2026 Virginia Small Business Symposium: Contracting For Success
Winning government contracts starts with knowing where opportunities are posted and how to compete for them — join us to find out.
The 2026 Small Business Symposium: Contracting for Success is a free, in-person event designed to help small businesses understand the government procurement process and confidently pursue contracting opportunities at the local, state, and federal levels.
Hosted by the Virginia Department of Small Business & Supplier Diversity in partnership with James Madison University, this symposium provides practical guidance on registering in procurement systems, navigating purchasing portals, identifying contract opportunities, and positioning your business to compete successfully. Along the way, you’ll connect with procurement professionals, resource partners, and fellow entrepreneurs who can help support your contracting journey.
Event Agenda
8:30 AM | Doors Open
Check-In & Networking
Welcome & Opening Remarks
- Eric Lin — Agency Director, SBSD
- Katie Weaver — Director of Procurement, JMU
Partner Introductions
Keynote Session: Stop Guessing, Start Winning
Larry White — Category Manager, Virginia IT Agency (VITA)
Buyer Panel Discussion — Session I
- Crystal Hypes — Acting Director of Contracts and Procurement, DMV
- Krista McDaniel — Assistant Director of Strategic Operations, JMU
- Laura Ashburn — Procurement Officer, VEDM
- Stacie Frierson — Sr. Manager, Channel Business, W.W. Grainger, Inc.
Panel Discussion — Session II
- Thomas E. Addison II — President, 4TAS Supply & Maintenance
- Antonio Landivar — Principal, Landivar & Associates, LLC
- Brent L. Elliott — President, Positive Pressure
Business Resource Spotlight
RetirePath & SBDC
Power Networking, Resource Fair & Lunch
FREE TO ATTEND, BUT REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED.
If you have questions regarding this event, please contact Ramain.Gohar@sbsd.virginia.gov