé program by combining governmental and commercial organizations.

Previously, he worked as a consultant/trainer for CACI providing government business solutions and services. In these positions, he demonstrated the ability to resolve a variety of issues (such as acquisition and supply systems, integration, data mapping and analysis service, system testing, training customers, and software malfunctions. He also provided consultant support creating solicitation matrixes, market research, acquisition plans at the contracting offices for the various agencies. Daryl is also a Service Disabled Veteran and dedicated to assisting Veteran Entrepreneurs.

Does your business need a mobile app?

In this webinar you will learn if your small business will benefit from having a mobile app, and the steps to successfully deploy and market your app on the app stores. Areas covered include:

• Market Research
• App Scoping
• Finding a Developer and Budget
• App Business Planning
• Marketing Approach
• Building a Prototype
• Launching an App
• Promoting App

Presenter: Cameron Nelson, CEO of Tenzing Startup Consultants

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.

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.

The following webinar is being facilitated by the Virginia APEX Accelerator at the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)

A properly formatted Capability Statement will aid in getting the right business recognition, vital in distinguishing one business from another during the government competitive process. This class will provide businesses with the correct tools to communicate what they can provide to help government professionals in their day-to-day competitive acquisition process.

How this class helps

• Introduce purpose of Capability (aka Cap) Statement in government contracting
• Demonstrate/explain fundamentals of how to develop a Cap Statement
• Demonstrate importance of Market Research when preparing Cap Statement
• Cover essential areas for an effective Cap Statement to enhance government interest in product/service offered
• Provide guidance concerning the most acceptable format(s) accepted via government procurement professionals
  •  Introduction
  • Section by Section Overview
  • Core Competencies (designed to reach target audiences or satisfy specific requirements)
  • Acceptable Past Performance
  • Differentiators
  • Company Data (with specific codes, schedules, BPAs, state/local data, etc.)
• Overall Appearance

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.

The following webinar is being facilitated by the Virginia APEX Accelerator at the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)

Sections 7(j)(10) and 8(a) of the Small Business Act authorized the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) to establish a business development program, known as the 8(a) Business Development program.

The program is a robust nine-year program created to help firms owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, or firms owned by Alaska Native Corporations or Tribal- Native Organizations.

Once certified, 8(a) program participants are eligible for federal contracting small business set-aside and sole sourced contracts, and training and technical assistance designed to strengthen their ability to compete effectively in the American economy.

We can’t guarantee that your 8(a) application package will be approved, but this session will increase your chances of success if you are eligible, by providing you with the steps and tools you need to walk yourself through the process.

During this seminar we cover —

• Part 1 – 8(a) Application Process from Preparation to Submission
• Part 2 – Financials Documents & Common Financial Mistakes for 8(a) Applicants
• Part 3 – So You Are Eligible, but Are You Ready?

Instructor Lisa Powell worked for the U.S. Small Business Administration at the Connecticut District Office from 1998 to 2019 as an Economic Development Specialist monitoring the HUBZone and 8(a) portfolios for the local office before joining the Virginia APEX Accelerator as a Procurement Counselor in 2021. During her time at the SBA, Lisa worked closely with all of SBA’s resource partners to facilitate procurement workshops held at local Community Colleges, Chambers of Commerce and libraries. As a Business Opportunity Specialist, she was involved with the Government Contracting programs that the SBA provides and worked very closely with the purchasing agents for the Federal and State Agencies as well as the larger prime contractors while organizing SBA Matchmakers and assisting small business.

Instructor Jackie Robinson-Burnette is the former SBA Associate Administrator of Business Development (AA/BD), the decision authority for all 8(a) applications. Jackie also served as the SBA’s Deputy Associate Administrator for the Office of Government Contracting & Business Development, where she led a team of five senior executives service (SES) leaders and more than 250 small business contracting professionals across the nation. Her responsibilities included leadership of all aspects of the government’s $99 billion annual small business contracting program. During her tenure, Certify.SBA.gov was launched to automate and simplify the 8(a) application process; and the All-Small Mentor Protégé Program was developed and launched. In 2015, Jackie served in the Pentagon as the Deputy Director for Small Business Programs, Office of the Secretary of the Army. From 2010-2014, she served as the US Army Corps of Engineers, Small Business Director with nationwide responsibility. Her 34-year federal career includes duty as a Department of Defense (DoD) Senior Contracting Officer (unlimited warrant) with assignments in Korea, Germany, Virginia, and Washington DC.

Instructor Jeff Wilson II, CPA is the Principal of The W2 Group, LLC., a solution-driven Accounting and Advisory firm specializing in bringing cloud-based solutions and efficiencies to our clients: Associations and Government Contractors. The firm is an SBA-certified 8(a) Small Business and MBE-certified accounting firm headquartered in Upper Marlboro, MD. Jeff is a graduate of Bowie State University and a former Big 4 CPA that uses his compound domain expertise to bring a blend of best practices learned at Large organizations with practical application for his small business clients. He is a CPA, Financial Planner, and Fraud Examiner. In February 2007, featured in Black Enterprise Inc. Magazine as No.77 Financial Fitness Winner. The magazine recognized him for his insight on the subject matter of personal finance and investments. Jeff is a frequent presenter at workshops and seminars on small business. Jeff was named by CPA Practice Advisor Magazine 40 under 40 CPAs. He is also an author of “The Lies our Parents Were Sold and Told Us.” He has also been named 40 under 40 Black CPAs in 2021 and a Maryland Association of CPAs board member.

The following webinar is being facilitated by the Virginia APEX Accelerator at the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)

This program creates significant contract opportunities for women entrepreneurs. The program is designed to help more women owned small businesses win federal contracts and thrive in a competitive business environment. It is also intended to help federal agencies meet contracting goals for women owned small businesses.

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.

The following webinar is being facilitated by the Virginia APEX Accelerator at the Mason Enterprise Center (MEC)

Learn about the process a company must navigate to become certified to win Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Veteran Owned Small Business (VOSB) set aside contracts.

You will learn the requirements of the SBA’s Center for Verification and Evaluation (CVE) to become a certified SDVOSB or VOSB and how to complete the online application to be listed on Vendor Information Pages (VIP) including:

• The three essential elements of a successful application: Eligibility, Ownership, and Control
• How to avoid non-veteran control by careful structuring the company operating agreement
• What to expect during the application process

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.

The following webinar is being facilitated by the Virginia APEX Accelerator.

Start with the federal government using simplified acquisition procedures and build a strong relationship.