In this session from the Navy Gold Coast 2025 conference, SBA leaders and small business experts Luci Montgomery and Michael Sovacool discuss the challenges and opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses (VOSBs) and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses (SDVOSBs) navigating the federal contracting landscape.The conversation covers:• How to avoid common mistakes when applying for SBA certifications• Why working with Apex Accelerators, SBDCs, and VBOCs can help you succeed at no cost• The importance of timely communication with the SBA during the certification process• Clarifying the “Rule of Two” in federal contracting and what changes could mean for small businesses• How joint ventures, teaming, and the Mentor-Protégé Program open doors for small businesses lacking past performance• The risks of predatory loans and how to seek safe SBA-backed funding optionsIf you’re a veteran entrepreneur, small business owner, or anyone pursuing federal contracts, this discussion provides essential tips, updates, and warnings to help you succeed in the government contracting (GovCon) space.Learn more about Supply Chain Management (SCM): https://www.scmsource.comSBA San Diego: https://www.sba.gov/district/san-diego#SBA #FederalContracting #VeteranOwnedBusiness #SDVOSB #SmallBusinessCertification #GovCon #NavyGoldCoast #GovernmentContracts #MentorProtege #BusinessGrowth

William Osgood of SCM Consulting sits down with Chris Hanley, founder of IntelliSun and a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business owner, for a deeply personal and insightful conversation on values, timing, mentorship, and growth in government contracting.

In this interview, Chris shares his journey from the U.S. Navy into entrepreneurship, his transition into the solar industry, and why it took more than a decade before formally partnering with SCM Consulting. Through stories of patience, persistence, and “divine timing,” Chris explains how focusing on character, relationships, and authenticity ultimately opened doors that strategy alone could not.

Topics covered in this conversation include:• Why core values must drive every business decision• The danger of chasing money instead of pursuing excellence• Lessons from military service that translate directly to entrepreneurship• How mentorship accelerates growth and shortens the learning curve• The power of being authentic, vulnerable, and relationship-focused• Why asking for help is a strength, not a weakness• How meaningful connections lead to unexpected opportunities in GovCon

This episode is especially valuable for veteran-owned businesses, SDVOSBs, and entrepreneurs navigating federal contracting while trying to build something sustainable, values-driven, and impactful.Learn more about Supply Chain Management (SCM) and our work supporting government contractors:https://www.scmsource.comLearn more about IntelliSun: https://intellisun.net/

William Osgood of SCM Consulting sits down with BobbyMesmer, a veteran business leader who transformed a small construction operation into one of the world’s leading vertically integrated, pre-engineered steel companies.

In this in-depth conversation, Bobby shares how focusing onexecution, self-performance, and customer value helped his company grow from a single federal contractor into a global organization with hundreds of employees and operations across the U.S. and abroad.

In this video, you’ll hear insights on:

• How federal and municipal contracts helpedestablish a foundation for long-term growth.
• Why self-performing work creates higherstandards, better quality control, and stronger trust.
• The dangers of chasing revenue instead offocusing on excellence and execution.
• How vertical integration became a competitiveadvantage in the steel and construction market.
• Why culture, integrity, and consistency mattermore than short-term margins.
• The role of mentor-protégé relationships inhelping veteran-owned businesses succeed.
• How learning from mistakes fuels sustainablegrowth rather than failure .

This conversation is packed with practical lessons forgovernment contractors, veteran entrepreneurs, and business owners who want to scale responsibly, build credibility with customers, and create lasting value in their industries.

Learn more about SCM Consulting and our work supportinggovernment contractors: https://www.scmsource.com

Learn more about RMG Erectors: https://www.rmgerectors.com/