2026 Hampton Roads Small Business Symposium: Contracting for Success

REGISTER HERE AT THIS LINK:

https://www.eventbrite.com/e/2026-hampton-roads-small-business-symposium-contracting-for-success-tickets-1985846619697?aff=oddtdtcreator&keep_tld=true

Connect with fellow entrepreneurs, resource partners, and procurement professionals while learning how to do business at the local, state, and federal levels.

Topics will include:

• Business development and preparation tools
• Understanding the government contracting process
• How to access contracting opportunities

No cost to attend, registration required.

Schedule:

Exhibitor Set up @ 7:00am – 8:00am

Doors open at 8:00am

8:00 - 8:45am

Check-in and Networking Breakfast

8:45 – 9:00am

Welcome and Opening Remarks (City of Virginia Beach)

Partner Introductions (Overview of Services/Resources)

Benefits of government contracting (Moderator/MC Narrative)

Government contracting offers a significant financial opportunity for small businesses. Local, state, and federal agencies purchase a wide range of products and services in both large and small quantities, creating consistent demand across industries. Selling to the government also helps ensure that small businesses are not overshadowed by larger corporations. It provides a more equitable environment while supporting small businesses as key drivers of economic growth and job creation.

The following sessions are intended to educate participants and bring clarity to the government contracting landscape.

Moderator Narrative: It is essential for businesses to be prepared when pursuing government contracting opportunities because to help them transform ideas into organized, competitive operations. These tools allow business owners to analyze their capacity, understand procurement requirements, strengthen financial and operational systems, and develop strategic plans for growth. Ultimately, these tools help businesses move from being interested in government contracting to being truly prepared to compete, perform, and succeed in the public sector marketplace.

9:00am – 9:50am

Session I:

Business Development and Preparation Tools

• Market Intelligence… who is buying what I am selling?
• Capacity, Capability, Credentials … Is your business ready?
• Know your codes (NAICS vs NiGP) (APEX, eVA)

Moderator Narrative: Understanding how the government contracting process works is essential for businesses that want to successfully compete for public sector opportunities. The process can be complex, with specific rules, requirements, and timelines that must be followed. When business owners understand how agencies identify needs, release solicitations, evaluate proposals, and award contracts, they are better prepared to position their company effectively. Understanding the process allows businesses to navigate the system with confidence and increase their chances of winning and successfully performing government contracts.

9:55 – 10:45am

Session I: Understanding the Government Contracting Process (State University, Federal, Local)

• What are Purchasing Rules?
• Understanding contract terms and conditions
• Procurement lifecycle (from solicitation to award to contract management)
• Types of Solicitations

10:45 – 10:55 Break 10 minutes

Moderator Narrative:

Understanding how to access government contracting—and which tools to use—is essential to unlocking opportunities with some of the largest customers: government entities. Successfully pursuing these opportunities involves registering on bidding platforms, building relationships with procurement officials, prime contractors, and subcontractors, and positioning your business competitively. Doing so can lead to long-term, predictable revenue, a more diversified portfolio, and enhanced credibility in the marketplace.

10:55 -11:45am

Session III: Accessing Contract Opportunities

• Tools and Technology: Bidding Platforms/Procurement sites (eVA, SAM, Open Gov, Supplier Portals) (eVA, SAM.gov, Virginia Beach, Norfolk or NNews for Open Gov)
• Building Relationships (partnering/teaming, contracting officers, primes) (APEX)
• Proposal Development - How to Respond to an RFP (key elements) (Presented by Hillary Boyce, BAFO)

11:50 – 12:05 PM Subcontracting Opportunity Spotlights (5 Minute Intros w/ a contact slide) – 2 or 3 primes with major projects/upcoming opportunities (15 Minutes) (FlatIron, SB Ballard, Dominion Energy?)

• 12:05 – 12:15 PM: Wrap-Up w/ Business Ready Lightning Round + Overall Q&A
• 12:15 – 1:00 PM: Power Networking & Resource Fair
• 1:00 PM: Adjourn

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher THE HIVE Virginia Beach Business Resource Center