Department of Defense Small Business Training Week
- New Orleans, LA
Overview
The Department of Defense (DoD) aimed to convene its nationwide Small Business Offices to promote knowledge sharing, foster collaboration, and elevate the role of small businesses in defense procurement. The annual Small Business Training Week was designed to provide training, networking, and strategic alignment across agencies to increase small business participation in major defense programs.
Approach
Hosted in New Orleans, LA at the Sheraton New Orleans from April 23–27, the 3rd annual SBTW brought together over 650 attendees representing 50+ Small Business Offices across the country. The 5-day conference featured a robust agenda with:
80+ speakers participating in general sessions, breakout workshops, and panel discussions
A curated mix of sessions focused on procurement strategies, small business advocacy, and policy updates
Networking events and cross-agency discussions to promote inter-office collaboration and share best practices
This immersive event was designed to equip DoD personnel with the tools and insights necessary to advance small business goals within their respective commands and agencies.
Results
SBTW18 served as a pivotal platform for capacity building and professional development among small business professionals across the Department of Defense. By fostering dialogue and highlighting actionable strategies:
It strengthened the DoD’s commitment to small business inclusion
Enhanced alignment on procurement goals across 50+ offices
Empowered attendees with new resources, connections, and insights to better support small business engagement in defense contracts
This annual event remains a cornerstone in the DoD’s efforts to build a more inclusive and innovative defense acquisition ecosystem.
