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VIP ADVANCE is a 3-day in-residence veteran entrepreneurship training program that is offered at NO COST to veterans nationwide
Launched in March 2022, VIP ADVANCE is designed to take your business to the next level of sustained growth in the Federal marketplace. 64 companies from 16 states, plus D.C., have graduated from the program.
VIP ADVANCE, May 2023
Curriculum
- How to develop a roadmap to guide your organization operational strategies and processes that support your mission
- How key indicators can help determine investments in operational infrastructure
- How the type of clients and contracts position your company for sustained growth
- When it is time to make key investments in people
- How finances can sustain and help grow your company
Eligibility Requirements
- Must be a for-profit Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned or Veteran-Owned Small Business
- In business for at least 5 years
- $10M+ in annual revenue
- Prime experience or currently bidding on prime work
VIP ADVANCE, May 2023
Instructor Highlights
3 of the 36 Industry and Government Instructors
Carlos Rivera
Vice President, Global Health
Culmen International
Lisa Firestone
President
Sedgwick Public Sector and Managed Care Advisors, Inc.
Antonio Doss
Director of Strategic Planning and Economic Development for the Office of Field Operations (OFO)
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
Testimonials
Our graduates have a lot to say about VIP
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"This is an amazing program. There is something therapeutic being around so many business owners in similar situations. The M&A exercise is a once in a lifetime opportunity to have so much talent in the room at the same time."-VIP ADVANCE Participant
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"It was energizing to reconnect with other Veteran business owners. There's an element among us that isn't as prevalent in a random group of entrepreneurs - possibly because of shared experience and training. I thought the makeup of the group/attendees was fabulous and diverse."-VIP ADVANCE Participant
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"What I liked most about this program is the real-world lessons learned by other businesses. The breadth and depth covered in such a short timeframe is priceless, and can't be learned from a book."-VIP ADVANCE Participant
FAQs
April 23-25, 2024
No, VIP enrollment is open nationwide.
Class size is limited to 50 individuals per session (one representative per company).
A certificate of completion is provided to each graduating company. Graduates will also receive access to the VIP Marketplace, a closed community platform for VIP Graduates, Large Primes, and Government Agencies.
The application is online. Qualified applicants are accepted into each class on a first-come, first-serve basis. Many of the VIP programs have waiting lists, so interested companies should complete the application online at their earliest convenience. To apply, go to: https://mcccmd.wufoo.com/forms/qmfe34c1m7vlpf/
VIP is offered at no cost to participants. *The Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation (MCCCF) funds this program through public-private partnerships made up of grants from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the State of Maryland, and corporate sponsorships from Lockheed Martin. *Travel expenses to and from VIP ADVANCE are not covered.
Attendance is required to graduate. If a participant misses more than 3 hours of instruction, their enrollment in the program will be terminated and a cancellation fee will apply.
No, not from the same program. VIP graduates companies, not individuals, therefore, your company may only attend/graduate from each VIP program (START, GROW, ADVANCE, AEROSPACE, or INTERNATIONAL) only once.
In person classes are held at the William F. Bolger Center, 11 miles from Washington D.C.
Subject matter experts and business leaders from industry and government.
The following is offered at NO COST:
• One Senior Level Participant Representing a Veteran Owned Company
• 27+ hours of instruction
• Meals - Breakfast & Lunch: Tuesday through Thursday; Dinner: Monday through Wednesday
• Access to snack break-out rooms on all 3 days
• 2 Guest Admissions to the Graduation & Reception on Thursday
• 3 nights of lodging: Check-In Monday and Check-Out Thursday
• Hotel Confirmation from the Bolger Center directly to each participant
Not Included:
• Travel expenses to and from The Bolger Center are the sole responsibility of participants.
No, travel is not included.
Travel expenses to and from The Bolger Center are the sole responsibility of participants.
Attendance Requirements
Full Attendance is required to graduate from a session. If a participant misses more than 3 hours, their enrollment in the session will be terminated and they will be charged the cancellation fee.
Cancellation Policy
Upon acceptance into the VIP Program participants must provide a credit card to secure their spot. VIP participants will not be charged for services outlined above. The credit card will only be used if the VIP participant cancels their participation in the program after the date that is noted in their acceptance email. Cancellations must be received in writing. The cancellation charge is $1,000.
The unauthorized use of audio or video equipment is not permitted at any VIP session.