Signature Events

ProcureConnect 2025 Summit

Photo

Building Regional Partnerships to Grow Your Business

Welcome to the ProcureConnect Summit!

WIFI USERNAME: Epicenterguest
WIFI PASSWORD: funfoodfitness
Share Your Experience on Socials

#ProcureConnect25 | #thisisdouglas | #wherepartnershipsTHRIVE

Agenda

9:00 – 9:45am - Registration & Breakfast

Enjoy Breakfast in the Recharging Station The Legacy Case Management

Discover how to strategically position your business for government and corporate contracts in this dynamic session featuring Terri Dennison of the U.S. Small Business Administration and Stacey J. Key of the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council.

Moderated by POSolutions, Inc. President, Shandron Forte, this discussion will demystify two critical—yet often overlooked—aspects of the procurement process: the importance of market research in developing a successful procurement strategy, and the value of certifications in opening doors to new opportunities. Whether you're new to contracting or looking to scale, this panel will equip you with the tools and insights needed to compete with confidence in B2B and B2G spaces.

11:00 - 11:30am - Exhibit Hall | VIP 1:1 | Headshot Headquarter's Open

  • Session 1 (Breakout Room 1):  - How to start an Amazon store
    • Speaker - Diana Munigu, Amazon
    • In this session, discover if you’re ready to sell in Amazon’s store and how to get started. Learn the fundamentals of selling with Amazon including what to sell and when, how to list and deliver your products, and how to grow and scale your brand online. Finally, we will also share information on the resources and programs Amazon has to help enable small business success.

 

 

 

  • Session 2 (Theatre): Cracking the Code: How to Do Business with Healthcare Systems
    • Speaker - Joe Castanon, Wellstar Health System 
    • Unlock the pathway to becoming a trusted supplier in the healthcare industry. Joe Castanon of Wellstar Health System will break down healthcare procurement—from navigating compliance requirements to identifying real contract opportunities. Learn what it takes to stand out, scale up, and succeed in one of the most complex and opportunity-rich sectors.

 

 

 

  • Session 3 (Breakout Room 2): Funding options
    • Speaker - Jasmine Aimes, Access to Capital for Entreprenuers
    • Gain the knowledge and tools you need to secure the funding your business deserves. Jasmine Aimes, Commercial Loan Officer with Access to Capital for Entrepreneurs (ACE), will guide you through preparing your financials, understanding lender expectations, and exploring ACE’s range of business products and services. Attendees will leave with a clear roadmap to strengthen their loan applications and position their business for growth.
12:30 - 1:15pm - Lunch, Exhibit Hall, Headshot Headquarters & VIP 1:1

Enjoy Lunch in the Recharging Station Sponsored by The Legacy Case Management

  • Session 1 (Breakout Room 1): The U.S. Small Business Administration: Everything You Ever Wanted to Know…and More
    • Speaker - Terri Denison, Small Business Administration

    • Join Terri Dennison for an insider’s look at the full scope of SBA resources available to help your business start, grow, and compete in today’s marketplace. From loan programs and government contracting to counseling and certifications, this session will unpack the many ways SBA supports entrepreneurs at every stage. Whether you're just starting out or ready to scale, this session is your roadmap to SBA success.

 

 

 

 

  • Session 2 (Theatre): Unlocking Niche Opportunities in Procurement
    • Speaker - David Thomas, BD

    • Discover how to identify and pursue specialized opportunities that set your business apart in the competitive procurement landscape. David Thompson, Sr. Global Procurement Business Manager at Becton Dickinson (BD), will share insider strategies for uncovering niche markets, positioning your offerings, and building relationships that lead to lasting contracts. Attendees will walk away with practical approaches to stand out, win business, and grow in untapped sectors.

 

 

 

 

 

    • Discover how artificial intelligence can help your business compete more effectively in the government procurement process. Learn how to streamline tasks, strengthen proposals, and uncover new opportunities using AI tools and strategies. Led by Robbie Parks with the UGA Small Business Development Center, attendees will walk away with actionable insights and ready-to-use prompts that give your business an edge.
2:30 - 3:00pm - Exhibit Hall, Recharging Station, Headshot Headquarters & VIP 1:1

Gain a rare insider’s perspective from procurement leaders across government, utilities, and healthcare as they share what drives purchasing decisions in their organizations. Panelists will discuss industry-specific trends, evolving expectations for vendors, and best practices for navigating procurement processes in both the public and private sectors. Whether you’re new to contracting or looking to deepen relationships with major buyers, this session offers actionable insights to help your business stand out.

4:00pm - Event Concludes
Event Details
Date: August 12, 2025
Time: 10:00am - 4:00pm
Location: Riverside EpiCenter
PURCHASE AN ADD-ON

Thank you to our Sponsors

LED Board Sponsor

Recharging Room Sponsor

Tote Bag Sponsor

Headshot Headquarters Sponsor

Lanyard Sponsor

Key 2 Services

Exhibitor

Hammond Services

VIP Businesses