News

December 11th, 2023, Arlington, VA – The National Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) offers a certification program known as VIP GROW specifically designed for Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSBs) to accelerate their success and growth in the federal-contracting market.

VIP GROW equips participants with the knowledge and tools needed to effectively win government contracts. The program covers procurement readiness, contract management, and growth strategies.

President & CEO of Blake Willson Group, RJ Blake, was honored to moderate a panel of successful veteran entrepreneurs for the National Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) Grow Program. The panel consisted of representatives from former military branches (Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marines were all represented) turned successful veteran entrepreneurs in professional services such as IT, cyber, and construction industries. Joining Blake on the panel were Marlie Andersch (CEO of rockITdata), Erica Dobbs (CEO of Dobbs Defense Solutions), Joey Hutchins (CEO of RightDirection Technology Solutions), and Lalini Pillay (CEO of LE Global). Discussions included scaling a business, investing in infrastructure, and various strategic growth strategies.

“As a Veteran-Owned Small Businesses, Blake Willson Group is privileged to participate in the Veteran Institute for Procurement Program,” said RJ Blake. “This panel highlights the importance of supporting our veterans.”

More information on VIP’s Accelerator Training Programs for owners, principals, and C-level executives of Veteran and Service-Disabled Veteran Owned Small Businesses can be found at nationalvip.org/programs/. These programs are offered at no cost to veterans.

BWG would also like to give a special thanks to those who run the VIP Program: Barbara Ashe, Mauricio Vera, Dorothy Callahan, Patty Brown, Melissa Childress, and the rest of their team.

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About Blake Willson Group

Blake Willson Group (BWG) is a licensed CPA firm with a skilled team of dynamic individuals dedicated to providing timely, cost-effective, and forward-thinking solutions to clients. Headquartered in Arlington, Virginia, BWG serves the Washington, D.C. metro area and beyond. The firm holds Department of VA-certified (CVE) Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) status, is an SBA 8(a) program participant, and is ISO 9001:2015 certified.