BELL’s 5th Annual Business & Government Contracting Summit

July 3, 2025

The Black Entrepreneurs Leaders and Learners (BELL) hosted their 5th Annual Business & Government Contracting Summit on June 27-28, attracting 130 attendees seeking knowledge about accessing capital, contracts, and opportunities. Over 30 speakers, including procurement officers, supplier diversity leaders, and successful business owners, shared strategies for securing government and corporate contracts across more than 25 workshops and panels. Co-founders Brian Ware and Jayton Harps created the summit to address the knowledge and networking gaps preventing peers from accessing contracts.

Who is affected

Entrepreneurs, business owners, and those beginning their entrepreneurial journey
Historically underrepresented businesses seeking government and corporate contracts
Nonprofit organizations and small businesses
The 130 attendees who participated in the summit
Black business owners and entrepreneurs (implied by the organization's name and focus)

What action is being taken

BELL is hosting its 5th Annual Business & Government Contracting Summit
Representatives from government agencies and corporations are sharing insider knowledge on certification and contract procurement
The summit is offering hands-on workshops, B2B speed networking, and panels on supplier diversity programs and contracting basics
A $2,500 pitch competition is being conducted where entrepreneurs present their business ideas
Dedicated training sessions for nonprofit organizations and small businesses are being provided

Why it matters

The summit addresses the knowledge, network, and mentorship gaps that prevent many entrepreneurs from accessing contracts
It provides access to capital, contracts, and opportunities for those historically left out of these conversations
It offers real-world strategies for navigating complex procurement systems and building competitive bids
The event creates a platform for relationship-building between small businesses and major contracting entities
It equips attendees with tools and partnerships to grow their businesses with confidence and purpose

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint