Mason offers a variety of ways to help entrepreneurs get their businesses started through university connections, programs, and partnerships.
Virginia Small Business Development Center Network
The SBDC Network is an alliance between the U.S. Small Business Administration, Mason, and local sponsors throughout the Commonwealth that provides customized counseling and education for small businesses. Participants can meet one-on-one with certified business analysts and attend group training sessions on management topics.
Community Business Partnership
The CBP is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that provides training and support for aspiring small business owners. Its primary goal is to help women, minorities, veterans, and low-to-moderate income entrepreneurs.
Mentor-Protégé Program
Mason's MPP supports a Department of Defense program and builds long-term business relationships among major contractors, small disadvantaged businesses (SDB), and women-owned small businesses (WOSB).
Mason is a third-party developmental-assistance provider to firms for general business management, engineering, technical guidance, and training.
Procurement Technical Assistance Program
PTAP is a cooperative agreement between the Defense Logistics Agency and Mason that boosts contracting and sub-contracting deals among small businesses, contractors, and federal, state and local governments.
Its services include counseling on business and proposal development, small business programs, program management, and other procurement matters, as well as market research, outreach, and educational programs.
International Business Development
This program helps established businesses find new customers in the global marketplace. Participants get counseling and training to help with marketing, logistics, financing and legal issues.