Synensys recently completed the Veteran Institute Procurement (VIP) GROW Program, a comprehensive training and certification program that helps veteran-owned businesses strengthen their ability to win government contracts and do business with both military and civilian agencies they once served in uniform.
Synensys was one of 49 businesses from 15 states and the District of Columbia to graduate from the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) GROW Program on June 22.
“For every business, at some point you are eventually faced with challenges on how to manage the business, develop, and grow,” said Synensys CEO Stephen Powell. “That is what VIP does – teaches veteran-owned businesses the skills to deal with those issues. I have no doubt that participating in this program will help Synensys reach the next plateau in its journey, which has been remarkably satisfying thus far.”
The first program of its kind in the nation, VIP GROW is conducted by professional subject-matter specialists in the essentials necessary to win government contracts: law, accounting, insurance, human resources, marketing, and proposals. It also provides participants with access to federal and prime contracting executives, along with a national network of veteran owned small businesses that they can team with on opportunities.
“Graduating from the VIP program has positioned Synensys for continued growth in the Federal contracting marketplace,” said Powell. “As a veteran-owned small business, Synensys is putting veterans first in our business strategy and future company growth plans.”
Since its launch in 2009, VIP GROW has helped 727 service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses grow. A survey of 348 of the program’s graduates determined that 2,915 new jobs were created and the size of their businesses increased by an average of 50% within a year of graduating from the Institute. More than 81% of surveyed graduates credited VIP GROW for equipping them to make recent business decisions and avoid unseen pitfalls. Additionally, veteran-owned businesses are more likely to hire, mentor and train other war veterans as they transition to private life, which is a national priority.
“We are honored to give back to the men and women who served our country by providing them with the tools necessary to succeed as government contractors.” said Barbara Ashe, President of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation. “We hope this training fosters their success as businesses and employers.”
VIP GROW is a three-day, 27-hour comprehensive certification program. Participants must be a C-level leader in a veteran-owned small business operating for at least two years with a minimum of three full-time employees, and experience working on government contracts as a prime and/or sub-contractor to a prime. With volunteer instructors and at no cost to participants, VIP GROW is fully funded by the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation, partners, and VIP sponsors.
