BELL 5th Annual Business & Government Contracting Summit

Kick off the summit bright and early with check-in and light breakfast bites. This is the perfect time to get settled, pick up your materials, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs, nonprofit leaders, and government professionals before the main sessions begin. Early bird networking starts here!

Join BELL Co-Founders Jayton Harps and Brian Ware as they officially open the 5th Annual BELL Summit. They’ll share the vision behind the event and how this movement has empowered hundreds of Black and minority-owned businesses since its launch. A special keynote speaker—soon to be announced—will bring powerful insight and inspiration to kick off the day.

PNC Bank will host a featured workshop at the 5th Annual BELL Summit focused on advancing economic opportunities for diverse entrepreneurs. In this session, attendees will gain valuable insights into their small business banking services, access to capital programs, and supplier diversity initiatives.

Join US Bank for an exclusive company presentation at the BELL Summit, where representatives will share insights into their small business banking services, capital access programs, and supplier diversity opportunities. Learn how to position your business for funding, build a strong banking relationship, and explore potential partnerships with one of the nation’s leading financial institutions.
This is a must-attend session for entrepreneurs looking to scale with strategic financial support.

Doing Business with San Diego Unified School District (SDUSD)
Friday, June 27 – BELL 5th Annual Business & Government Contracting Summit
Are you interested in becoming a vendor for one of the largest school districts in California? This highly informative session, “Doing Business with SDUSD,” will provide attendees with a detailed, insider perspective on how to navigate the San Diego Unified School District’s procurement process.
Led by SDUSD procurement staff, this workshop will cover:

• An overview of SDUSD’s procurement structure and purchasing priorities
  
• Types of goods and services the district frequently seeks
  
• Certification and qualification requirements for vendors
  
• How to register, respond to solicitations, and meet compliance expectations
  
• Strategies for making your business stand out in a competitive bidding environment
  
  

Whether your business is in construction, catering, technology, janitorial services, professional development, educational materials, or facility maintenance, this session will help you understand where your offerings may fit into the district’s needs—and how to position your company for success.
With millions of dollars in contracts awarded each year, SDUSD presents a significant opportunity for small and diverse businesses. Don’t miss this chance to learn how your business can become a trusted partner in supporting public education in San Diego.
This project is funded in whole or in part with City of San Diego Funds. 

Thursday, June 27 – BELL 5th Annual Business & Government Contracting Summit
Here’s your opportunity to connect directly with the decision-makers behind government contracts. During the “Meet the Buyers” panel, representatives from key public agencies—including CalTrans, SANDAG, the Port of San Diego, and APEX Accelerator—will provide valuable insight into what they’re buying, how they buy it, and how your business can get involved.
This engaging session will cover:

• Current and upcoming contracting opportunities across multiple sectors
• Procurement requirements and processes specific to each agency
• How to prepare your business to become a qualified vendor
• Tips for standing out during the bidding process
• What agencies look for in long-term partners
• The role of certifications and compliance in supplier selection

Beyond the panel discussion, attendees will have the chance to ask questions, engage in meaningful conversations, and network with buyers
Whether you’re new to government contracting or looking to expand your reach, this session is an essential stop on your B2G journey. 
This project is funded in whole or in part with City of San Diego Funds. 

Grab your lunch and enjoy one of the most exciting events of the day—the BELL Pitch Competition! Watch as up-and-coming entrepreneurs pitch their boldest ideas for a chance to win $2,500. A panel of judges will offer live feedback and select the winner. Whether you're pitching or spectating, you'll walk away with inspiration and insight.


BELL Summit Pitch Competition: Rules & GuidelinesEvent Date & Time:
 📅 Friday, June 27th
 ⏰ 11:30 AM – 1:00 PM
📍UC San Diego Park & Market

Competition OverviewFinalists will have the opportunity to pitch their business ideas live in front of a panel of expert judges and an engaged audience of entrepreneurs, business leaders, and government officials.

Eligibility Requirements

• Must be a business owner or founder.
• Must complete the official Pitch Competition Sign-Up Form by the deadline.
• Finalists will be selected and notified by email prior to the event.

Pitch Format

• Each finalist will have 3 minutes to present their pitch.
• Immediately following the pitch, judges will engage in a 2-minute rapid-fire Q&A session.

Judging CriteriaPitches will be evaluated based on the following four categories:
participants will be evaluated based on the following categories:

1. Presentation – Clarity, confidence, and engagement of the speaker.
2. Brand Identification – Clear articulation of brand identity and value proposition.
3. Product/Service – Quality, usefulness, and differentiation of offering.
4. Business Plan – Strength of planning, including operations, marketing, and team.
5. Scalability & Growth – Realistic pathways to growth and expansion.
6. Uniqueness – Originality and innovation of the idea or model.
7. Sustainability & Impact – Consideration for environmental, social, or community impact.
8. Financial Results – Demonstrated traction, revenue, or financial planning.
9. Contractor Readiness – Is the business positioned to secure government or corporate contracts?

Prizes🏆 1st Place:

• $2,000 Cash Prize
• In-kind Business Support (marketing packages, website services, mentorship)

🥈 2nd Place:

• $500 Cash Prize
• In-kind Business Support (marketing packages, website services, mentorship)

Additional Guidelines

• Participants must arrive at least 30 minutes early for check-in.
• Respect time limits—points may be deducted for exceeding the pitch or Q&A time.
• All business ideas must be original and owned by the participant.
• Judges' decisions are final.
• Pitch application requires submission of a pitch deck PDF.
• Last Day to Apply is Saturday June 21st at 11:59PM

For questions or additional information, please contact the event organizer.
🔗 Sign up here: Pitch Competition Sign-Up Form

Friday, June 27 – Don’t Miss the “Drilling Into Utilities” Panel at the BELL 5th Annual Business & Government Contracting Summit!
Get ready for one of the most informative and actionable sessions of the summit:
“Drilling Into Utilities: Pathways to Contracting & Supplier Diversity.”
This power-packed panel brings together procurement experts and decision-makers from leading utility organizations, including San Diego Gas & Electric, the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), San Diego Community Power, and Clean Power Alliance.

Attendees will gain valuable insights into how small and diverse businesses can successfully navigate the utility contracting space, including:
🔌 How to get certified and why it matters
💼 What utilities are really looking for in vendors and subcontractors
📑 How to meet compliance and documentation requirements
🌐 Where to find current and upcoming opportunities
🤝 The real-world impact of supplier diversity initiatives

Whether you’re just beginning your journey into utility contracting or looking to expand your footprint in the energy sector, this session will give you the tools, contacts, and knowledge to take the next step.
Make connections that matter. Learn strategies that work. Start drilling into opportunity.

This project is funded in whole or in part with City of San Diego Funds. This program is also funded in part through a Grant with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

With over 200 state agencies, departments, boards, and commissions, the State of California spends billions of dollars each year on contracts for goods and services. Whether you're in construction, community outreach, consulting, IT, catering, facilities management, or another sector—there’s an opportunity for your business to participate in the state's vast procurement network.
In this informative workshop, join Jaira Fungula, Diversity Advocate from the California Department of General Services (DGS) will guide attendees through the state’s procurement system and provide a clear, step-by-step overview of how to get started.

Key topics include:

• Understanding the state’s procurement process and where your business fits
• How to register with Cal eProcure, California’s online procurement portal
• Navigating solicitations and contract opportunities across state departments
• Certification pathways for Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) programs
• How certifications can increase visibility and improve your chances of winning bids
• Best practices for compliance and contract performance

Whether you're just beginning your journey in public sector contracting or seeking to expand into state-level opportunities, this session offers a practical roadmap to doing business with the State of California. Learn how to position your business for success—and discover how DGS can support you every step of the way.

This program is also funded in part through a Grant with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Join The Prep Institute and Black Tech Link at the BELL 5th Annual Business & Government Contracting Summit! 

On Friday, June 27th, Kimberly Wolfe, CEO and Founder of the Southern California Virtual Business Center, will lead a must-attend Project MOST session titled:
“Building Relationships that Lead to Contracts.”

Contracts don’t just go to the lowest bidder—they go to the most trusted and prepared partners. In this insightful session, Kimberly will explore how to strategically build relationships with procurement officials, agency partners, and fellow businesses to increase your chances of winning bids.
You’ll learn why showing up consistently matters, how to present value beyond the numbers, and the often-overlooked art of the follow-up—all critical pieces in turning conversations into contracts.
Key Takeaways:

• How to identify and connect with the right decision-makers
• Tips for establishing trust and credibility with buyers and partners
• Relationship-building techniques that lead to long-term opportunities
• The importance of positioning your business as a valuable, solutions-oriented partner
• How to follow up effectively without being forgotten or ignored

Whether you're just entering the contracting space or looking to grow your existing relationships, this session will equip you with real-world strategies to elevate your presence and improve your outcomes in both government and private-sector procurement.
Don't miss this opportunity to strengthen your network, sharpen your approach, and start building the kind of relationships that win contracts.
This program is funded by the County of San Diego’s Health and Human Service Agency (HHSA), Department of Strategy and Community Engagement.

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Friday, June 27 – Government Certifications: A Step-by-Step Guide
At the BELL 5th Annual Business & Government Contracting Summit, the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will lead an in-depth, practical workshop designed to help business owners navigate the complex world of government certifications.
Securing the appropriate certifications can significantly expand your access to public sector contracts—but understanding which ones to pursue and how to apply can be challenging. This session, “Government Certifications: A Step-by-Step Guide,” will provide clear, actionable instruction from experts who’ve helped hundreds of small businesses become certification-ready.
Participants will learn:

• Which certifications—such as WOSB, MBE, DBE, 8(a), and HUBZone—align with their business goals
  
• How to gather required documentation and prepare a strong application
  
• Common errors to avoid during the submission process
  
• How certifications can improve visibility with government agencies and prime contractors
  
• Strategies for leveraging certifications to secure meaningful contract opportunities
  
  

Whether you're new to the certification process or looking to enhance your current status, this workshop will offer practical tools and insights to help you move forward with confidence and clarity.
This project is funded in whole or in part with City of San Diego Funds. This program is also funded in part through a Grant with the California Office of the Small Business Advocate.

Wrap up Day 1 with food, drinks, and big ideas. Our evening reception is a time to connect, reflect, and relax with other attendees and agency representatives. The night will also feature an energizing keynote speaker (TBA) who will share insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and navigating the world of contracting with confidence.