On September 20th, 2023, Mr. Carlos Rivera, Vice President of Global Health for Culmen International (Culmen), participated in an important award ceremony where the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator, Honorable Isabella Casillas Guzman presented Ms. Barbara Ashe, President, Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation (MCCCF) and National Director, Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP) with the SBA Legacy Award presentation to the Montgomery County Chamber Community (MCCC) Foundation. This award holds a special place for both organizations as it symbolizes commitment to small business owners and entrepreneurs, many of whom are veterans.
Culmen International is deeply involved in supporting veteran small businesses, and does so through Mr. Rivera’s participation as a VIP Board Member and as an instructor in their acclaimed training program. VIP is instrumental in facilitating training resources for small businesses owned by veterans, making our role crucial in enhancing the program's outreach and effectiveness.
By providing technical and management expertise, Culmen stands as an ally in the SBA and VIP's mission. The meeting served not just as a platform for an award presentation but also as a stepping stone for continued collaboration and shared milestones in supporting America's veterans.
According to Ms. Ashe, Mr. Rivera's commitment to the MCCC Foundation's mission has been "impactful and inspiring." Rivera's participation made the award ceremony even more memorable, elevating the importance of supporting veteran small business entrepreneurs. "It was an honor to have you a part of this special occasion," Ms. Ashe said, reflecting a collective sentiment.
About the Small Business Administration:
Created in 1953, the U.S. Small Business Administration remains a strong pillar for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the pursuit of the American dream. As the nation's go-to resource, the SBA offers counseling, capital, and contracting expertise.
About The Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation (MCCCF) Veteran Institute for Procurement (VIP):
VIP is the first free training program for Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) and Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (VOSB). Since the creation of VIP in 2009, over 2,300 Veteran-owned small businesses from all 50 states, DC, Puerto Rico, and Guam are now procurement ready! VIP offers five (5) different curriculums designed to accelerate success and ensure procurement readiness. VIP graduate firms have received over 17 Billion in Federal prime contracts since 2010
About Culmen International (Culmen):
Established in 2004, Culmen is devoted to enhancing international security, optimizing government operations, supporting global health programs, and providing humanitarian aid. Our areas of expertise range from counterterrorism and border security to international development. The company employs a team of experienced professionals dedicated to creating strategic, actionable, and measurable business practices, thereby committing to the highest intellectual, legal, and moral standards. With experience spanning over 140 countries, Culmen aims to support clients in challenging environments