Build. Compete. Win: FREE Business In Development (B.I.D.) Academy

The Business in Development Academy (B.I.D.) is a free, expert-led training program developed by Prairie View A&M University Extension to help North Texas entrepreneurs build stronger, more fundable businesses — with the tools, knowledge, and network to pursue government contracts, attract the right opportunities, and grow with confidence. Whether you are just starting out or ready to scale, B.I.D. Academy meets you where you are and takes you further.

WHAT MAKES B.I.D. ACADEMY DIFFERENT

This is not a networking mixer or a one-day seminar. B.I.D. Academy is a structured, multi-session training experience led by working industry professionals who have built businesses, won contracts, and navigated the exact challenges your business faces right now. Every session is designed to connect directly to the next, building your business layer by layer across the full program.

Unlike many programs that focus on theory, B.I.D. Academy delivers practical, immediately applicable knowledge alongside real tools, templates, and resources you can put to work the same week. And because it is developed and delivered through Prairie View A&M University Extension, participants benefit from the credibility, network, and ongoing support of one of the most respected institutions in Texas.

With 450+ entrepreneurs trained and $9.2M+ in contracts won by participants since 2019, the results speak for themselves.

WHAT YOU GET

- Free access to expert-led sessions across April and May 2026

- Training in government contracting, business planning, branding, funding, legal compliance, and more

- A physical and digital workbook with session decks, reference materials, and resources

- Exclusive access to special cohort sessions including Picture This 2: Building Your Brand Story and Digital Skills with Stack Moses of Black Roadie Films

- Free Grow With Google certification registration — earn industry-recognized credentials in Digital Marketing, AI Essentials, Cybersecurity, Data Analytics, and more at no cost through PV Extension

- A Graduation Ceremony and Luncheon celebrating your completion with certificates, networking, and a business showcase

- Vendor tables at every session for community connections and business promotion

- A network of professionals, partners, and fellow entrepreneurs invested in your success

- Ongoing follow-up coaching and support beyond the core sessions

WHY THE CMBL IS YOUR NEXT MOVE

The Centralized Master Bidders List (CMBL) is the gateway to government contracting opportunities across Texas — and most small business owners do not know it exists or how to use it. B.I.D. Academy walks you through the entire process, from registration to positioning to winning. Whether you are pursuing government contracts or building your private sector client base, the fundamentals are the same: strong planning, financial literacy, strategic marketing, and compliance mastery. We cover all of it.

CERTIFICATE OF COMPLETION

Participants who attend all sessions from April 1 through April 28 will receive a Certificate of Completion from Prairie View A&M University Extension. Individual sessions are also open and welcome to all — come for one or come for all.

SESSION SCHEDULE - APRIL 2026 Cohort

April 1 (Wednesday) | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Mesquite Room

Session 1: Cohort Introduction and CMBL Navigation & Government Contracting 101

Dr. Cassandra Bradford | Genesis Preferred Solutions

Tarrant County Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119

April 4 (Saturday) | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Session 2: Business Insurance and Bonding

Heather Jefferson | Heritage Insurance Brokerage PLLC

Session 3: Building Strategic Partnerships and Contract Negotiation

Katrina Hawkins | DJH Express Career Pathways

Hosted at DJH Express National Training Academy, 1221 Round Table Drive, Dallas, TX 75247

April 8 (Wednesday) | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Mesquite Room

Session 4: Business Plan Development

Queen Kima, CEO | Queendom Arts Consulting

Tarrant County Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119

April 14 (Tuesday) | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Mesquite Room

Session 5: Marketing and Branding

Jared Raines | Signature Style Media

Tarrant County Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119

April 22 (Wednesday) | 11:00 AM – 1:00 PM | Mesquite Room

Session 6: Subcontracting Opportunities and Strategic Positioning

Edwin Crittendon, Sr. | NxIntel

Tarrant County Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119

April 25 (Saturday) | 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM | Mesquite Room

Session 7: Business and Startup Funding

Dom Lewis | Comerica Bank

Session 8: Legal Structures and Compliance

Brittany Cooks | Cooks Accounting Solutions LLC

Tarrant County Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119

April 28 (Tuesday) | 12:00 – 2:00 PM | Mesquite Room

Graduation Ceremony and Luncheon

Celebrate your completion with certificates, networking opportunities, and business showcase presentations.

Tarrant County Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119

MAY 2026

May 13 (Wednesday) | 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Maple Room

Special Cohort Session: The Business Blend: Connect, Build, Partner

Business speed networking and resource event

Tarrant County Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119

May 27 (Wednesday) | 6:00 – 8:00 PM | Maple Room

Special Cohort Session: Picture This 2 — Building Your Brand Story and Digital Skills

(+ Grow With Google Certification Registration)

Stack Moses | Black Roadie Films

Tarrant County Resource Connection, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, TX 76119

LIMITED TO 40 PARTICIPANTS PER SESSION

Enrollment is capped at 40 to ensure personalized attention and meaningful connections. If we reach capacity, you will be added to our priority waitlist for the next B.I.D. Academy cohort.

Cost: FREE

Open to: All North Texas area entrepreneurs and business owners

QUESTIONS?

Contact: Chelse Lilly, M.S., EA-PV-CED

[email protected]

Learn more about PV Extension CED Tarrant County:

https://www.pvamu.edu/cafnr/extension/community-and-economic-development/

https://linktr.ee/cedtarrantcountyextension

Info: Business speed networking and resource event

Info: Building Your Brand Story and Digital Skills is a special B.I.D. Academy session combining a digital skills and branding walkthrough, free Grow With Google certification sign-up for April cohort members, and a hands-on visual storytelling experience led by cinematographer, Stack Moses.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

2300 Circle Dr, 2300 Circle Drive, Fort Worth, United States

Concerts, fests, parties, meetups - all the happenings, one place.

Get App