News

May 30th, 2023, Arlington, Virginia – Blake Willson Group recently completed the Veteran Institute Procurement (VIP) ADVANCE program, which provides Veteran-owned businesses with the tools to take their businesses to the next level of sustained growth in the federal marketplace.

On May 18th, 2023, Blake Willson Group was one of 32 businesses from 12 states to graduate from the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) ADVANCE program.  

“I am confident the training provided through VIP ADVANCE has armed us with critical information, tips, and tricks of the trade, to scale to the next level in business. I can’t thank Barbara Ashe and her team at VIP, the many Industry experts, as well as the SBA and other sponsors for supporting this initiative. I believe our triple digit growth will continue in a sustainable fashion as a result of programs like VIP ADVANCE. What an honor it was to attend.”

The first program of its kind in the nation, VIP ADVANCE is conducted by subject matter experts from industry and government with a goal of accelerating the participants’ success and sustain growth in the federal marketplace. There are four main modules that are focused on: Mission/Purpose, Clients and Contracts, People, and Financials. The program also provides participants with a national network of Veteran-owned small businesses they can team with on opportunities or serve as mentors.   

"We are honored to give back to the men and women who served our country by providing them with the tools they need to succeed and sustain growth as government contractors," said Barbara Ashe, National Director of VIP. “We hope this training fosters their continued success as businesses and employers.”

VIP ADVANCE is a 3-day, 27-hour comprehensive certification program designed for Veteran business owners, offered at no cost. Participants must be a C-level executive of a company operating for at least five years, have earned at least $10M in annual revenue, and have prime experience or currently bidding on prime contracts. With subject matter experts as instructors and at no cost to participants nationwide, VIP ADVANCE is fully funded by the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation, partnerships with SBA, Lockheed Martin, the State of Maryland, and VIP sponsors.

For information on BWG: Marilyn Dyess, Director of Operations, mdyess@blakewillsongroup.com
For additional information, please visit www.blakewillsongroup.com 

For information on VIP: Barbara Ashe, 301-738-0015 x215; bashe@nationalvip.org 
For additional information, please visit www.NationalVIP.org