Mission Ready: Small Business Contracting Summit

This summit is an opportunity for small and veteran-owned businesses to learn how to access and secure government contracting opportunities.
About this Event

PLEASE NOTE: THIS EVENT IS SOLD OUT FOR 2026.

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Government contracts are available to small businesses and veteran-owned businesses at city, state, and federal levels – and this summit will help business owners learn how to access and secure them.
Participants will hear from a panel of industry experts who will provide practical guidance on:

• Procurement systems and how they work.
• Ways to find and pursue contracting opportunities with different agencies.
• Certifications needed and how to obtain them.
• Opportunities to connect with prime subcontractors and government agencies.
• Tips to submit strong, competitive bids for projects.

PANELISTS:

• Patrick E. Alcorn, Senior Director, University of Texas at Arlington Veteran Business Outreach Center
• Ashley Farrier, Director of the Office of Small Business Programs, U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM)
• Ori Fernandez, Assistant Director, City of Fort Worth Economic Development Department
• Brandy Hazel, Chief Procurement Officer and Assistant Director, City of Fort Worth Financial Management Services
• Lori Manning, Program Director, APEX Accelerator
• Steve Roemerman, Chairman, Lone Star Analytics
• Emma J. Stevens, Site Lead – Small Business Program Office, Lockheed Martin Aeronautics
• Bailey Tamiko, CEO, Bailey’s Premier Services

Additionally, several resource and partner tables will also be available outside of the Council Chamber for summit participants to learn more about local organizations that provide support and services for veteran-owned businesses and other small businesses:

• Apex Accelerator
• City of Fort Worth Economic Development
• Fort Worth Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
• Fort Worth Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce
• Shoppas
• Texas Veterans Commission
• Veterans in Business – Fort Worth
  

THIS EVENT IS IN PARTNERSHIP WITH:

Agenda

🕑: 05:30 PM - 06:00 PM
Networking / Partner Resource Tables
🕑: 06:00 PM - 06:15 PM
Invocation, Pledge of Allegiance, and Opening Remarks
🕑: 06:15 PM - 07:30 PM
Presentation and Panel Discussion
🕑: 07:30 PM - 08:00 PM
Q&A / Event Conclusion