Strategic ACI recently completed the Veteran Institute Procurement (VIP) GROW Program, a comprehensive training and certification program that helps veteran-owned businesses strengthen their ability to win government contracts and do business with both military and civilian agencies they once served in uniform.
On March 22, 2018, Strategic ACI was one of 50 businesses from 18 states to graduate from the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) GROW Program. A special reception was also held to celebrate the 1000th VIP Graduate of the program. Sponsors, partners, alumni, federal, state, and local government representatives, and prime government contractors were present to celebrate the achievement of this notable milestone.
“What an honor to be chosen to attend this very prestigious program,” said Ken Lukonis, CEO of Strategic ACI. “The amount of critical data and real world experiences that were shared by the amazing instructors are a perfect roadmap to Veteran business success.”
The first program of its kind in the nation, VIP GROW is conducted by professional subject-matter specialists in the essentials necessary to win government contracts: law, accounting, insurance, human resources, marketing and proposals. It also provides participants with access to Federal and prime contracting executives along with a national network of veteran owned small businesses that they can team with on opportunities.
Since its launch in 2009, VIP GROW has helped 727 service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses grow. A survey of 378 of the program's graduates reported that they increased their revenue by an average of 54% within their first year of graduating the Institute. More than 82% of surveyed graduates credited VIP GROW for equipping them to make recent business decisions and avoid unseen pitfalls. Additionally, veteran-owned businesses are more likely to hire, mentor and train other war veterans as they transition to private life, which is a national priority.
“We are honored to give back to the men and women who served our country by providing them with the tools necessary to succeed as government contractors.” said Barbara Ashe, President of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation. “We hope this training fosters their success as businesses and employers.”
VIP GROW is a three-day, 27-hour comprehensive certification program. Participants must be a C-level leader in a Veteran-owned small business operating for at least two years with a minimum of 3 full time employees, and experience working on government contracts as a prime and/or sub-contractor to a prime. With volunteer instructors and at no cost to participants, VIP GROW is fully funded by the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation, partners, and VIP sponsors.
For information: Ken Lukonis, CEO, 540-878-0204. www.strategicaci.com
For information on VIP: Barbara Ashe, 301-738-0015 x215; bashe@mcccmd.com
For additional information, please visit www.NationalVip.org or the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation.
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