Spirit Electronics recently completed the Veteran Institute Procurement (VIP) GROW Program, a comprehensive training and certification program that helps veteran-owned businesses strengthen their ability to win government contracts and do business with both military and civilian agencies they once served in uniform.
On March 28, 2019, Spirit Electronics was one of 49 businesses from 13 states and the District of Columbia to graduate from the Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) GROW Program. Spirit was a guest of Lockheed Martin for attendance to the class.
“Attaining the VIP GROW certification gives Spirit Electronics more resources, credibility and knowledge in procuring government contracts,” said Marti McCurdy, CEO of Spirit Electronics. “I’m proud to be a US veteran and grateful to continue to serve our country through our company’s business.”
The first program of its kind in the nation, VIP GROW is conducted by professional subject-matter specialists in the essentials necessary to win government contracts: law, accounting, insurance, human resources, marketing and proposals. It also provides participants with access to Federal and prime contracting executives along with a national network of veteran owned small businesses that they can team with on opportunities.
Since its launch in 2009, VIP GROW has helped 880 service-disabled and veteran-owned small businesses grow. A survey of 426 of the program’s graduates determined that the size of their businesses increased by an average of 64% within a year of graduating from the Institute. More than 82% of surveyed graduates credited VIP GROW for equipping them to make recent business decisions and avoid unseen pitfalls. Additionally, veteran-owned businesses are more likely to hire, mentor and train other war veterans as they transition to private life, which is a national priority.
“We are honored to give back to the men and women who served our country by providing them with the tools necessary to succeed as government contractors.” said Barbara Ashe, President of the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation. “We hope this training fosters their success as businesses and employers.”
