Training & Events
Mar. 26, 10am - 11:30am. Avoid the Business Start-up Hazards Workshop
This workshop will help new entrepreneurs understand how to examine the feasibility of their idea, setting expectations, researching your industry,choosing a target market as well as how to plan your venture using the business model canvas. Abron Andrews, Vet Biz Central, and Nic Custer,UM-Flint, will lead the no cost session providing opportunities for veterans and non-veterans alike!
Tue, April 1, 2025 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM EST, State of Michigan Contracting 101 Webinar
Let's Talk Business: Contracting 101 Webinar with the State of Michigan
Join representatives from the Department of Technology, Management & Budget’s Central Procurement Division on Tuesday, April 1, 2025, from 10:00 AM -11:30 AM for a webinar covering how to bid on State of Michigan contracts. Speakers will review the basics of how to do business with the state & will include info on initiatives geared towards increasing opportunities for Geographically Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (GDBE). We'll also review our Let's Do Business vendor toolkit on Michigan.gov
Questions: DTMB-micontractconnect@michigan.gov
April 2, 10am - 11:30am, VetBizCentral Small Business Start-Up Orientation
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2119497124596992085
If you are Veteran, Active Duty, Army/Air National Guard or the Spouse of a Military Member you will not want to miss this opportunity to obtain the information. The Business Start-up Orientation will provide you with the information and resource you'll need to get your started. We'll review Best Practices for Starting your business, Research Tools, Professional Business Plan resources, and How to Prepare for Financing.
April 8, 11:30am - 1pm, Empowering Veterans: Navigating Tax Benefits and Small Business Resources
https://score.tfaforms.net/112?EventID=a10Vt000004K17J
Veterans this workshop is for you! The VetBizCentral, Michigan Department of Treasury and SCORE SE Michigan are partnering together to provide much needed 501(c)(19) tax information and small business resources for Veterans and their families .
April 9, 10am - 11:30am, VetBizCentral Business Start-Up Series Pt. 1 (Feasibility & Industry Research)
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4278359618432869472
Do you have the Knowledge, Skill, Ability and Resources to start your Business? Its critical you that you are very knowledgeable about your Industry prior to starting down the path of Entrepreneurship; your customers are depending on it. During this webinar we'll discuss the importance of researching the Feasibility of your business idea and Market/Industry Research before you start to invest your time and money. We’ll also review additional tools to research your chosen Industry/Market on a National and State level, various programs, and other resource available to assist with navigating your way to your business start.
April 16, 10am - 11:30am, VetBizCentral Business Start-Up Series Pt. 2 (Business Plan Development)
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/6447868683360494938
A Business Plan is your Blue Print/Road Map to the Creation and Implementation of of Your Business which should be taken very serious. During this webinar we'll review the the various sections of a Business plan and the steps to create a Professionally formatted Business plan. We'll also review additional information and tools to help to start, manage and grow your Veteran Owned Business.
April 22, 10am - 11:30am, VetBizCentral Business Start-Up Series Pt. 3 (Preparing for Financing)
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/2789398773075393116
Veteran Entrepreneurship is on the Rise and more veterans are seeking to start their own business. Preparing for financing is a critical process for an entrepreneur and existing business owner, it can make the difference in the time it takes submit your application to obtaining a loan. In this webinar we will review the steps to prepare for financing and review what lenders are looking for and the expecting from you. If you are entrepreneur or and existing business owner considering to apply for financing, then you don't want to miss this webinar.
April 24, 11am - 12pm: Kickstart Your Path to Becoming a Walmart Supplier
https://nvbdc.org/nvbdc-services/nvbdc-services-jumpstart-webinar-registration/
Join NVBDC Serv ice Committee on April 24, 11am for an exclusive webinar featuring global retail giant Walmart. Discover how Walmart’s vast network spanning stores , online, and mobile appt. - creates opportunity for certified suppliers like you.
April 29, 10am - 11:30am, VetBizCentral Business Start-Up Series Pt. 4, (Launching Your Business)
https://attendee.gotowebinar.com/register/4538798738680969565
Launching a Business takes a great deal of planning, if not done correctly it could lead to some very disappointing results. In this webinar we will review the various methods to launch your business such as Launch Time Line, Budget, Preparing Services/Products, Marketing, and Individuals/organizations Included in the Launch. Whether you're starting a Brick & Mortar or eCommerce business you don't want to miss this webinar.
Boots to Business/Reboot Courses
Spouses are Encouraged to Attend & Lunch is Provided
Contact mark@vetbizcentral.org for registration assistance
Mar. 27, 9am - 4:30pm, Selfridge Air National Guard Base Michigan Boots to Business Reboot
2969 George Ave. Bldg. 168,
Selfridge ANGB, Michigan 48045
April 3, 9am - 4:30pm, The Station (Coworking Space) Indiana Boots to Business Reboot
The Station, Coworking Space,
Terra Haule, MI. 47807
April 15, 9am - 4:30pm, Otsego County Library Michigan Boots to Business Reboot
700 South Otsego Ave.
Gaylord MI. 49735
To Register for Boots to Business/Reboot Courses please follow this two step process:
1.Create an Account To join the B2B community:
2.Register for the class you want (Boots to Business or Boots to Business Reboot)
New Govology Trainings Webinar Schedule
Contact VetBizCentral for Access Code to Webinars
April 1, 1pm – 2:30pm, Simple Access to SBA Surety Bonds
https://govology.com/product/simple-access-to-sba-surety-bonds/
For small business contractors looking to secure larger projects, surety bonds are a critical requirement. A surety bond is a financial guarantee that ensures a contractor will fulfill their contractual obligations. Many government contracts and large private-sector projects require these bonds to protect customers from financial loss. However, securing a surety bond can be a challenge for small businesses due to stringent requirements, financial hurdles, and limited bonding capacity.
This webinar will provide step-by-step guidance on how to access SBA Surety Bonds—a powerful tool designed to help small businesses qualify for and obtain the bonding they need to compete for lucrative contracts.
You will learn:
Why surety bonds are crucial for industries like construction and government contracting
How the SBA Surety Bond Guarantee Program works and its benefits for small businesses
The step-by-step process to obtain a surety bond and increase your bonding capacity
Expert tips to overcome common barriers and streamline the application process
Strategies to improve eligibility and maximize business opportunities
April 10, 1pm - 2:30pm, Boost Your B2G Margins: Winning Strategies for Small Business Resellers
https://govology.com/product/boost-your-b2g-margins-winning-strategies-for-small-business-resellers/
In today’s competitive environment, a strong sales strategy is more critical than ever. Many small businesses enter the government market with high hopes, only to face stiff competition, restrictive payment terms, and unsustainable pricing. This workshop will show you how to boost competitiveness, increase margins, and position your business for long-term success.
What You’ll Learn:
Understanding the “Brand Name or Equal” Clause – Unlock new opportunities by mastering this often-misunderstood clause. Plus, learn how comprehensive market research helps identify gaps, tailor offerings, and strengthen your positioning with government buyers.
Manufacturer & Developer Collaboration – Strategic partnerships enhance your value proposition, making your bid more compelling. Discover key tactics to strengthen these relationships and gain a competitive edge.
Pricing Strategies for Success – With increasing competition, effective pricing is crucial. Learn how to balance competitiveness with profitability to maximize your contract wins.
Post-Contract Award Best Practices – Success doesn’t stop at the contract award. We’ll cover essential strategies for clarifying deliverables, managing expectations, and soliciting feedback to ensure continuous growth. Plus, learn how to maintain strong relationships with government buyers beyond the contract to secure future opportunities.
April 15, 1pm – 2:30pm, How to Effectively Take Advantage of Your 8(a), WOSB, VOSB, SDVOSB, and HUBZone Certifications to Win Government Contracts
The truth is, your small business certification alone will not get you very far. You need to think like a business that provides value rather than a company with socio-economic status. In this webinar, you will discover real-world tactics, strategies, and examples of how to “softly” communicate your status, differentiate from the competition, and facilitate the perception of corporate maturity. You will learn methods to communicate quantifiable and qualifiable metrics that focus on the value of your solutions. You will also receive a step-by-step process for introducing yourself and your company at conferences and to potential partners and government decision-makers. You’ll know what to do during government meetings and how and when to communicate your socio-economic status the right way.
This training provides award-winning tactics and strategies that have directly helped companies win more than $14.6 billion in definitive contracts and more than $30 billion in multiple-award contracts.
April 22, 1pm – 2:30pm, How to Obtain and Keep a Facility Security Clearance
https://govology.com/product/how-to-obtain-and-keep-a-facility-security-clearance/
Obtaining a Facility Clearance (FCL) can be a game-changer for federal government contractors, unlocking new opportunities to work on classified projects and expand business potential. However, an FCL is far more than a simple compliance credential—it is a serious commitment with strict security obligations, continuous oversight, and operational impacts. Companies pursuing an FCL must be prepared to implement rigorous security controls, meet ongoing compliance requirements, and adapt their internal processes to maintain eligibility.
Join Andrew Hair, Facility Security Officer for Masser Technologies, for an in-depth exploration of the FCL process, including key requirements, common challenges, and essential strategies for securing and maintaining an FCL. Gain valuable insights on engaging with a sponsor and confidently navigating the application process.
Topics covered include:
What is an FCL in the National Industrial Security Program
Benefits and business impact of securing an FCL
Key requirements and challenges of obtaining an FCL
CMMC preparation and the FCL
Steps in the FCL application process (suitability, training, and submission)
Roles and responsibilities of Key Management Personnel
The timeline and processing expectations for an FCL
FCL post-approval obligations and maintaining compliance
April 24, 1pm – 2:30pm, SBIR & STTR Compliance Requirements
https://govology.com/product/sbir-sttr-compliance-requirements/
For many innovative small businesses and startups, an SBIR or STTR award is their first government contract or grant. However, these programs come with unique compliance and certification requirements that differ significantly from standard federal procurement processes. Understanding these rules is crucial, as non-compliance can jeopardize award eligibility, lead to false claims sanctions, or result in withheld payments.
This webinar will provide clear guidance on SBIR/STTR Phase I and Phase II compliance, covering proposal submissions, award determinations, and ongoing regulatory obligations throughout the funding agreement lifecycle. Attendees will also gain actionable strategies to protect their SBIR/STTR data and computer software from unauthorized use outside of the government.
Join us to ensure your business stays compliant, maximizes funding opportunities, and safeguards its intellectual property while navigating the SBIR/STTR programs successfully.
April 29, 1pm – 2:30pm, Leveraging the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) for Competitive Advantage in Government Contracting
Navigating the federal marketplace can be challenging for small business owners, especially when they lack access to critical information about government contracts, award decisions, and potential competition. Many businesses don’t realize they have the right to request and obtain valuable contract-related information through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)—a tool that can level the playing field and provide insights that drive smarter business decisions.
In this webinar, you’ll discover how FOIA can help you gain a deeper understanding of awarded contracts, assess potential unfair practices, and even identify opportunities to convert no-bid contracts into open competitions. We will break down the FOIA request process step by step, explain your rights as a requester, and provide guidance on how to use this information to strengthen your government contracting strategy.
Join us to learn how FOIA can be a game-changer for your business, giving you the knowledge and competitive intelligence needed to compete more effectively, challenge unfair procurement decisions, and uncover new contracting opportunities. Don’t miss this chance to turn transparency into a strategic advantage!
Contact: abron@vetbizcentral.org for additional information
Boots to Business
Boots to Business is the entrepreneurship track of the Department of Defense’s Transitions Assistance Program offered on military installations worldwide. Program includes:
• Identifying business opportunities
• Drafting a business plan
• Connecting with local small business resources
• Launching your small business
• Learning marketing basics
Boots to Business Reboot
Boots to Business Reboot is an extension of Boots to Business, delivering the same information and benefits to veterans, members of the National Guard and Reserves, and military spouses in a more accessible format. Program includes:
• Identifying business opportunities
• Drafting a business plan
• Connecting with local small business resources
• Launching your small business
• Learning marketing basics