UCF History with Dr. Stacey Malaret

As part of its ongoing Expert Speaker series, the Florida APEX Accelerator at UCF is pleased to host the U.S. Small Business Administration's Office of Government Contracting - Area III to discuss best practices on how to use market research to make one's business more competitive. Procurement Center Representative Jessica Gaskins will provide resources and guidance on how to conduct market research to learn more about one's business, the industry their business supports and potential competitors.Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/market-research-your-business-and-competition-5a1e6g4TuaV/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/market-research-your-business-and-competition-5a1e6g4TuaV/overview

If you're thinking of starting a business, it's important to take the right steps. This two-hour virtual seminar will give you an overview of what to know, actions to take and how to avoid common missteps to give your company its greatest chance of success.Learn about the journey from pre-venture to start-up to opening your business and cover:* Business legal entity selection * Registration and licensing * Marketing and branding * Sources of financing and capital * Business plan buildingVirtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1e6g4Tucb/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/how-to-start-your-business-5a1e6g4TucW/overview

Federal, state and local government procurement is the largest target market in the world.The question is usually not "Does the government buy what you are selling?" It is more, "Can you be competitive enough and relentless enough to position your business to win government contracts?" If you think you can be competitive, then government contracting may be a good growth opportunity for your business.The Government Contracting Overview seminar, presented by the APEX Accelerators at UCF in partnership with the Florida SBDC at UCF, is designed for established small business owners with some commercial momentum that are curious about government contracting, as well as business owners that may already be involved in government contracting. This workshop will present government contracting in three components: positioning for government contracting, developing reactive business development strategies and developing proactive business development strategies. Specifically, we will discuss registration requirements, social-economic certification opportunities, market research tools, Florida PTAC's "Bid-Match" system and what we refer to as the initial "marketing tool kit" for government contractors.Join us for this great learning opportunity!Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/government-contracting-overview-5a1e6g4Tumg/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/government-contracting-overview-5a1e6g4Trwr/overview

This webinar will provide an overview of the marketing process for small business, as well as a close look at all elements of a marketing plan. Marketing is the driver of revenue growth and an imperative for small business success. Topics include the traditional four "P's" of marketing -- product, place, promotion and price -- as well as three new "P's" with special application to small businesses -- positioning, people and planning.Please note: Certain device's operating systems (e.g. Windows S mode), browsers, programs/features, applications, firewalls, etc. may exist that restrict you from accessing this GoToWebinar session and its features. If you run into such technical difficulties, please do any of the following:* Use Microsoft Edge Restart your device * Disable Microsoft S Mode * Configure your device's firewall to allow GoTo Webinar to run * Use a different deviceVirtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/marketing-basics-webinar-5a1e6g4TumH/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/marketing-basics-webinar-5a1e6g4TrxG/overview

Capability Statement Boot Camp powered by the APEX Accelerator at UCF.A capability statement is a popular piece of marketing collateral in government contracting. It's a one-page summary of the business, much like a company resume, that can be a great tool to introduce your business. A capability statement won't be the only piece of marketing collateral that you use in government contracting, but it can be a great first step.Kara Vernon and Steve South of the APEX Accelerator at UCF will present a detailed introduction to the capability statement and how it can be used in government contracting. Highlights will include:* An overview of the capability statement * A review of key components of a capability statement, including core competencies, differentiators and past performance * The importance of customizing your capability statementKara and Steve will also review some example capability statements as part of their discussion, with the hope that there will be at least one or two clients who are willing to have their capability statements reviewed in front of the audience.Join us for this training session focused on the cornerstone of your government contracting marketing effort!Virtual Location URL: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/capability-statement-boot-camp-5a1e6g4Tun0/overview Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/capability-statement-boot-camp-5a1e6g4Tumv/overview

We look forward to seeing you in person at the National Entrepreneur Center in Orlando.If you reside in Florida, you are subject to floods, storms and other natural events on an annual basis. When FEMA is activated, emergency contracting will be needed, and if you are registered in the [SAM.gov](http://sam.gov/) disaster registry your firm may be considered for those short-fused contracts. During this live workshop, we will discuss how emergency contracting takes place, will address some of the provision of the Stafford Act to protect impacted area small businesses and will highlight some of the federal agencies, such as FEMA, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and others, that make use of contractors to fulfill their disaster recovery mission.This seminar is held at the National Entrepreneur Center located in the Orlando Fashion Square Mall. [Click here for a map and directions.](https://flsbdc.my.salesforce.com/sfc/p/6g000003Q8Wa/a/6g000000BKI2/mWcdMGDC73f_QG5_.lI1Dx0TrWLpYVtksHwsNQOc9qs)Event sponsored by the Florida Small Business Development Center at UCF. Registration Link: https://events.blackthorn.io/en/6g3Q8Wa7/sba-workshop-disaster-recovery-sometimes-gray-clouds-bring-a-silver-lining-5a1e6g4Twab/overview