Small business professionals from across the country gathered in Chicago, Illinois for the 2024 annual Small Business Training Week. This year’s theme was “Breaking Small Business Barriers: Strategies for Success and Igniting the Future.”
With more than 50 government speakers from organizations such as the Department of Defense (DoD), Small Business Administration (SBA), Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and General Services Administration (GSA), attendees gained diverse insights on topics ranging from new legislation and regulatory updates to policy changes and best practices.
Highlights:
Mr. Gaby Camarillo, Keynote Address:
One of the highlights of the event was the keynote address by the Honorable Gabe Camarillo, Under Secretary of the Army. In his remarks, Camarillo emphasized the critical role small business professionals play in fostering innovation, driving efficiency, and enhancing resilience within the defense industrial base. He emphasized that the contributions of small business professionals are essential to supporting our nation’s security and maintaining technological superiority.
Small Business Managers Town Hall
Ms. Kim Buhler, Director of the Army Small Business Office at SES, participated in the seminar along with other small business executives and answered questions from the audience. This interactive session provided attendees with the opportunity to directly engage with small business leaders and gain insights into key issues and priorities.
Army discussion session
The Army hosted a panel discussion with opening remarks from Megan Dyke, Deputy Assistant Secretary of the Army (Acquisition). During the panel discussion, small business professionals engaged in a discussion aimed at identifying strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats (SWOT). This SWOT analysis provided valuable insights into the current landscape of small business operations and the challenges they face. Additionally, it laid the foundation for collaborative efforts throughout the year. Through this collaborative approach, participants were able to explore innovative solutions to common challenges.
As we reflect on the success of Small Business Training Week 2024 in Chicago, we are reminded of the importance of fostering a supportive ecosystem for small businesses. By breaking down barriers, providing resources, and fostering collaboration, we can empower small businesses to thrive and contribute to the strength, resilience, and security of our nation’s economy.