Submit your application by May 31st for the 2024 Greater Washington GovCon Awards

Applications are now open for the Region's premier event honoring leadership, innovation, and commitment to excellence within the government contracting community! Known as the "Academy Awards of Government Contracting," the Greater Washington Government Contractor Awards is a can't-miss event celebrating leaders within the Contractor of the Year and Executive of the Year categories. Details about the Awards and a link to this year's application can be found on our website, here. Brought to you by the Chamber and the Professional Services Council, the Awards's evening gala will be held on November 6th.

partner event

NOVA VetNet: The Entrepreneur's Journey to Small Business Ownership and Social Impact

March 20th | 5-7PM | Thundercat Technology

Small businesses are the engine of our economy and the engine for change in communities like Northern Virginia. According to SBA, there are more than two million Veteran-owned small businesses in America, employing 6 million people, and Veterans are 45% more likely to own a small business than civilians. Moreover, 14% of Veterans own a franchise, making them twice as likely to own one than our civilian counterparts. All hiring, all growth, and all impact are achieved at the local level, and Veterans, as small business owners can be at the forefront of change as it relates to perceptions about Veterans and the ability to influence the propensity to serve amongst our next generation of warfighters 



Join us on March 20th and hear from three successful Veteran entrepreneurs who will share their journey, lessons learned, and practical advice for building a successful small business in the private sector.

partner event

How to Develop a Top Virginia Internship Program & Recognition Event

April 9th | 9:30-10:30AM | Chamber Office

Employers in the Region are concerned about access to a flexible, well-trained workforce. Internships and work-based learning experiences, however, can change that. The importance of offering opportunities to build talent pipelines through educational career readiness efforts — paving a path to a robust workforce — is in the hands of employers across Greater Washington.

Join the Chamber and Virginia Talent and Opportunity Partnership (V-TOP) to learn more about implementing and organizing an internship program. Recognize companies with top programs and hear about the benefits internships can have on your business, from their unique perspective.



As an attendee, you will:

• Learn about resources the V-TOP program has to offer including free education on how to develop a successful internship program at your organization, fundamentals for getting started, and time-saving resources. From how to develop internship postings to helping interns cultivate their skills while with your organization.
• Hear from leading companies, recognized as having Top Virginia Internship Programs, to learn how internships benefit their business.  
• Discover which employers have been recognized as having top work-based learning opportunities for students.

Get to Know the GovCon Awards

April 18th | 9-10AM | Chamber Office

Attention Government Contractors, Come Learn How to Apply for the GovCon Awards! Register now for the exclusive GovCon Awards sneak peek event, on April 18th. Join the Chamber to hear directly from members of the nominations and selection committees, along with past winners, as they share their unique perspective on the award application process - with tips on how to make your application stand out from the rest! As we delve into the Greater Washington Government Contractor AwardsTM , attendees get the exceptional opportunity to gain valuable insights and insider knowledge on how to better your odds as a candidate.

As an attendee, you will:

• Gain a comprehensive understanding of the GovCon Awards nomination and selection process.
• Explore the diverse categories recognized by the GovCon Awards.
• Benefit from firsthand perspectives of the selection committee on what distinguishes standout applications.

Don't miss this opportunity to elevate your GovCon profile and position your nomination for success. Reserve your spot, space is limited.

VIRTUAL

UPCOMING MONTHLY EVENTS

Greater Washington Apprentice Network

April 2nd | 2-3PM

Featured Speaker: Bobby Mahon, Business Engagement Manager, The SkillsSource Group/Talent Up Fairfax

Register Here

Chamber 101 - members only event

April 9th | 12-1PM

Register Here

DEI Connects - members only event

April 16th | 2-3PM

Featured Speaker: Paula Danquah-Brobby, PhD, BCBA, Director of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, George Mason University

Register Here

Speed Networking - members only event

April 16th | 3-4PM

Register Here

SageVest Wealth Management is hosting a complimentary Women's Financial Literacy event on May 1st at 7PM in the Chamber's meeting space. This is designed for women of all ages and stages of life. Topics will include savings, investments, financial planning, property ownership, and retirement. RSVP here.

One in every four college students in Virginia cannot afford their next meal. To address this need, Mason Empty Bowls will be held on Wednesday, April 3rd, 7-9PM at the Center for the Arts, George Mason University. 100% of the proceeds will be donated to Mason's Student Food and Housing Insecurity Fund. Learn more here.

Apply by April 1st to start this summer in the cloud computing certificate program at UVA's School of Continuing and Professional Studies. Through online classes you can take from anywhere, you'll prepare to sit for AWS certifications. Scholarships are available! Learn more here.

UVA Community Health is Accepting Grant Applications to Support Community Based Programs! For more information about UVA's Community Partnerships, and information about the grant and eligibility, follow this link.

The Northern Virginia Science Center Foundation is excited to welcome Amazon Web Services (AWS) as its newest Principal Partner of the Launch the Future campaign sponsoring the Habitat Theater and Science on a Sphere exhibit. AWS is joining a broad public private collaboration to build a new world-class science center in Northern Virginia. To read more please click here.

Cherry Bekaert is excited to announce the appointment of Traci Shepps as the Firm's new Government Contracting Leader, bringing 25+ years of experience. Traci will lead the Firm’s GovCon practice, providing consulting services while leveraging expertise in accounting operations, cost allowability, and compliance, and equipping government contractors. Learn more here.