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VIP GROW is a 3-day in-residence veteran entrepreneurship training program that is offered at NO COST to veterans nationwide
"Being a VIP GROW graduate has truly propelled my company forward. The instructors give very informative and detail-specific presentations and what I have learned from the experiences, insights and in-depth know-how of my fellow VIP classmates has given my organization the confidence to pursue more challenging bids, as well as increase our chances of obtaining awarded contracts."
Anthony Manca
Principal/CEO Shire Wire Global Sales and Distribution
VIP GROW, February 2022
Curriculum
- Compliance Contracting – Teaming, Joint Ventures, RFI
- Financing/Capital Management
- Insurance
- Supply Chain Management for Primes and Subs
- Simplified Acquisitions
- Cyber Security
- Truthful Cost & Pricing»Marketing – Proposals & Capture Management
- Program Management/Internal Controls
- Human Resources and Capital Management
- Indirect Rates
Eligibility Requirements
- Be an owner, principal, or C-level executive for a for-profit veteran-owned small business
- Have been in business for at least 2 years, with at least 3 full-time employees (On average, VIP GROW graduate companies are later stage companies in business for 9 years with 16 employees)
- Have experience performing on Federal government contracts as a prime and/or sub-contractor to a prime
- Company must be registered in the Federal Contractor Registry also known as System for Award Management (SAM.gov)
VIP GROW, February 2022
VIP GROW, January 2020
VIP GROW Graduate Statistics
- 80% are Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business
- 52% are Minority-Owned Business
- 33% are Small-Disadvantaged Business 8(a)
- 17% are Woman-Owned Business
- 13% are HUBZone
GROW Success Stories
- VIP GROW graduates increased their revenue by an average of 57% within their first year of graduation and 180% two years after graduation.
- 80% said they changed the way they do business after graduating from VIP GROW.
- The Washington Technology Fast 50 named seven VIP companies as some of the fastest growing small businesses in government contracting.
VIP GROW, February 2022
Since its launch in 2009, 1,113 companies have graduated from VIP GROW from 47 states, D.C., and Guam. On average, VIP GROW companies are later stage companies in business for 9 years with 16 employees.
Instructor Highlights
3 of the 37 VIP GROW Instructors from Industry and Government
Jimmy D. Smith
Director, Office of Small Business Programs, Department of the Navy
Richard Pineda
President & CEO, CALIBRE Systems Inc.
Gloria Larkin
President & CEO, TargetGov
Testimonials
Our graduates have a lot to say about VIP
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"I now know how to find new business within the federal government and 'close the deal.' Before VIP, finding out this information was impossible, no matter what I tried to do. The VIP Program opens doors and unlocks secrets!"VIP GROW Graduate
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"The VIP GROW training was magnificent. All classes were outstanding with creditable instructors who all spoke with conviction. It was a “Harvard MBA” in federal marketing and running a small business. No amount of money could have bought me the concise, expertly presented and real-world business knowledge I gained from VIP."Eric M. SundinPresident, Internal Computer Services (ICS), VIP Graduate
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“The VIP GROW program was one of the most informative, resourceful and remarkable procurement training that I’ve had the honor and opportunity to attend in years. I found the VIP program to be in the top 1% of government procurement trainings. I highly recommend that all veterans in the federal procurement business attend VIP. This program was invaluable to my procurement development and knowledge base, future growth and business success.”Walter DavisPresident and CEO, Morris Allen & Associates, Inc., VIP Graduate
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"Thank you again for the time and effort you and your team have put into the VIP Grow Curriculum. I cannot wait to share the great news of the impact this program has on the Veteran community."Margie JohnsonCEO/Veteran, VIP Graduate
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"The VIP GROW program was a fantastic experience! The business training provided will be invaluable to the growth of our company. Training side-by-side with other company leaders, who were also military veterans, reminded me of the camaraderie and teamwork I experienced during my career in uniform. Truly a “must do” experience for any veteran who owns their own business.”Manny BautistaPE President/CEO, Blue Trident, LLC, VIP Graduate
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"The Veteran Institute for Procurement is a phenomenal program that is a win-win for the federal government and prime contractors, and for the small veteran-owned businesses that it serves. Companies that participate in VIP emerge well-positioned for greater success in Federal contracting, and, ultimately, help to ensure that we have more qualified veteran-owned businesses competing for contract opportunities."Wesley CrenshawPresident, Blueline Technology, Inc., VIP Graduate
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"The recent VIP course I attended was hands down the best course I have ever attended, thank you for the opportunity to attend. The quality of the instructors, the course material and the facility were all topnotch. I may not become the next Catapult but you have certainly given me the tools to do it. I hope one day I will be in a position to pay it forward. Thanks."Geoffrey Perkins, Esq.Managing Partner of Concourse Federal Group, LLC., VIP Graduate
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“I want to personally thank you and your team for a very well organized and valuable course. What your team has done for Veterans is truly special and more importantly a network that is essential for every veteran owner to compete to get to the next level!”Corey CliveCEO/Founder, Venergy Group LLC., VIP Graduate
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"I truly was amazed by the program, and am so very, very glad to have been able to attend. I look forward to maintaining my relationship with MCCCF. Thanks again, very professional program, well executed and enjoyable."Daniel MorrisManaging Member and CEO, SemperServe, LLC., VIP Graduate
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“The program is one of the kind and it really addressed the key areas that are important to the success of any small businesses working with the Federal, State and Local Governments. Thank you for your efforts and your passion.”Dokmai WebsterPresident and CEO, PivotalPoint, VIP Graduate
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"The amount of information in the VIP Program is intense! In 3 days I was given 30 hours of training that was invaluable to my business. It gave me the knowledge to understand the complexity of Government Contracting and what I needed to do to successfully bid on jobs. It helped me to create relationships with other Veteran Owned Companies with different skills enabling all of us to work together to improve our companies."Henry BockmanPresident, Commercial Restorations, VIP Graduate
VIP GROW Frequently Asked Questions
December 5-7, 2023
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/q1b71bsd0hxas1x/
Subject matter experts and business leaders from industry and government.
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 a corporate sponsorship from Lockheed Martin. *Travel expenses to and from VIP GROW are not covered.
Attendance is required to graduate. If a participant misses more than 3 hours, 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, INTERNATIONAL or AEROSPACE) only once.
In person classes are held at the William F. Bolger Center, 11 miles from Washington D.C.
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
Attendance is required to graduate from the program. If a participant misses more than 3 hours total, their enrollment in the program 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.