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NEW MEC-Fairfax Video
Check out the new promotional video for the MEC-Fairfax on YouTube!
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2014 Business Appreciation Breakfast
On May 22, 2014, the Fauquier County Department of Economic Development held the 2014 Business Appreciation Breakfast for Fauquier County businesses. The event was held to honor Fauquier County businesses and recognize their contributions to the community. Miles Friedman, director of the Fauquier County Department of Economic Development, gave an in-depth overview of the accomplishments completed in the past 12 months and a forecast of plans and goals for the upcoming year. Keith Segerson, executive director, Mason Enterprise Center Network elaborated on the partnership between the Mason Enterprise Center, Department of Economic Development, the Fauquier Chamber, and the Greater Warrenton Chamber. |
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MEC-Leesburg New Staff Profile: Ginia Hildreth
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Ginia Hildreth
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MEC-Leesburg welcomed Ginia Hildreth on Tuesday, March 25, as the full-time Assistant Manager for the MEC-Leesburg in Loudoun County. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in psychology at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, '92, and has worked for Mason since February 2012: first in HR at the Fairfax campus and then at the Mason in Loudoun academic center in Sterling. Previously, she worked as a career advisor with the Art Institute of Charlotte and has experience in start-ups, high tech, and non-profit environments. Hailing from Vienna and now living in Ashburn, she has enjoyed getting to know Loudoun and engaging in the thriving entrepreneurial environment here.
Please contact Ginia for operational concerns or conference room requests, and for anything if Susan's not in. She is quite capable, a good problem-solver and willing to jump right in. You may reach her via email, ghildret@gmu.edu, phone, 703-466-0466 or stop by Suite 100. Her core coverage hours are 9am-5pm, M-F.
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Mason SBDC Goes Global
For hundreds of years, people have flocked to the new world to find their fortunes. It's not surprising that some of America's most energetic entrepreneurs are recent immigrants. Despite their enthusiasm, expatriate business owners face unique obstacles on their paths to success. Starting a new business is a challenge on its own, foreign-born entrepreneurs must face that challenge while overcoming language and cultural barriers. They must learn the rules of an unfamiliar and often confusing legal system. Mason SBDC counselor Bernard Ferret, more than most, has experienced these challenges first-hand and knows how to overcome them.
On May 15th, Bernard spoke to an assembly of potential entrepreneurs at the French Embassy in Washington DC. A French expatriate himself, Bernard shared his experiences as a successful business owner in the US. Some of the topics Bernard discussed included American business culture, federal and state laws, tax compliance, and marketing. The presentation was only scheduled to last an hour and a half. Audience participation was so enthusiastic that it ended up lasting over 3 hours.
Many of those in attendance have already taken the plunge and started their own businesses. As they grow, Mason SBDC will be there to provide guidance every step of the way.
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Congratulations to the New
(& repeat) Parents of the Mason Enterprise Center!
Virgnia SBDC's newest addition by way of Holly Park, Associate State Director:
 | | "Ellie" Gabrielle Yenna Choi was born on April 21, 2014. She was 6 pounds 10 ounces, 19 inches. |
 | | Emmaline Constance Snitzer came into this world on May 25th at 9:13 AM. She weighed 7lbs 7oz. Mommy and baby are doing well. |
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SCORE Counseling
The Mason Enterprise Center wants to remind you that SCORE mentoring services are available in the Center's multiple locations.
SCORE is a resource partner with the Small Business Administration that is dedicated to entrepreneur education and the formation, growth, and success of small businesses nationwide. SCORE is staffed by 15,000 working and retired executives and business owners nationwide who donate their time and expertise as volunteer business counselors and provide confidential counseling and mentoring free of charge. 50 of these SCORE mentors support clients in the DC area.
Entrepreneurs can meet with a SCORE representative to gain assistance about starting their business, developing a business plan and growing their business.
SCORE is available in Fairfax on Thursdays between 10 AM and 3 PM. Please contact Elizabeth Torrens at 703-277-7700 or email confacct@gmu.edu to make an appointment.
SCORE is available by appointment in Leesburg from 9 AM to 1 PM on Wednesdays. To make an appointment, call 571-441-1826, or email SCORELoudoun@gmail.com.
SCORE is available by appointment in Manassas from 10 AM to 3 PM on Tuesdays. Please contact Rizza Villacorte at 703-993-9415 or via email rvillac2@gmu.edu to make an appointment.
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MEC-Fauquier Celebrating Small Business Week
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Left to right : Michael Rainger, Judy Olsen, Miles Friedman, Shane Phillips, Chester Stribling, Renee Younes, Lee Sherbeyn, Holder Trumbo, Amber Knighting, PhD, Congressman Hurt, Keith Segerson
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On May 15, 2014, we were honored to have Congressman Robert Hurt, 5th District, Virginia visit The Mason Enterprise Center, Fauquier, in recognition of Small Business Week. Congressman Hurt is a member of the Financial Services Committee, which has jurisdiction over all aspects of the nation's financial and housing sectors. The Committee will play an important role in moving our economy forward. He is also Vice Chairman of the Capital Markets and Government Sponsored Enterprises Subcommittee and will serve a second term on the Housing and Insurance Subcommittee.
Congressman Hurt actively conversed with three of our new Mason Enterprise clients, inquiring about their company's formation, goals and plans.
In addition to Congressman's presence, three of the Fauquier County Board of Supervisors were also present: Holder Trumbo, Chester Stribling and Lee Sherbeyn. Miles Friedman, director, Fauquier County Department of Economic Development, and Keith Segerson, executive director, Mason Enterprise Center Network were also in attendance.
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Procurement Technical Assistance Program
Operations Manager Retires
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Mary E. McGuire
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Mary E. McGuire, operations manager of the George Mason University Procurement Technical Assistance Program (PTAP) is retiring in June after 20 years of service with the program. Mary, a 1992 graduate of Mary Washington University, is a native of Ohio who relocated to Virginia in 1985 with her husband who was stationed at the Pentagon at the time. Starting at the Manassas office in 1994, she quickly relocated to Fairfax to become part of the newly formed Enterprise Center (now known as the Mason Enterprise Center or MEC). During her time with PTAP, Mary contributed to the seven county regional program's expansion to a state-wide program serving 70% of Virginia's small businesses. Throughout her tenure, the number of clients participating grew from a few hundred to over several thousand. Mary helped promote the program's services by working with Virginia Congressmen and various federal, state and local small business agencies, including military offices. Her motivation came from the thousands of incredible small business people she spoke with each day. When asked about her experience, Mary says "PTAP taught me an incredible lesson of how to really listen, respect and communicate with the vast talent of small business owners and their desire to succeed." She mentored and supervised over 50 George Mason University students who worked with her and the other PTAP staff during a 20 year period and she remains in contact with many of them. Mary plans to spend her retirement traveling with her husband Bob and spending quality time with their children and twelve grandchildren!
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MEC-Fairfax New Client Profile: ILD Education
ILD Education provides International Leadership Development to English-medium educational enterprises and institutions. Current and former clients include for-profit Education corporations, Schools and School Boards, Universities and Education Investors. ILD's offices are also located in London, U.K. (2012), and Seoul, Korea (2013). Services include market entry strategy, commercial due diligence of education assets, growth strategy and operational improvements. Specialties include international education, English and world languages, Korea, education industry, teacher development, strategy consulting.
ILD education chose the MEC because of the incubator's location, proximity to thought-leaders in the DMV area and its flexibility.
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MEC-Fairfax New Client Profile: Éclat Transitions LLC
 | | Al Malinchak, Owner |
Éclat Transitions provides consulting services and subject matter expertise on public and military to private sector career transitioning to individuals, groups, government agencies and military branches. Our services include an eTransition Guidebook, Resume Transformation, Counseling/Coaching/Guidance during your transitional timeframe, seminars, workshops and keynote speaking engagements.
Éclat Transitions is a certified and verified (cVe) Service Disabled Veteran Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).  "The reason I chose the MEC - I know several individuals who own companies who are long time clients of MEC and their positive comments about the staff and services led me to MEC and they were 100% correct!" - Al Malinchak, Owner
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MEC-Fauquier New Client Profile:
MarC Trust Mortgage, LLC
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Carol Dubinsky
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In 2003, the entrepreneurial spirit took over and Carol Dubinsky left a successful banking career. She gave two weeks' notice and just walked out the door bringing no customers with her. She worked diligently to build a mortgage business from scratch. In 2005, Carol was incorporated, but delayed two years in starting the business. In 2007, the doors officially opened for MarC Trust Mortgage, LLC. The fact that she survived the housing market crash and has had her company for 6.5 years is an outstanding accomplishment. Carol says, "The housing market crashed in 2007 just when I opened my doors and with only one product--a first mortgage! It was a difficult time to get a loan because people were 'waiting' to see what was going to happen. I started at the worst possible time and built my business in a down market while conditions continued to worsen in 2008."
Carol was happy to recently change her office location to the Mason Enterprise Center and is the first move-in tenant. With access to conference rooms, projectors/screens, and other services the MEC is going to help her business grow in Leesburg, Manassas, Springfield, and Fairfax. She is launching a new first mortgage product by the end of the year that is fairly new to the US and promises to be an excellent product for some borrowers.
Carol is a member of the Fauquier Chamber of Commerce serving on the membership committee and president of a leadshare group; member of the Greater Warrenton Chamber of Commerce; member of Haymarket Gainesville Business Association, and a volunteer on a Vehicles for Change Loan Review Committee under Northern Virginia Family Service.
The non-depository financial institution continues to grow and has been aiding the local communities by providing exceptional experience, knowledge, and customer service. Carol is known for doing loans from the heart.
Carol would like to share her three best business practices:
* Always do what is best for the customer
* Demand excellence
* Have a growth mindset and never give up
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MEC-Prince William New Client Profile:
Stilwell Technology and Robotics, LLC
 | | Wayne Stilwell, CEO |
In May, the MEC welcomed a new tech start-up that is writing software to make robots work together as a team. Stilwell Technology and Robotics, LLC, is a robotics systems software company planning to deliver robot team capability to several industries including geriatric care, security, agriculture, military, prisons, and other settings. STR hopes to become a major company and is working with the Prince William Department of Economic Development as well as the Virginia Economic Development Partnership to bring a growing industry and jobs to the county. CEO Wayne Stilwell is a recent retiree from the US Army and a service-disabled veteran. He states that STR is getting a strong start because of the unique nature of George Mason University's Simulation and Gaming Institute and the vision of Dr. Scott Martin to make such an opportunity become a reality. The company has begun hiring students to help build the interoperable architecture, programming, and robotics platforms that will demonstrate the first version of SqaudLeader robotics team software. "Our company is getting great support from George Mason University through office space, equipment, and a great location for collaboration. Other businesses are right around the corner and we are able to help each other with contacts and expertise in our fields. Most of all, we are hiring well prepared George Mason University students and graduates to dream and succeed with us. They are eager and ready to build a better future for our nation and the world. We are especially excited to change the lives of the elderly through greater independence and dignity in their later years, and that is starting right here at the Prince William Campus."
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SCORE Services at MEC-Fairfax
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Michael Calhoun
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MEC-Fairfax welcomed Michael Calhoun as its new SCORE counselor in April, 2014. Mr. Calhoun is an experienced senior executive in Federal Civilian IT Services Management. He has over 27 years of experience as a successful senior consultant, engineer, technical services manager, and business development leader in the information technology sector supporting federal government contracts. Expertise includes business process, information security, program management, telecommunications, engineering design, governance, and cloud services. Experienced in alliance and partner development, sales and business development processes, proposal management, quality systems, and strategic planning. Knowledge of building small businesses, developing infrastructure, and merging organizations.
SCORE counseling appointments in Fairfax are available on Thursdays between 10 AM and 3 PM. To register, sign up online and contact confacct@gmu.edu if you are interested in making an appointment at the Fairfax office.
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MEC-Fairfax Client Awarded Contract
 Visionary Consulting Partners, LLC, Fairfax, VA, has been awarded the Temporary Administrative and Professional Support Contract put forth by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). In direct compliance to the contract, Visionary will provide the personnel required to assume the role of Senior Advisor. This is an executive level position that is currently located in USAID's Center for Mission Engagement and Operations (MEO) of the U.S. Global Development Lab - a new entity within USAID that brings together a diverse set of Partners that work tirelessly to discover, test, and scale breakthrough solutions geared towards achieving what mankind has only recently made possible: Ending extreme poverty by 2030. Reporting to the Director, MEO, the Senior Advisor will be crucial in the following areas: 1) Building the leadership, performance, and capacity of the Regional Support Team (RSP). 2) Integrating MEO goals with mission plans/operations to advance the Development Lab's overall goal of accelerating the use of Science, Technology, Innovation and Partnerships (STIP) to eliminate world hunger by 2030. 3) Assuming Development Lab assignments that require field perspective and leadership to advance the Lab's reform agenda. Once the aforementioned goals are achieved, the Senior Advisor will have enabled the RST to serve as a catalyst to build USAID's capacity to take STIP to a global scale by supporting a five-stage process of; engagement, definition, design, implementation of STIP signature efforts - ultimately culminating with the establishment of a think/link to a focused community of practice for continuous learning.
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PTAP Director Graduates from
Leadership Fairfax Program
Congratulations to Anna Urman, PTAP director, for graduating on June 5th with the Leadership Fairfax Program (LFI) class of 2014!  Anna Urman (pictured far left) with the LFI Class of 2014
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Upcoming Events in Fairfax
Please visit the PTAP website to register for any of the below seminars.
10 Things to Consider Before Entering the Federal Market
Date: June 24, 2014 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $75.00
Responding to RFPs
Date: June 26 2014 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $75.00
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Upcoming Events in Leesburg
MEC-Leesburg
Tuesday, July 15, 2014 5:30 PMTuesday, August 19, 2014 5:30 PM
1 Million Cups (every Wednesday 9 to 10 AM, skipping 1st Wednesday of each month)
1 Million Cups in Leesburg is an innovative program initially launched through the Kauffman Foundation that allows entrepreneurs to polish their presentation and get feedback from others in the entrepreneurial community.
Next dates:
Wed. June 25: 9 AM to 10 AM Wed. July 9: 9 AM to 10 AM Wed. July 16: 9 AM to 10 AM
Wed. July 23: 9 AM to 10 AM
Wed. July 30: 9 AM to 10 AM
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Upcoming Events in Prince William
1 Million Cups Prince William (every Wednesday 9 to 10 AM)
Join our caffeinated community! 1 Million Cups Prince William is an open forum where a small business entrepreneur presents their business challenge to a diverse group of mentors, advisers and other small business entrepreneurs in our community. Past presenters and attendees have found the feedback to be invaluable and very thought provoking. The meeting is held at the Hylton Performing Arts Center on the George Mason University campus in Manassas every Wednesday. Doors open at 8:30 AM for coffee and networking and the presentation starts at 9 AM. To see our upcoming presenters, join our group at www.meetup.com/1-Million-Cups-Manassas.
There is no charge to attend or present.
Next dates:
Wed, June 25: 9 AM to 10 AM
Wed, July 2: 9 AM to 10 AM
Wed, July 9: 9 AM to 10 AM
Wed, July 16: 9 AM to 10 AM
Wed, July 23: 9 AM to 10 AM
Wed, July 30: 9 AM to 10 AM
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Upcoming Events in Springfield
Community Business PartnershipSmall Business Resources (Orientation) THE PLACE TO START!
Tuesday, July 1, from 12 P.M. to 1 P.M. FREE
Tuesday, July 15, from 8 A.M. to 9 A.M. FREE
Monday, July 28, from 5 P.M. to 6 P.M. FREE
Tuesday, Aug 12, from 8 A.M. to 9 A.M. FREE
ABC's of Starting a Business
Saturday, July 12, from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. Cost $25
Saturday, Aug 2, from 9 A.M. to 12 P.M. Cost $25
Registering Your Business - The Legal Nuts and Bolts
Wednesday, July 9, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Cost $25
Wednesday, Aug 13, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Cost $25
5 Steps to Creating a Marketing Plan
Wednesday, July 16, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Cost $25
Wednesday, July 16, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Cost $25
Wednesday, Sep 17, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Cost $25
Hiring and Retaining Quality Employees
Thursday, Aug 14, from 1 P.M. to 4 P.M. Cost $50
QuickBooks I: Introduction to QuickBooks Pro for Business Accounting
Tues, July 15; Wed, July 16 & Thurs, July 17, from 5:45 P.M. to 9 P.M.
Cost $115
Tues, Aug 19; Wed, Aug 20 & Thurs, Aug 21, from 5:45 P.M. to 9 P.M.
Cost $115
QuickBooks II: Beyond the Basics
Tues, July 22; Wed, July 23, from 5:45pm to 9pm Cost $95
Are Your Dollars Making Sense?
Thursday, July 10, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Cost $25
Thursday, Aug 14, from 10 A.M. to 1 P.M. Cost $25
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