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Corey V. Forshee, NH-IV, DAF
Acting Director
Office of Small Business Programs
Air Force District of Washington (AFDW)
Since his last engagement with Women of Prince George’s, Cory Forshee has continued working to expand opportunities for small businesses seeking to enter and succeed in the federal marketplace.
One of his most significant recent accomplishments was the successful Air Force District of Washington Industry Week at Joint Base Andrews. The event brought together business owners, acquisition professionals, contracting officials, program managers, and regional partners, including the Maryland APEX Accelerator and the U.S. Small Business Administration.
By connecting entrepreneurs directly with the individuals responsible for future acquisition needs, the event helped break down barriers to federal contracting and gave businesses valuable insight into anticipated fiscal year 2026 and 2027 requirements.
“Creating opportunities for businesses to speak directly with our contracting officials and program managers is a major win for growing and strengthening our industrial base,” Cory shared.
Advocating for Small Businesses
Cory and the AFDW Office of Small Business Programs are also supporting several initiatives designed to help businesses become better prepared to compete for federal opportunities.
One important development is the suspension and review of Phase II requirements under the Cybersecurity Maturity Model Certification program, commonly known as CMMC. The comprehensive review is intended to identify ways to reduce unnecessary costs, administrative burdens, and compliance challenges for small, medium-sized, and nontraditional businesses while maintaining strong cybersecurity standards.
Business owners are being encouraged to provide feedback through the open Request for Information on SAM.gov by August 14, 2026, and to participate in upcoming public listening sessions.
Another valuable resource is Project Spectrum, an initiative that helps small and medium-sized businesses within the Defense Industrial Base improve their cybersecurity readiness, manage risk, and better understand federal compliance requirements. Businesses can learn more by visiting projectspectrum.io.
AFDW has also launched its Monthly Business Forums, which give companies direct insight into the agency’s mission and the products and services it purchases. During these live sessions, participating businesses can introduce their companies and submit capability statements for consideration.
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The Value of Women of Prince George’s
Cory views Women of Prince George’s as an important bridge between the commercial business community and the needs of the federal government.
In his role, his mission is to maximize opportunities for U.S.-owned small businesses to support the Air Force and its mission partners. His engagement with WPG allows him to help demystify the federal contracting process for a talented and motivated network of entrepreneurs located within the region.
He has seen women-owned small businesses use the education, relationships, and confidence gained through WPG to participate in industry events, present their capabilities, and pursue federal contracting opportunities.
“Women of Prince George’s provides an ecosystem that goes beyond basic networking,” Cory explained. “Through its conferences, educational programs, and commitment to developing ‘The Whole Woman,’ WPG equips entrepreneurs with the strategic knowledge and skills they need to grow.”
For the Air Force, he added, a well-informed and well-supported entrepreneur has the potential to become a capable and reliable federal vendor.
What Is Ahead?
A major focus for Cory and his team is the continued rollout of the AFDW Monthly Business Forums. These forums are designed to help business owners understand how AFDW operates, learn about potential requirements, discuss challenges and successes, and build relationships with members of the acquisition community.
Cory strongly encourages WPG members interested in government contracting to participate.
He also urges entrepreneurs to become acquisition-ready by:
- Keeping their SAM.gov registrations and profiles current
- Using resources such as Project Spectrum to strengthen cybersecurity readiness
- Attending AFDW business and market research forums
- Developing clear, concise, and targeted capability statements
- Understanding how their products or services support specific agency needs
“We need the innovation, agility, and cost-effectiveness that small businesses provide,” Cory said. “When your business is prepared to compete, you help strengthen our supply chain and our ability to support the mission.”
Cory’s continued work demonstrates the important role that education, preparation, advocacy, and strategic relationships play in creating greater access to federal contracting opportunities for small businesses.
Corey V. Forshee, NH-IV, DAF
Acting Director
Office of Small Business Programs
Air Force District of Washington (AFDW)
Joint Base Andrews, MD 20762
Business Phone: (202) 713-5418
Corey.Forshee.1@us.af.mil
| | Entrepreneur Tip of the Month | |
Focus Area
Funding & Investment
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Key Tips: Explore funding options that fit your business goals, whether through grants, investors, or reinvesting your own revenue. Grants can provide funding without repayment, while investors may offer capital in exchange for partial ownership. Bootstrapping allows you to maintain control but may require slower, more strategic growth.
Whichever path you choose, know your numbers, understand the terms, and make sure the funding supports your long-term vision.
| | | Small Business of the Month | | |
Lakisha White
Owner
Party On Purpose
Small Business Spotlight
A life-changing moment that catapulted a dream.
When did you establish your business, and what is its core mission or vision?
I launched Party on Purpose in 2021, just one year after receiving a life-saving kidney transplant. That experience gave me a renewed appreciation for life and inspired me to pursue my passion for helping others celebrate their most meaningful moments.
What distinct qualities, products, or services set your business apart from others in your industry?
At Party on Purpose, I specialize in custom event décor, including balloon installations, backdrops, personalized party favors, and complete event styling. I work with clients planning birthdays, graduations, baby showers, weddings, corporate events, and other special occasions. My goal is to bring each client’s vision to life while making the planning process as seamless and enjoyable as possible.
Who or what has been your most significant experience when engaging with WPG events or throughout your entrepreneurial path?
Since learning about Women of Prince George’s, I have been inspired by the organization’s commitment to supporting, connecting, and empowering women entrepreneurs. WPG provides a welcoming community where women can build meaningful relationships, exchange knowledge, access valuable resources, and grow both personally and professionally.
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How long have you been involved with Women of Prince George’s, and what initially encouraged you to join the community?
As I continue my entrepreneurial journey, I look forward to taking advantage of the many opportunities WPG offers. I am excited to learn from experienced business owners, build new partnerships, and collaborate with other women who share my passion for serving and strengthening our community.
In what ways has your connection with Women of Prince George’s positively impacted your business, professional development, or personal growth?
Looking ahead, one of my goals is to expand Party on Purpose through partnerships with local businesses, nonprofits, schools, and community organizations. I hope to bring creative and memorable event experiences to even more families and organizations throughout Prince George’s County and the surrounding communities.
The WPG community can support Party on Purpose by referring my services to friends, family members, businesses, and organizations planning special events. Every referral, social media share, collaboration, and opportunity to serve helps my business grow and allows me to continue doing what I love—creating celebrations that leave lasting memories.
Based on your experiences, what single piece of advice would you offer to aspiring or new small business owners?
I am grateful to be part of Women of Prince George’s and look forward to becoming even more involved with this remarkable organization. Together, we are building a stronger community by supporting one another, celebrating our successes, and empowering women to achieve their dreams.
Lakisha White
Owner
Party On Purpose
Phone: 240-437-8770
Email: Partyonpurposeevents41@gmail.com
IG: Partyonpurposeevents
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Information Expert for WPG
Dr. Norman Solomon
President & CEO
Solomon Acquisition Services International, Limited Liability Company
| | Past WPG Annual Conference keynote speaker, simplified acquisition information expert, government specialist |
| Business Dilemma Scenario | | |
A Business Dilemma: Scenario for Group Exercise
Every month, we present a realistic workplace challenge. After reading it aloud, have participants discuss:
- What’s the core issue?
- What are the possible actions?
- What are the risks and consequences?
- What would they do and why?
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The Never-Ending Client Request
A longtime client keeps asking for “small extras” that are not included in the original agreement. The team has been completing them to preserve the relationship, but the additional work is affecting deadlines for other clients. The client now assumes these services are included at no additional cost.
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💬 Discussion Prompt: What systems could prevent this situation from happening again?
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🧠 Suggested Answer to Business Dilemma Scenario
Answer: Schedule a respectful conversation with the client and review the original scope of work. Explain how the additional requests affect time and resources, then offer a revised package, an add-on fee, or a separate project agreement. Going forward, document all changes before beginning extra work.
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WPG Mission Statement
The Women of Prince George’s leverages a strategic roster of business relationships across the Washington, D.C. area to build mutually beneficial connections between key businesses and local women. The organization connects professional women and entrepreneurs with neighboring markets while providing exposure for businesses serving the Prince George’s County community. Through mentorship, education, workshops, and professional guidance, The Women of Prince George’s strives to educate women, strengthen families and communities, and elevate economic opportunity and leadership on a global scale.
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