Vet News: VA to Hold 2015 Small Business Engagement in Pittsburgh

WASHINGTON – The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), in collaboration with other federal agencies and partners, will sponsor the 5th annual National Veterans Small Business Engagement (NVSBE), November 17–19, 2015, at the David L. Lawrence Convention Center in Pittsburgh, PA.

This premier event for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses is expected to attract as many as 3,000 attendees, offering the chance to learn from federal and commercial procurement decision makers the most effective ways to compete for and win federal contracts. More than 400 exhibitors and 25 government agencies will also participate in the event. The 2015 theme, ACCESS, is focused on promoting and supporting Veteran-Owned Small Businesses’ access to economic opportunities.

 “VA is committed to providing opportunities to Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, and this event is evidence of that commitment,” said VA Secretary Robert A. McDonald. “The NVSBE demonstrates our commitment by offering Veteran business owners the tools they need to thrive in the federal marketplace. We want to do all that we can to help our Veterans be successful.”

NVSBE provides Veteran-Owned Small Businesses and Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses opportunities to connect with procurement decision makers, program specialists, and contracting experts from the federal and commercial marketplace. As the largest gathering of Veteran businesses in the country, this event is the ideal platform for Veteran entrepreneurs to make the connections necessary to succeed in today’s contracting environment. In fiscal year 2014, nearly a quarter of VA’s contracts were awarded to Veteran-owned small businesses. According to survey results from last year’s Small Business Engagement event, 96 percent of small businesses reported making valuable connections; 75 percent reported attendance providing the highest return on investment compared with other engagements; and most agreed that the event met or exceeded their expectations.

“One of the greatest challenges for small business owners is to connect with decision makers who can help them grow their businesses,” said Thomas J. Leney, Executive Director of VA’s Small and Veteran Business Programs. “NVSBE provides small businesses a solution to meet that challenge.”

For details about the 5th annual NVSBE, visit their website.