Accepting applications for all VIP programs - Apply now!
Accepting applications for all VIP programs - Apply now!
Rockville, MD – The Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation (MCCCF), a Maryland-based nonprofit, announced today it has received $2 million in federal funding to expand its nationally recognized Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) training program, thanks to the leadership of U.S. Senators Chris Van Hollen and Angela Alsobrooks.
Secured through Fiscal Year 2026 Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) included in the recently passed FY26 Minibus spending bill, the funding will strengthen Maryland’s role as a leader in Veteran entrepreneurship and small business development training.
Headquartered in Montgomery County, Maryland, VIP delivers market-based training programs that prepare Veteran-owned small businesses to compete for and succeed in federal procurement. The new investment will help more Veteran-owned small businesses gain the knowledge and readiness needed to secure federal contracts, grow revenue, and reinvest in their workforces and communities, driving broader economic growth.
“Veteran-owned small businesses in Maryland play a vital role in creating jobs and strengthening communities, while also contributing to the national economy,” said Barbara Ashe, National Director of the Veteran Institute for Procurement and President of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation. “With the support of Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks, this funding enables us to help more Veteran entrepreneurs build sustainable companies that fuel economic growth locally and well beyond our state.”
VIP offers six specialized training programs focused on procurement readiness, strategic growth, and long-term competitiveness. The additional funding will enable more Veterans to access no-cost training to help their small businesses scale and remain competitive.
“We can never fully repay our Veterans for their sacrifice in serving our country. But the last thing they should have to worry about is getting the support they deserve when they return home. That’s why we fought to secure this $2 million in federal funds to build on our investments over the years and continue expanding the Veteran Institute for Procurement’s small-business and workforce training programs. I’ve been proud to partner with VIP to support their critical work over the years, and with these funds, the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation will help more Veteran-owned businesses and Veteran entrepreneurs in Maryland and across the country continue to grow,” said Senator Chris Van Hollen, a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee.
“We have an obligation to do more than say thank you to those who served our country. We must ensure Veterans have the health care they need, housing that is affordable and safe, and opportunities to generate wealth and truly thrive. I am proud to have partnered with Senator Van Hollen to secure $2 million to support Veteran-owned businesses and Veteran entrepreneurs. Small businesses are the backbone of Maryland and our nation. Veteran-owned small businesses help fuel our economy while supporting those who served,” said Senator Alsobrooks.
By supporting VIP, Senators Van Hollen and Alsobrooks ensured that a Maryland-based institution with a proven track record in entrepreneurship training continues to drive economic opportunity, strengthen small businesses, and deliver long-term returns on federal investment.
About the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation and the Veteran Institute for Procurement.
The Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation (MCCCF) is a Maryland-based independent 501(c)(3) organization established to develop educational initiatives for enhancing communities, including helping Veterans prosper once they complete their military service. One of its key initiatives, the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP), is a nationally recognized training program that equips Veteran-owned businesses with the tools, strategies, and support networks needed to compete successfully in the federal marketplace. Based in Rockville, Maryland, VIP is widely regarded as a leading model for accelerating Veteran entrepreneurship and procurement readiness.
