Veterans Affairs Invites AFG to WOSB Panel

AFG Vice President and SAME Small Business Community of Interest Chair, Sally Clark, CPSM recently served as a panelist at the virtual 2023 WOSB Industry Day, hosted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.

The event was dedicated to supporting and educating women-owned small businesses (WOSB) and women veteran-owned small businesses (WVOSB) to increase the number of support services and networking opportunities for that community.

Sally was joined on the construction & facilities support panel by representatives from AECOM and Jacobs. The session was moderated by David Bullerwell, Director, National Region, CFM, OFA, of the VA.

“Thank you again for assisting in marketing the event to make it a success!” said Ray Savoy, Executive Assistant to the Associate Executive Director for the Office of Facilities Acquisition of AFG’s participation.

During the session, Sally shared 3 key points for small businesses looking to have successful industry partnerships:

1) Mentoring is not about the larger business company doing all the heavy lifting for the small business. Be responsible and hold your own so others in the industry recognize/respect you.

2) For a small business to be ready to be mentored, you need to be further along in understanding your path. Sometimes having a large business partner isn’t the best first step, consider also working with larger small, and mid-size companies that may have a better understanding of how to best guide your journey.

3) Do your market research before entering into a JV or Mentor-Protege relationship. Know your partner’s CPARS, know who their clients and competition are, know what your targeted clients’ needs are, see if your firms are a cultural fit, and understand the financial positions of your potential mentors. As the saying goes in business, date each other for a while before committing to marriage.