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VIP INTERNATIONAL is a 3-day in-residence veteran entrepreneurship training program that is offered at NO COST to veterans nationwide
"I sat down with my team and described the VIP INTERNATIONAL program as one of the most intense, productive, and invaluable training events I've ever attended. VIP has assembled a dream team of ultimately qualified professionals. I'm still in awe of the depth of experience I had access to throughout the sessions. This program was just-in-time for my company - before we made costly missteps or missed great opportunities because we were not prepared. I feel like Causal Design just spent a week with a private consulting team of exemplary CEOs, contract officers, accountants, and lawyers. We are ready to put this all to work, and I look forward to updating you on our success moving forward."
Keith Ives
Co-Founder and CEO, Causal Designs
Paul Lockhart and Roquel Norris
VIP INTERNATIONAL June 2019
VIP INTERNATIONAL June 2019
Curriculum
- Export Concerns
- Legal Considerations for OCONUS Contracts
- Hiring and Management
- Risk Management
- Accounting/Tax
- US International Licensing (EAR and ITAR)
- Contract Negotiations
- Proposal Development
- Market Analysis
- Operations/Customs
Eligibility Requirements
- Have been in business for at least 3 years with a minimum of 3 full-time employees (On average, VIP INTERNATIONAL companies are procurement ready companies who have been in business for 10 years with 20 employees)
- The company has experience performing on Federal government contracts as a prime and/or sub-contractor to a prime
- Be an owner, principal or C-level executive for a veteran-owned small business
VIP INTERNATIONAL May 2022
Government Representatives Panel, VIP INTERNATIONAL May 2022
VIP INTERNATIONAL Graduation Statistics
Since its launch in 2017, 196 companies have graduated from VIP INTERNATIONAL from 24 states, D.C., and Guam. On average, VIP INTERNATIONAL companies are procurement ready companies who have been in business for 10 years with 20 employees.
- 84% are Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Business
- 64% are Minority-Owned Business
- 35% are Small-Disadvantaged Business 8(a)
- 20% are Woman-Owned Business
- 14% are HUBZone
- Two years after attending VIP INTERNATIONAL, 81% of graduates reported the knowledge gained significantly influenced a business decision.
This program is designed for procurement ready veteran-owned small businesses in federal procurement seeking to enter and/or expand their federal and commercial contracting opportunities overseas. VIP INTERNATIONAL accelerates a business’ success in winning, executing, and maintaining international OCONUS and commercial contracts.
Instructor Highlights
3 of the 31 VIP INTERNATIONAL Instructors from Industry and Government
Kimberly Buehler
Director, Army Office of Small Business Programs Office of the Secretary of the Army
Tom Jarboe
President of Kieyos, LLC
Dr. Malio West
CEO, Global Accounting, LLC
Testimonials
Our graduates have a lot to say about VIP
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"VIP International's "Immediate Needs Webinar" with Lockheed Martin Aeronautics has allowed KIHOMAC to showcase our company's competencies and unique capabilities to a key Defense contractor customer. As a Veteran-Owned and operated small business, KIHOMAC is always seeking the next big challenge and the opportunity to exceed our customers' expectations. VIP International's weekly webinar provides the requirements visibility and engagement opportunities needed to develop and grow our business and further our company's favorable reputation within the Defense sector."Keith EdwardsDirector, Army & International Programs, KIHOMAC
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"Already had a VIP member call me about an opportunity. I received an email, DoD wants me to send 2 employees to Nigeria for a month to work so now I have all the contacts on insurance and all the other things I need to know. Great and timely program."Irving McConnell, DVMCEO, The McConnell Group
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"The international VIP program was all and more than my expectations. The teachers were so knowledgeable and helpful with information they graciously shared. My goal was to find a way to be able to find a source for additional work at our expertise Export Packaging. Never would I have guessed that I would find it so fast. Yesterday in the breakout session with Bede I found it. When he found out what we did he shared that two weeks ago he had put together a deal where he would be helping major of his customers to identify packaging services to meet there needs. Those needs included heavy machinery etc. That is what we do. I was like a young kid that just found the candy store. Wow just the best news ever. I could not have done this without your hard work to make this all happen. Bede and I will be talking next week about opportunities and I am sure we can work together. Thank you again for all you do."Tom RothATS World Packaging
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"I can state unequivocally that what I learned at VIP has given me an edge over most of my competition. I see great things in the coming year for COMSETRA."Shaun Doughty, VIP GraduateCOMSETRA LLC
VIP INTERNATIONAL Frequently Asked Questions
March 19-21, 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/msazj4814hcvh4/
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 INTERNATIONAL 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.
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
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.