Information. Ideas. Inspiration.
Starting and managing a business can be exciting, confusing, challenging, and rewarding. The Mason Enterprise Center professional staff includes experienced advisors, managers, and business owners who have walked your path and know what it takes to succeed in business. One-on-one counseling and mentoring is available to help you plan, start, or grow your business. Thanks to our generous sponsors, counseling and mentoring is available at no charge.
Small Businesses
Pre-ventures, start-ups and established businesses alike can tap into a variety of expertise to help you reach your goals. The Mason Enterprise Center provides access to experts on a wide variety of topics that your growing business needs to prosper:
- Strategic and business planning
- Marketing
- Access to capital
- Financial analysis
- Accounting and recordkeeping
- Operations
- International trade
- Manufacturing
To meet with a business counselor, contact an office near you:
- Mason SBDC (www.masonsbdc.org/)
- SBDC at the Community Business Partnership (http://www.cbponline.org/)
- SBDC at MEC-Leesburg (http://masonenterprisecenterloudoun.com/)
- Across Virginia (http://www.virginiasbdc.org/locations/)
There are also specialized programs and services for women business owners and micro-loans from $5000 – $50,000. Find these programs at Community Business Partnership (http://www.cbponline.org/)
Government Contractors
The government is an important customer for many businesses located in the Greater Washington area. Whether you are a contracting novice or a seasoned veteran, at the Mason Enterprise Center, specialists on government contracting and procurement can help you be more effective in selling your goods and services to the government. These experts can advise you on topics that include:
- Marketing and Proposal Preparation
- Pre/Post Contract Award Compliance
- Special Programs (Mentor-Protege, SBIR, 8(a), etc.)
- Government Buying Procedures
A team of highly experienced consultants is available to lead you step-by-step through the contracting process or assist you in any single aspect of it. To meet with a procurement specialist, contact:
Virginia PTAP (www.vaptap.org)
The Mentor Protégé Program supports relationships between major DoD prime contractors, 8(a) firms, small disadvantaged business (SDB) and women owned small business (WOSB). Learn if you are eligible:
Mentor Protégé Program (mentorprotege.gmu.edu)
Exporting Assistance
If you have an established, profitable business and are looking for new customers, going global may be for you. Counseling and training are available to help you plan for marketing, logistics, financing and legalities. Find more information here www.virginiasbdc.org/international
Seminars, Workshops & Networking Events
A wide variety of top-quality educational programs on topics relevant to small business owners are hosted by the Mason Enterprise Center and it’s training partners each year. Each regional center offers access to different classroom learning and online education options. See our Local Workshops for upcoming events.