About this Event
Getting in Front of Government Buyers Is Step One. Winning the Contract Is What Comes Next.
A 90-minute lunch & learn for small business owners ready to turn government connections into real work.
Many small businesses can get registered and meet the right buyers, but still struggle to land contracts, especially the smaller ones that build a track record. Certifications add another layer of confusion: which ones open doors, and which ones aren’t worth the time? In this session, Hutch by Fearless Institute walks through how to turn buyer access into contracts, and the Department of Economic Mobility breaks down the certifications available to small businesses, including when they make sense and when they don’t.
THIS IS FOR YOU IF:
- You’ve met government buyers or registered on procurement portals but haven’t landed a contract yet
- You’re not sure how to follow up after connecting with a buyer
- You’ve heard about small business certifications but don’t know which ones fit your business
- You want to build a track record with state, county, or local agencies
WHAT YOU’LL WALK AWAY WITH:
- A clear plan for following up with buyers and positioning your business for upcoming opportunities
- How to go after smaller contracts that build past performance and credibility
- An overview of the certifications available to small businesses
- An honest read on when a certification is worth pursuing and when it isn’t
- Direct access to support and resources from Hutch and the Department of Economic Mobility
AGENDA:
- Networking & Lunch (15 min)
- Part One: Turning Access into Contracts with Hutch (30 min)
- Part Two: Certifications: When They Make Sense and When They Don’t with the Department of Economic Mobility (30 min)
- Closing Networking (15 min)
DETAILS:
- 📅 Wednesday, December 9, 2026 · 12:00–1:30 PM ET
- 📍 Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, MD 21046
- ⏱️ 90 minutes
- 🎟️ Lunch provided · Networking + two expert-led sessions
- 💵 $35 General Admin. | $25 Virtual
Disclaimer:
By registering for this event, you agree that your contact information may be shared with the event sponsor(s) for follow-up communications related to the event or their services. If you prefer not to have your information shared, please contact the event organizer directly.
Please note: Photos, videos and recordings may be taken during the event and used for marketing or promotional purposes by the organizers and sponsors. By attending, you consent to the use of your image and likeness in these materials.
Event venue & nearby stays
Maryland Innovation Center, 6751 Columbia Gateway Drive, Columbia, United States
Concerts, fests, parties, meetups — all the happenings, one place.