NETL was proud to celebrate National Veterans Small Business Week by hosting the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA) West Virginia District Office Veteran Small Business Day Tuesday, Nov. 5. 2019, at its Morgantown, West Virginia, site. The event included contacts, resources and professionals available to give small business owners the tools they need for maneuvering the business world and provide a foundation for doing business with the federal government.

Karen Friel, SBA West Virginia district director provided opening remarks at the event.

“Government contracts offer a tremendous financial opportunity for veteran-owned small businesses, but it can be difficult to get started,” Friel said. “That is why events like this are so important, by giving you the opportunity to meet those who can help you navigate through the complexities of government contracting and learn about ways to best position your business in the federal marketplace.”

The event featured a panel of veteran-owned small business owners who shared their entrepreneurial experience. The panel included representatives from 4D TechSolutions, PWG Inc., IT Mindshare Security Solutions, and the Alonso Group.

Also attending were representatives from the West Virginia University Office of Veteran and Military Programs, West Virginia Small Business Development Center, First Microloan of West Virginia, FORGE Business Solutions, and Regional Contracting Assistance Center.

The event closed with a Q&A and networking session.

NETL has a long history of supporting small businesses. For example, five small businesses have prime contracts with NETL supporting each of the three research sites in Morgantown, West Virginia; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Albany, Oregon. NETL also provides various resources for small business owners interested in working with the Lab and who fall into one of SBA’s set-aside categories, such as the 8(a) Small Business Development Program. More information about NETL’s procurement opportunities is available at: https://www.netl.doe.gov/business/site-support    

The SBA makes the American dream of business ownership a reality. The SBA empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners with the resources and support they need to start, grow or expand their businesses. It delivers services to people through an extensive network of SBA field offices and partnerships with public and private organizations.

NETL is a DOE national laboratory that produces technological solutions for America’s energy challenges. From developing creative innovations and efficient energy systems that make coal more competitive, to advancing technologies that enhance oil and natural gas extraction and transmission processes, NETL research is providing breakthroughs and discoveries that support home-grown energy initiatives, stimulate a growing economy, and improve the health, safety, and security of all Americans. Highly skilled men and women at three NETL research sites conduct a broad range of research activities that support DOE’s mission to advance the national, economic, and energy security of the United States.