MYB staff attends National 8(a) Winter Conference

Mind Your Business’ acceptance into the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program, a few members of the MYB staff had the opportunity to attend the National 8(a) Winter Conference at the beginning of February. The conference took place in Orlando, Fla., and included seminars on how best to navigate frequently changing policies, ways to compete with larger businesses, and effectively marketing a small business. MYB staff members Mary Ray and Pamela Peak were in attendance, as was MYB CEO Karen Caruso. More than 500 attendees were expected to be at the conference, as well as 85 of the SBA’s Liasion Officers. Leaders from law firms and federal agencies had the chance to speak to the attendees about securing contracts and how they decide which federal contractors to hire. Ray, Peak and Caruso had the opportunity to hear presentations from individuals such as Ron Perry, the President of the National 8(a) Association; Anthony Briggs, the Small Business Program Manager at the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission; and Lee Rosenburg, Director for Small Business Programs at the Missile Defense Agency. Breakout sessions covered such subjects as “How to Effectively Team on a Federal Project,” “Small Business Support: Financing, Infrastructure Support and Tips on Business Development for the 8(a),” “Working With the Department of Health and Human Services” and “Affiliation Issues in Small Business Contracting: Structure Your Proposal and Relationships for Success.” MYB’s representatives also had time to participate in networking events, and visit with vendors on the exhibition floor. MYB was accepted into the SBA 8(a) program in January 2013. The program is designed to help small businesses compete with larger businesses for federal contracts, and to participate in the U.S. economy.]]>