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X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://sw.edu/apex
X-WR-CALDESC:Events for SWCC APEX Accelerator
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DTSTART:20251102T060000
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DTSTART:20260308T070000
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260211T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20250825T014915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250825T170955Z
UID:10000068-1770814800-1770818400@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Competitive Advantage through Cybersecurity Compliance
DESCRIPTION:Federal\, State\, and Local municipalities increasingly include requirements to implement cybersecurity protection plans as basis for contractual award. To effectively compete for contract award\, offerors must adhere to published cybersecurity standards. The quicker and more effectively a small business can implement the required standard\, the better chances they have of being awarded a contract. Additionally\, more and more basic business liability insurance policies mandate adherence to cybersecurity standards. Furthermore\, lack of basic cyber “hygiene” can lead to complete mission inoperability and costly loss of customer or proprietary information\, which can bankrupt a small business. \n  \nPresenter: Mr. Adam Austin\, Co-Founder and Cybersecurity Lead at Totem.Tech\, a small veteran-owned prime USAF contractor\, will provide an overview of the cybersecurity standards commonly required for government contractors. He will also break down the first steps a small business can take to ensure basic cyber hygiene and adherence to these standards\, thereby ensuring the business stays competitive in the marketplace.
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/competitive-advantage-through-cybersecurity-compliance/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260225T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20250918T011041Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T011041Z
UID:10000075-1772024400-1772028000@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Subcontracting as a Marketing Strategy
DESCRIPTION:Join the General Services Administration (GSA) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) and the SW Virginia Apex Accelerator as they team to present an overview of subcontracting with prime businesses as a way to get involved in federal contracting. \nLearn about the GSA subcontracting program and how to target GSA prime vendors\, market to them\, as well as understand the advantages of initiating your Government contracting experience through subcontracting and teaming arrangements. \nPresenter: Claudia Hadley\, Small Business Specialist \nOffice of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization \nU.S. General Services Administration
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/subcontracting-as-a-marketing-strategy-2/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260304T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20251121T205805Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T210003Z
UID:10000080-1772629200-1772632800@sw.edu
SUMMARY:RFIs\, RFPs\, RFQs: Understanding the Difference
DESCRIPTION:This webinar will help you learn how to develop effective responses to Requests for Information (RFIs)\, Requests for Proposals (RFPs) and Requests for Quotes (RFQs). During this training\, we will explain the differences in these requests and provide small businesses with the most effective strategies for creating effective responses. \nWhat you’ll learn: \n\nUnderstanding the power of responding to RFIs and Sources Sought Notices\nTips on creating effective responses\nInsights from Federal contracting officers\nCommon mistakes to avoid.\n\nPresenter: Mrs. Claudia Hadley\, Small Business Specialist \nOffice of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization \nU.S. General Services Administration
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/rfis-rfps-rfqs-understanding-the-difference/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260310T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20251121T204915Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251121T204915Z
UID:10000078-1773147600-1773151200@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Foreign Ownership\, Control and Influence (FOCI)
DESCRIPTION:This class will train you on Foreign Ownership\, Control or Influence\, or FOCI.  In an increasingly global economy\, for those companies interested in doing classified work for the U.S. Government it is vitally important to understand what constitutes FOCI and how such concerns can be mitigated. \nIn this 1 hour webinar\, you will learn about the facility clearance (FCL) process\, what is FOCI\, when a U.S. entity is considered to be under FOCI\, and potential FOCI mitigation measures\, among other important related topics. \nSpeakers \nRichard Arnholt\, Member at Bass\, Berry & Sims\, a law firm in Washington\, DC\, advises companies on the complex rules applicable to contracting with federal and state governments. His practice includes litigating bid and size protests\, counseling clients on unique regulations impacting their business\, as well as responding to government allegations of procurement fraud or misconduct. In addition\, he assists clients who are responding to suspension or debarment notices before various government agencies\, including the U.S. Army\, Air Force\, and Navy; Defense Logistics Agency; EPA; GSA; and the Department of Homeland Security. \nAdam Briscoe\, Associate at Bass Berry & Sims PLC\, advises companies as they navigate the contracting process with federal\, state\, and local governments. He counsels and represents clients on bid protests before the Government Accountability Office and the U.S. Court of Federal Claims\, contract claims and disputes\, teaming and subcontracting issues\, due diligence for mergers and acquisitions\, data rights and intellectual property issues\, and compliance with cybersecurity and Small Business Administration regulations
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/foreign-ownership-control-and-influence-foci-3/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260318T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20250918T011202Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250918T011202Z
UID:10000076-1773838800-1773842400@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Utilizing GSA e-Tools
DESCRIPTION:GSA offers a suite of integrated e-tools to make the acquisition process more efficient for small businesses. These complimentary e-tools — GSA Advantage!®\, GSA eBuy\, GSA eLibrary\, Acquisition Gateway\, and others — help you quickly and easily perform market research\, respond to requests for quotes\, and more. \nJoin GSA’s Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization for an introduction to GSA’s e-tools and methods for your business to gain an advantage in achieving acquisition efficiency. \nLearning Objectives: \n\nLearn how to successfully access and navigate GSA’s e-tools\nUnderstand and review GSA e-Buy\nOverview of GSA’s Forecast Tool\nGain knowledge about accessing subcontract opportunities\n\n  \nPresenter: Claudia Hadley\, Small Business Specialist \nOffice of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization \nU.S. General Services Administration
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/utilizing-gsa-e-tools-2/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260331T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20251212T165036Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251212T165036Z
UID:10000082-1774962000-1774965600@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Simple Access to SBA Surety Bonds
DESCRIPTION:Surety bonding is often seen as a technical hurdle\, but for many small businesses\, it can be the key to unlocking significant procurement opportunities. The “Simple Access to SBA Surety Bonds” presentation will help you discover how surety bonds can be a game-changer for your business growth. Mr. Gibbs will share proven strategies to improve your bonding capacity\, break through common barriers\, and gain a competitive edge in both public and private sector contracting. With bonding often being the missing link between readiness and revenue\, this session will empower participants to turn a perceived barrier into a business growth tool. \n Objectives of the Presentation cover: \n\nWhy bonds are important\nSBA’s Surety Bond Guarantee Program\nHow to obtain a surety bond\nUnderwriting an account\nReasons Why Small Business get denied bonding\nBenefits of working with an SBA surety expert\nTop 10 tips for contractors/small businesses\n\nWhat You’ll Learn: \n\nHow surety bonds guaranteed by SBA work and why they’re essential for businesses seeking contracts in industries such as construction\, government contracting\, and more.\nGuidance on how to access SBA surety bonds with less hassle.\nTips for overcoming common barriers small businesses face when securing surety bonds.\nStrategies to increase your eligibility and win more business by leveraging SBA support.\nLeave with actionable insights to assess your current bonding status\, identify areas for improvement\, and build stronger relationships with bonding partners and procurement stakeholders.\n\nTarget Audience: \n\nSmall business owners and contractors looking to grow their business and win larger projects.\nStartups in need of financing and bond support to scale.\nEntrepreneurs interested in understanding how SBA programs can help with bonding challenges.\n\nPresenter: Mr. Peter Gibbs\, President \nFoundation Surety & Insurance Solutions
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/simple-access-to-sba-surety-bonds/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260407T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20260128T091354Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T091354Z
UID:10000083-1775566800-1775570400@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Federal Contracting 101
DESCRIPTION:Join us for Federal Contracting 101\, a comprehensive training session designed to help businesses navigate the world of government contracting. Whether you’re just getting started or looking to expand into the federal marketplace\, this session will walk you through the essentials — from registering in the System for Award Management (SAM)\, to understanding socio-economic certifications (such as 8(a)\, HUBZone\, WOSB\, and SDVOSB)\, to developing strategies for effectively marketing your products or services to government agencies. Learn how to position your business for success and tap into the billions of dollars in federal contracting opportunities available each year. \n  \nPresenter: Judy Sayers\, Procurement Specialist – Southwest Virginia Community College APEX Accelerator
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/federal-contracting-101-6/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260415T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20260128T091525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T091602Z
UID:10000084-1776258000-1776261600@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Marketing to Procurement Professionals
DESCRIPTION:How you introduce your business matters. In this session\, learn how to prepare your elevator pitch\, identify your differentiators\, and market your services to procurement officials effectively. This training will help you build confidence\, create stronger networking conversations\, and make a lasting impression at the upcoming event and beyond. \nWhether you’re new to contracting or looking to sharpen your skills this workshop for you. \nPresenter: Brandon McCall\, Procurement Specialist \nSouthwest Virginia Community College APEX Accelerator
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/marketing-to-procurement-professionals/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260422T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20260128T091721Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T091721Z
UID:10000085-1776862800-1776866400@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Capability Statements: A Must-Have for Government Contracting
DESCRIPTION:Your capability statement is a key marketing tool when connecting with procurement officers. In this interactive session\, learn how to craft a compelling\, professional capability statement that communicates your core competencies\, past performance\, and differentiators. We’ll walk through examples\, templates\, and tips to help you stand out. Whether you’re just exploring government contracting or you’re already an experienced vendor looking to sharpen your approach\, this virtual workshop is for you. \nWhether you’re new to contracting or looking to sharpen your skills this workshop for you. \nPresenter: Jessica Dotson\, Program Manager \nSouthwest Virginia Community College APEX Accelerator
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/capability-statements-a-must-have-for-government-contracting-3/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260429T113000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20260128T091837Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T091837Z
UID:10000086-1777456800-1777462200@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Intro to Selling to Virginia
DESCRIPTION:This session will provide a high-level overview of the Commonwealth’s purchasing process\, including purchasing policies that affect how buyers use the eVA system to “shop” and the eVA tools used by our buying community. You’ll also get a guided tour of the eVA website as we discuss the publicly accessible tools & resources every business should know about if they’re interested in selling to Virginia. And if you’re not already an eVA registered supplier\, you’ll learn how to get signed-up\, as well as where to go for help at any time!\n\nPresenter: Kim Pritchett\, eVA Marketing & Outreach Manager\nVirginia Department of General Services
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/intro-to-selling-to-virginia-3/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260506T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20260128T091948Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T091948Z
UID:10000087-1778061600-1778068800@sw.edu
SUMMARY:Generate Leads Using eVA
DESCRIPTION:This advanced workshop is the 2nd in our series & focuses on lead generation. This hands-on session explores the public transparency tools available on the eVA website\, including the Report & Resource Center and the new “power” search. You’ll learn how to identify buyers who are buying what you sell\, determine prices being paid for goods/services\, identify who’s getting business (is it you or your competition). We’ll also walk through the Virginia Business Opportunities public posting page – featuring collaboration tools like B2B Connect & VIBE – as we discuss how & when eVA builds a lead list for you and why rating your leads is important.\n\nPresenter: Kim Pritchett\, eVA Marketing & Outreach Manager\nVirginia Department of General Services
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/generate-leads-using-eva/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T161648
CREATED:20260128T092106Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260128T092106Z
UID:10000088-1778763600-1778767200@sw.edu
SUMMARY:SWaM Certification
DESCRIPTION:Are you a small\, women-owned\, minority-owned\, micro\, veteran\, service-disabled veteran business looking to expand your opportunities? The Virginia Department of Small Business and Supplier Diversity (SBSD) invites you to a virtual informational session on the SWaM Certification process. \nWhy Get SWaM Certified? \nEach year\, the Commonwealth of Virginia spends over $8 billion on goods and services. Becoming SWaM certified can open doors to new business opportunities and increase your visibility among an additional set of potential customers. \nSWaM certification is a powerful tool that can help your business secure contracts with: \n\nState Agencies\nPublic Colleges & Universities\nLocal Municipalities\nPrivate Sector Companies utilizing the SWaM database\n\nWhat You’ll Learn in This Workshop: \n\nOverview of the SWaM Program\nEligibility requirements for certification (including Small\, Woman-owned\, Minority-owned\, Micro\, ESO\, Veteran\, and Service-Disabled Veteran designations)\nStep-by-step guidance on how to apply\n\nDon’t miss this chance to learn how SWaM Certification can help grow your business! \nPresented by: Kathy Deacon\, SBSD Business Services Manager\, Southwest Virginia Region
URL:https://sw.edu/apex/event/swam-certification-4/
CATEGORIES:APEX Accelerator Events
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