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Opening Session

Pitch it to Me! An Interactive Experience!

Center for Women & Enterprise
Karen Wallace

Get ready to energize your ideas and captivate your audience! We’re thrilled to kick off the Summit with an interactive live pitch practice designed to be both fun and invaluable. Imagine sitting at the table alongside your fellow attendees, collaborating and honing your pitches together while offering insights and encouragement. This is all about learning and growing as a community!

But wait, there’s more! We’ll elevate the experience by inviting 2-3 brave souls to step up and share their pitches with the entire room. This is your moment to shine and receive constructive feedback!

Download the Value Proposition Builder PDF.


Closing Session

Masterminds: Navigating Challenges Together

Heidi Siegal Kogon, CEO, Kogon Coaching

In these uncertain times, coming together is more essential than ever. As we wrap up this year’s Summit, you’ll have the chance to engage in a small group discussion focusing on the challenges you’re facing—whether as an entrepreneur or in your organizational role. This is your opportunity to gain fresh perspectives and share experiences with individuals who truly understand your journey. 

Expand your network and leave with a commitment to reconnect with your group at least once before the end of the year. 

Matchmaking: Connect with Corporations

Get ready for an incredible opportunity! If you're a WBENC-certified, small, diverse, or veteran-owned business, this is your chance to connect with leading corporations and organizations like never before.

One of the highlights of this year's Summit is the exciting Matchmaker event! Taking place concurrently with our Summit programming, this exclusive, by-appointment-only event is something you won't want to miss! When you secure your ticket, don’t forget to tell us about your certification(s) and express your interest in participating in the Matchmaker. We’ll reach out to you directly to arrange the perfect connections!


Adapt Your Self-Care When Work and Life Keep Changing

Leslie Forde, CEO & Founder, Mom's Hierarchy of Needs, LLC

Are you feeling overwhelmed by the demands of work and home? You're not alone! Join Leslie Forde, CEO and Founder of Mom's Hierarchy of Needs, LLC, for an engaging session on how to seamlessly integrate self-care into your dynamic schedule. You'll gain clarity and create space for both personal and professional growth.

We will focus on:

Take this opportunity to prioritize your well-being and thrive in all aspects of your life!


Investors Are Everywhere: Rethinking Capital and Who Possesses It

Allison Byers, Founder & CEO, Scroobious

Are you ready to rethink how you access funding for your business? Join us for an engaging session led by Scroobious Founder & CEO, Allison Byers. Together, we’ll shatter the myth that funding only comes from banks and venture capitalists. You’ll discover how to connect with both formal and informal investors, positioning your business as a valuable partnership instead of merely a request for charity.

In this session, you’ll gain:

Walk away, equipped with more than just information; you’ll gain the language, mindset, and momentum necessary to propel your business growth!


Mastering Proposal Writing for Government Contracts

David Jones, Coach, Investor, Entrepreneur

Are you a veteran business owner looking to expand your horizons? Join us for an interactive workshop designed just for you! In this hands-on session, you'll learn to navigate complex Requests for Proposals (RFPs) with confidence. You’ll discover how to craft compelling technical and cost proposals that catch the eyes of decision-makers. Plus, we'll share proven strategies to ensure your submissions are not just compliant but also stand out from the competition.

Whether you’re new to the world of government contracting or seeking to refine your approach, this workshop promises practical tips and real-world insights that will boost your confidence and set you up for success. Join us and take the vital steps toward winning those contracts that can elevate your business to new heights.


Transform Your Sales Strategy with Design Thinking Skills

Ashley Welch, CEO, Somersault Innovation

Are you ready to revolutionize your approach to sales? Understanding and applying Design Thinking can be the game-changer you need to elevate your selling strategies and uncover deeper opportunities within your accounts.

One of the most effective methods to achieve this is by mapping your Customer's Ecosystem. This technique offers a comprehensive view of your clients' landscapes, enabling you to identify untapped areas and potential growth opportunities.

In today’s competitive market, simply selling a product isn’t enough. Design Thinking enables you to see your clients through a fresh lens, allowing you to position your solutions more effectively. By understanding not just the needs of your client, but also the intricate relationships and priorities within their ecosystem, you'll gain a significant competitive edge.

What You’ll Learn:

Embrace Design Thinking and learn how it transforms your approach to sales. By adopting these skills, you'll not only enhance your ability to connect with clients but also position yourself as a trusted advisor rather than just a vendor. 


Understanding CMMC, FAR, and DFARS Compliance Requirements

John Danahey, MBA, CMMC RP, Managing Partner, Digital Tech Partners

Are you looking to enhance your understanding of the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification (CMMC) and its implications for your business? Join us for an engaging workshop that will clarify the CMMC and help you navigate federal compliance with confidence! 

In this informative session, you'll receive a clear overview of CMMC Levels 1–3 and learn the KEY differences between Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) and Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) requirements. We’ll guide you in identifying your organization’s specific CMMC obligations, all based on official sources from the Department of Defense and the CMMC Accreditation Body (CMMC-AB).

By the end, you’ll understand the typical 10-hour compliance effort and have practical tools to verify your vendors on the CMMC-AB Marketplace. Plus, don’t miss the live Q&A to get your questions answered! Empower your business with the knowledge to tackle compliance effectively. 


Unlocking Your Business Potential: Craft Your Capability Statement

Samalid Hogan, CEO & Principal Consultant, Greylock Management Consulting

Ready to elevate your business to new heights? Join us for an engaging and interactive session designed to help you create or refine your capability statement—a vital asset for securing government and corporate contracts.

Whether you have a statement that needs a makeover or are starting from scratch, this workshop is your opportunity to roll up your sleeves and dive in. You’ll receive hands-on guidance to develop a polished draft that is perfectly tailored to your business needs. 

Remember to bring your laptop! By the end of our time together, you’ll walk away with a powerful capability statement that you can implement immediately, enhancing your contracting opportunities. Take this chance to gain a competitive edge and set your business up for success!