CDABP TRAININGS
Ms . Aguilera-Gardiner said the VIB Network ’ s directory is free to join and is searched regularly by buyers , estimators , and supplier diversity professionals . She encouraged the audience to attend the VIB Network ’ s seventh annual national conference , which is scheduled for November 13 and 14 in San Diego . She also informed the group that as of January 1 , 2023 , the U . S . Department of Veterans Affairs service-disabled veteran-owned small business ( SDVOSB ) and veteran-owned small business ( VOSB ) verification program has moved from the VA to the U . S . Small Business Administration ( SBA ). Whereas the certification used to take 60-90 business days , it has been streamlined to 5-7 business days under the SBA ’ s management .
Jason Numez , a representative of the National Veteran-owned Business Association ( NaVOBA ) said the vision of NaVOBA is to be the conduit for VBEs and SDVBEs to become sustainable participants and contributors to U . S . and global corporate supply chains . He outlined NaVOBA ’ s certification program , which provides exclusive sourcing tools to NaVOBA corporate partners , noting that the certification is reciprocal with and recognized by Disability : IN . Certification is tiered-priced based on revenue .
Mr . Numez touted NAVOBA ’ s “ Marching Forward Monday ” program , which is an on-going virtual series where certified VBEs and SDVBEs can pitch corporations that are relevant to their industry . The pitch sessions are segmented into four distinct categories : VBE Showcase , Corporate Ally Engagement , NaVOBA EDU , and NaVOBA podcasts .
“ We help veteran businesses build connections between corporations , government sgencies , and prime contractors looking to create partnerships for contracting opportunities .”
– Rebecca Aguilera-Gardiner , CEO and Co-Founder , Veterans in Business Network
Quincy Lunford , Southwest Regional Manager for Helmets to Hardhats ( H2H ) explained that H2H was started by the North American Building Trade Union ( NABTU ) 20 years ago . NABTU is the government body for all union construction within North America . He explained that businesses signatories can sign-up for H2H free of charge .
Mr . Lunford said the organization conducts outreach to various military installations and has a wide range of partners , which include veteran nonprofits and state and local agencies . He
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