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Programs and services

From capable to contract-ready.

Every BEA program is built on one foundation — the insider knowledge Ed Simon developed over 23 years on the corporate side of the procurement table. We teach what corporations actually look for, not what textbooks say they look for.

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Programs and services
6 months
Flagship program duration
4 sessions
Virtual cohort format
Programs · Consulting Services · Partnerships
Flagship program · 6 months

Corporate Readiness Accelerator

Our comprehensive 6-month cohort-based program that transforms capable businesses into contract-ready competitors through technical assistance, one-on-one coaching, and direct corporate networking. Limited to 15–20 businesses per cohort to ensure personalized attention.

Who should apply
  • Small businesses under 100 employees owned by Latinos, African Americans, veterans, women, LGBTQ+, or other underrepresented entrepreneurs
  • Businesses in San Diego County ready to pursue corporate or public sector contracts
  • Entrepreneurs committed to building operational capacity and business systems
  • Pre-certification or early-stage businesses seeking to become procurement-ready
Monthly workshops
6 sessions
01 Supplier Diversity Certification Pathways
02 Financial Management & Bonding Readiness
03 Operational Systems & Business Infrastructure
04 Proposal Writing & Bid Preparation
05 Marketing to Corporate Procurement Offices
06 Contract Management & Performance
One-on-one coaching
4 sessions
  • Individualized growth plan development
  • Business readiness assessment and gap analysis
  • Certification strategy and application support
Corporate networking
2 events
  • Access to corporate mentors from BEA partner companies
  • 2 corporate matchmaking events with procurement professionals
  • Facilitated introductions to supplier diversity managers
What you'll gain
Clear certification pathway and in-progress applications
Financial systems meeting corporate standards
Professional capabilities statement
Direct relationships with procurement professionals
Peer network of diverse business owners
Confidence competing for corporate contracts
More programs

Five more ways BEA supports your growth.

3 months
Certification Navigator

A focused 3-month program guiding businesses through the diverse supplier certification process from application through approval — MBE, WBE, DBE, DVBE, SBE, or LGBTBE.

  • Certification eligibility assessment and strategy
  • Step-by-step application guidance and document preparation
  • Post-certification activation planning
Learn more →
Quarterly events
Supplier Showcase

Quarterly events where diverse businesses present their capabilities directly to corporate procurement teams and supplier diversity managers from BEA partner companies.

  • Pre-event coaching on effective capability presentations
  • 5-minute presentation slot to corporate procurement audience
  • Curated introductions and post-event follow-up support
Learn more →
6-month cycles
Mentorship Circles

Small-group mentorship bringing together 4–6 diverse business owners with an experienced corporate mentor for ongoing guidance, peer learning, and strategic problem-solving.

  • Assigned mentor from corporate partner with supplier diversity expertise
  • Monthly 90-minute group sessions
  • Alumni of BEA programs — continued support after graduation
Learn more →
On demand
Rapid Response Coaching

On-demand coaching for time-sensitive business needs — urgent RFP responses, contract negotiations, or crisis management. Same-week or next-week availability.

  • Focused support on a specific issue or opportunity
  • Proposal review, pricing strategy, contract negotiation
  • Follow-up check-in within 2 weeks
Learn more →
Monthly · Open access
Virtual Learning Series

Monthly 60-minute webinars on critical topics for diverse business owners, open to the broader community. A free entry point to BEA's content and community.

Supplier Diversity 101 Your First RFP Financial Readiness Scaling for Contracts Certification Pathways
Learn more →
Virtual cohort series

Focused programs for specific communities.

Four-session virtual cohorts delivered monthly over four months. Each 90-minute session builds on the last — from identity and foundations through to growth and scale. Offered to LGBTQ+ chambers, community-based organizations, and corporations.

LGBTQ+ Business Impact Program

Designed for LGBTQ+-owned and allied small businesses

S1
Identity, Intersectionality & Business Foundations
LGBTBE certification, legal protections, mission and values
S2
Access to Capital & Financial Empowerment
LGBTQ+-focused funding, business credit, financial literacy
S3
Corporate Supplier Inclusion & Contracting
Supplier portals, RFP processes, capabilities statements
S4
Brand, Marketing & Community Amplification
Authentic storytelling, digital marketing, strategic alliances
4 sessions 90 min each Virtual / Zoom
Register →
Diverse Business Impact Program

Designed for small and diverse-owned businesses

S1
Business Foundations & Certification Strategy
MBE, WBE, WOSB, VOSB, HUBZone, DBE roadmaps and capabilities
S2
Financial Readiness & Access to Capital
P&L, cash flow, CDFI loans, SBA programs, bonding and insurance
S3
Winning Contracts & Navigating Supplier Diversity
RFPs, RFQs, supplier databases, teaming agreements
S4
Growth, Scale & Sustainability
Operational systems, digital presence, succession and legacy
4 sessions 90 min each Virtual / Zoom
Register →

Bundle both programs — corporate and chamber clients who sponsor both receive a 15% discount. Contact us about bundle pricing →

Ready to get started?

Whether you're a business owner ready to compete for contracts or a corporation building a diverse supplier pipeline — BEA has a program for you.