Mason Enterprise Center
  September 2016 Newsletter 
MEC-LeesburgMEC-Leesburg
Virginia Storm blows into Loudoun
New MEC-Leesburg member, Virginia Storm Basketball, held a press conference at the MEC to announce the team's move to Loudoun County. The Virginia Storm is the 100th team to join the American Basketball Association for the 2016-2017 season. Owner Norman Blowe said "We are bringing a level of basketball that Loudoun County has not experienced before. We have something for everyone and we cannot wait to be a part of the community." Read more
MEC-Leesburg member launches travel app
Mark My World, a travel technology company based at MEC-Leesburg, launched their unique and revolutionary app that allows users to integrate points of interest, journals, and itineraries and then to share them with friends and social media. Founding Partner and President Janine Rethy said, "We have been fortunate that Loudoun County SBDC and Mason Enterprise Center in Leesburg have given us the tools and support for us to take our idea to reality." Read more
MEC-Leesburg works with Loudoun County Chamber of Commerce for YEA!
Young Entrepreneurs Academy (YEA!) is a national program that transforms middle- and high-school students into real life entrepreneurs and business owners. In partnership with the Loudoun Chamber, MEC-Leesburg provides classroom space and a trainer, SBDC Manager Eric Byrd, who said he was "excited for the MEC-Leesburg to host the YEA! program and looked forward to serving as an instructor for the next generation of entrepreneurs." Read more 
American Capital Planning featured on Small Business, Big Success
Loudoun County Economic Development asked MEC-Leesburg member, Bonnie Sewell, to share her journey as a business owner. This video segment is part of Loudoun County Economic Development's "Small Business, Big Success" series. In it, Sewell touches on her experiences across the US and her choice to locate her financial planning business in Loudoun. Bonnie Sewell advices, "Use all the resources that are free and available to you, put your plan together, and get out there and start."   https://youtu.be/ARHpwiCWpUA
MEC-FairfaxMEC-Fairfax
Tri-Guard Risk Solutions awarded STTR grant 
Tri-Guard Risk Solutions secured phase 1 funding from a STTR grant.  It will allow them and the University of Nebraska-Omaha to enhance an innovative cybersecurity solution, SACRE.  Working on multiple platforms, it assesses and prioritizes vulnerable software fixes and expedites cybersecurity compliance.  Keesha Crosby, CEO and Founder of Tri-Guard, has 20 years' experience working on secured software, networks, and systems in the private and government (DOD, DHS, DOJ) sectors.
CFCC, City of Fairfax, EDA and MEC-Fairfax 
Networking Mixer
The Central Fairfax Chamber of Commerce and the City of Fairfax Economic Development Authority hosted a joint networking mixer at MEC-Fairfax on August 25. It was the second year for the event, and the 70+ attendees learned more about business incubation and other services at the MEC-Fairfax.  Everyone enjoyed the networking, as well as the food and drinks from Coyote Grill. 
Lunch & Learn on How to Mitigate Risks When Working Abroad
MEC-Fairfax's Lunch and Learn on August 30 presented a wealth of information about engaging in contract work abroad. Attendees learned about selecting an international team, understanding waivers and liabilities, being aware of international codes of conduct, choosing a travel agency, preparing for the unexpected, and more. Both Eleanor Thornton, CEO of Visionary Consulting, and Gregory Malveaux, PhD, English professor at Montgomery College, have many years of business experience outside the US.
Solving the Innovation Mystery: A Workplace Whodunit
Distinguished executive coach, author, and speaker, Steve Gladis, has a new book on the market, and the reviews are rolling in:  "...most practical book on innovation I have ever read!" "Gladis mixes a fun fable with solid fact..." and "...full of insights...."   CEO of Steve Gladis Leadership Partners, he has authored 21 books on leadership and is a professor at George Mason University in the Mason Institute for Leadership Excellence. His company works with businesses, associations, and U.S. government agencies, and he speaks regularly at conferences and corporate gatherings.  Read more
CBP (Springfield)CBP
MEC-CBP Sponsors Junior Achievement Entrepreneurship Summit
Junior Achievement of Greater Washington and Community Business Partnership sponsored the first JA® Entrepreneurship Summit for rising 9th to 12th graders, held August 8 to 10.  Students were introduced to the Design Thinking/Lean Start-Up model. Each team identified a specific problem within the food-waste sector and created an innovative solution. With guidance from mentors, workshop facilitators and consultants, each team developed a solution that they ultimately pitched Shark-Tank-style. Read more
CBP Celebrates 4 years of Operation B2B
In August, 2012, (CBP) held its first "Entrepreneurship Pathway" workshop for 6 Marines.  It was the pilot for SBA's "Boots to Business" (B2B) program.  Today 50,000+ military members have attended the entrepreneurial education and training program offered as part of the Department of Defense's Transition Assistance Program (TAP). The curriculum includes steps for evaluating business concepts that are fundamental to developing a business plan and information on SBA resources available to help access start-up capital and additional technical assistance. Read more
MEC-FauquierMEC-Fauquier
Planning is Essential
Luanne Lee, Your College Planning Coach, is an expert in college financial planning and funding. Not only does she help families minimize the cost of higher education, she assists them in finding ways to minimize debt and not jeopardize retirement plans.  She helps students discover the right fit for their academic, social, and financial needs.  Lee believes, "The Warrenton MEC is turning into a true business hub and connection point for those of us who use the facility. The business connections I have made here have been essential to the growth of my business."  Read more