Eronica Dew Of BES Solutions: Why We Need More Women Founders & Here Is What We Are Doing To Make That Happen
An Interview With Vanessa Ogle
Create and Promote Women-Centric Business Programs — Business programs that are tailored to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs can make a significant impact. For example, The BOW Collective is an organization that supports women-owned businesses through training, counseling, and access to resources. These programs not only offer practical skills but also create a supportive community for me and other women that encourages us to take bold steps in our entrepreneurial journeys.
As a part of our series about “Why We Need More Women Founders”, I had the pleasure of interviewing Eronica Dew.
Eronica Dew is an intentional leader and a trusted source on entrepreneurship, government contracting, proposal management, and proposal writing. Eronica is the CEO and founder of BES Solutions Inc., building the firm from the ground up and securing more than $13M in federal contracts as a prime contractor in the company’s start-up phase. She is passionate about helping people elevate their careers, their businesses, and themselves as they build the lives they truly want.
Thank you so much for doing this with us! Before we dig in, our readers would like to get to know you a bit more. Can you tell us a bit about your “backstory”? What led you to this particular career path?
Growing up in Louisville, Kentucky, I faced significant challenges that shaped my resilience and determination. As a primary student, the government required school integration or busing in an attempt to diversify the racial make-up of schools in the United States by sending students to school districts other than their own. The school integration of Black students with white students was a difficult transition due to the race issues in the United States. The teachers at the new school were neither warm nor welcoming, and I was labeled as having reading disabilities, resulting in my placement in classes for students with learning disabilities. This experience alienated me and destroyed my confidence in learning.
Throughout middle and high school, this lack of confidence persisted. I didn’t strive to be valedictorian because I had internalized the negative perceptions of my abilities. Instead, I found solace and a sense of achievement in sports, excelling in cheerleading and track, though my academic struggles often cut these activities short. Despite attending summer school each year, my academic performance remained a challenge.
My journey took a positive turn after high school. Marrying my high school sweetheart, who had joined the United States Air Force, and moving to California with him, opened a new world of possibilities for me. California had a more integrated society than my hometown in Louisville, Kentucky where racial tensions were seen and felt in everyday life. My first job at McDonald’s in 1992 introduced me to a peer enrolled in a Medical Assistant program at the National Education Center. Skeptical at first, I eventually enrolled and graduated at the top of my class in early 1993. This experience as a phlebotomist and medical assistant restored my confidence and sparked my desire for greater accomplishments.
Enlisting in the U.S. Air Force in July 1993 was a pivotal moment in my life, driven by a determination to defy the negative feedback I had received growing up. When I shipped out to basic military training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas, in the sweltering summer heat, I was fueled by the voices of those who doubted me. The grueling training regimen, from early morning reveille to intense physical workouts under the scrutiny of drill sergeants, challenged me in every way. After weeks of being torn down and humiliated, the Air Force began to build me back up, instilling in me the values of military customs, discipline, and the mindset of a United States Airman.
Through this transformative process, I discovered my leadership niche. The Air Force mantra of “Integrity First, Service Over Self, and Excellence in All You Do” became the foundation of my leadership style. My approach is direct and to the point, with a strong emphasis on attention to detail and a commitment to excellence.
After 10 years of service in the U.S. Air Force, I made the difficult decision to separate during the height of Operation Enduring Freedom to ensure the stability of our family. As a dual military family, one of us had to choose to separate to care for our five children. Shortly after my deployment to Kuwait in 2002, when my youngest was only six months old and my oldest was four, I chose to leave the service to provide a stable home environment.
When I returned to work full-time, once my youngest child turned two, I moved into government contracting, working directly for government clients and later for large defense contractors. As a Program Manager at Lockheed Martin, I managed a $26M Logistics and Communications contract serving Walter Reed Army Medical Center in Washington, D.C. I became an expert in capture management, proposal management, proposal writing, and win plans, leading numerous proposal teams and securing over $3B in federal government contracts.
Fast forward to 2018. I was winning proposals for these large firms but I couldn’t stop seeing a gap that I knew I could fill. I had always had a dream of starting my own firm and BES Solutions Inc. was born out of this strong need for a customer-service-focused firm lean, agile, and adept enough to navigate the complex government landscape.
Since its launch, I’ve led the firm to win more than $13M in federal contracts, securing these wins as a prime contractor on every single contract during BESS’s start-up years — an extreme rarity for a new firm.
I’ve established myself and BESS as key players in the federal space and have grown our reputation in my local Maryland community, volunteering for causes that support youth education, supporting local elections, and serving on the Board for the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Prince George’s County.
Can you share the most interesting story that happened to you since you began your career?
One of the most interesting and transformative experiences in my career began with the realization that if I wanted to grow BES Solutions, Inc., I had to step out of my comfort zone as an introvert and embrace the world of networking. As someone who had always valued deep, meaningful discussions over small talk, the idea of attending networking events and conferences was daunting. The thought of walking into a room full of strangers, approaching people to start conversations, and delivering my elevator speech filled me with anxiety. But I knew that if I wanted my business to succeed, I had to push myself beyond these fears.
The first few events were challenging. I remember walking into a conference, feeling out of place and overwhelmed by the noise and the sea of unfamiliar faces. My natural instinct was to find a quiet corner, observe from the sidelines, and avoid the small talk that felt so uncomfortable. But I knew that staying in my shell wouldn’t get me anywhere. So, I took a deep breath, reminded myself of my goals, and forced myself to approach someone and start a conversation.
To my surprise, the more I pushed myself to engage, the easier it became. I began to see these interactions as opportunities to share my passion for what I do and to connect with others who shared similar interests. I practiced delivering my elevator speech until it felt natural, and slowly, I began to feel more comfortable walking into rooms and holding meaningful conversations. Each event became a little less intimidating, and I started to see the value in these connections.
However, being an introvert, this newfound confidence didn’t come without its challenges. After each event, I would return home mentally and emotionally drained, needing time to decompress and recharge. I learned to balance these networking efforts with self-care, understanding that while I could push myself to be more extroverted in these settings, I also needed to honor my introverted nature by taking time to recover afterward.
One of the most rewarding moments came when I realized that these efforts were paying off. Not only was I building valuable connections that helped grow my business, but I was also growing personally. I was no longer the person who avoided small talk or shied away from networking events. I had become someone who could walk into a room with confidence, engage in meaningful conversations, and represent my business with pride.
This journey of coming out of my shell as an introvert has been one of the most interesting and fulfilling aspects of my career. It taught me the importance of stepping out of my comfort zone and embracing the opportunities that come with growth. It’s a reminder that even the most daunting challenges can lead to the most rewarding transformations.
Can you share a story about the funniest mistake you made when you were first starting? Can you tell us what lesson you learned from that?
I’m not sure this is “haha” funny, but I think my funniest mistake looking back is that I didn’t think BIG from the start.
When I originally created BES Solutions, it was a one-person business. I set it up as an LLC before I realized my vision for the future of the firm went well beyond that. I converted to a corporation to be able to have the option for a Board and multiple but that conversion has come with so many unnecessary headaches.
I made the mistake of thinking that since we had one entity and we were moving to a new entity that we needed a new EIN, which was not the case. It cost us more than a year of trying to fix it with the IRS and with Sam.gov, which is the system used for government contracts.
This seems like an administrative issue but it has far-reaching arms. It impacted how we could get paid from one of our clients. And it’s been three years since the switch and I’m still sorting out some branding items that have the LLC moniker!
When I talk with other aspiring entrepreneurs now, especially women looking to start their own firms, I encourage them to reach for the stars! You are better served by dreaming big from the very beginning.
None of us are able to achieve success without some help along the way. Is there a particular person who you are grateful towards who helped get you to where you are? Can you share a story about that?
Success is never achieved in isolation; it’s built on the support and generosity of others who believe in your vision. For me, one of those pivotal figures was Matt Witt from M&T Bank, and I am incredibly grateful for the role he played in helping me scale BES Solutions, Inc.
In the early days of my business, I had to rely heavily on my personal funds and the income I earned from consulting as a proposal manager. There were times when meeting payroll felt like a balancing act on a tightrope. I used my savings, leaned on friends for short-term loans, and did everything I could to ensure my employees were paid on time. But as anyone in government contracting knows, there are often delays in payment, and the stress of wondering whether the next payroll run would coincide with an overdue invoice was overwhelming.
After three years of this constant juggling act, I attended a networking event focused on “access to capital.” There, I was referred by another business owner to meet Matt Witt at M&T Bank. Matt’s reputation for helping small businesses secure the funding they needed preceded him, and I was hopeful but cautious. After all, I had already faced numerous rejections when trying to secure a line of credit in the past.
When I met with Matt, he asked for detailed documentation and my financials. I appreciated his thoroughness — it was clear he wanted to understand my business inside and out. Within two weeks, after working closely with underwriters, Matt was able to secure the line of credit I desperately needed. This line of credit was a game-changer. It freed up the capital I had earned, allowing me to focus on scaling the business, hiring additional staff, and most importantly, relieving the stress that came with the constant worry of running out of cash.
Thanks to Matt’s swift action and belief in my business, I was able to operate with a greater sense of stability. While access to capital and the challenge of scaling remain constant concerns, Matt’s intervention gave me the breathing room I needed to focus on growth rather than just survival.
Matt Witt’s support is a reminder that sometimes, all it takes is one person to believe in your vision and take action to make a significant difference. For that, I am deeply grateful, and I continue to appreciate the impact that his help has had on the trajectory of BES Solutions, Inc.
Is there a particular book that made a significant impact on you? Can you share a story or explain why it resonated with you so much?
One book that had a profound impact on both my personal and professional life is The 4-Hour Workweek by Timothy Ferriss. Before reading it, I was caught up in the mindset that I had to handle everything myself — especially in the early stages of building BES Solutions, Inc. I thought that working harder and longer hours was the only way to achieve success. But this book completely shifted my perspective and changed the way I approach my work and life.
The idea that resonated with me the most was the concept of outsourcing tasks that didn’t require my direct involvement. The 4-Hour Workweek challenged me to think differently about how I was spending my time. I started asking myself, “How can I afford to outsource tasks that are taking up my time but not necessarily contributing to the growth of my business?” This led me to gradually offload administrative duties, back-office work, and even personal tasks like laundry and housekeeping. By doing this, I was able to reclaim hours in my day that I could then dedicate to building my business and ensuring it thrived.
This shift in thinking was a game-changer, especially since I was juggling the demands of being a business owner with the responsibilities of having five children, four grandchildren, a husband, and elderly parents. The book not only taught me how to be more efficient in my business operations but also reminded me to prioritize work-life balance. I realized that in order to be truly successful, I needed to create space in my life for the things that mattered most.
One of the most significant changes I made was giving up television. I realized that constantly consuming news was adding unnecessary anxiety to my life. I adopted the mindset that if something important was happening, I’d hear about it from someone else, rather than wasting time tuning in every day. This decision freed up even more time and mental energy, which I could then invest in more meaningful activities.
The 4-Hour Workweek taught me that success isn’t just about working harder; it’s about working smarter. It helped me to streamline my life, focus on what truly matters, and ultimately, become more present for my family and more effective in my business. This book has been a cornerstone in shaping the way I operate, and its lessons continue to influence the decisions I make every day.
Do you have a favorite “Life Lesson Quote”? Do you have a story about how that was relevant in your life or your work?
One of the most important life lessons I’ve learned is encapsulated in the quote, “Build your relationship map.” Reflecting on my career, I realize how crucial this lesson is, and how much I wish I had embraced it earlier.
Throughout my time in corporate America, I was always focused on the mission. As a young Black woman in a demanding environment, I knew I had to be twice as good as my counterparts to earn the recognition I deserved. I was the type of employee who was “dress right dress” — always detailed, always prepared, and always committed to delivering the best possible results. While others might take time for casual chats, smoke breaks, or socializing around the office, I kept my head down, focused on preparing for meetings, presentations, and deliverables. I didn’t see the value in water cooler talk or networking; to me, it was a distraction from the work that needed to be done.
However, this approach came with unintended consequences. My dedication to my work often led to being labeled as rigid or standoffish. While I was simply trying to be efficient and effective, others perceived me as closed off or uninterested in building relationships. I didn’t realize how much this would impact me until I started BES Solutions, Inc.
When I launched my own business, I quickly discovered that having a strong relationship map was just as important as being a hard worker. While I knew a lot of people and had a reputation for being diligent and reliable, I didn’t have the deep, personal connections that are so critical in business. When it was time to call on former colleagues for teaming opportunities, I found that they were more inclined to work with people they liked, knew, and trusted on a personal level — people they had built relationships with over time.
This was a harsh but valuable lesson for me. I realized that building meaningful relationships isn’t just about networking for the sake of it; it’s about creating a foundation of trust and mutual respect. People want to work with those they feel connected to, both professionally and personally. If I had taken more time during my corporate career to engage with colleagues beyond the tasks at hand, to share a conversation over coffee or to attend social events, I might have built a stronger network to support my business later on.
Now, as I continue to grow BES Solutions, I make a conscious effort to build and nurture my relationship map. I understand that success isn’t just about the work you do — it’s also about the relationships you cultivate along the way. This lesson has reshaped my approach to business, teaching me the importance of balancing hard work with meaningful connections.
How have you used your success to make the world a better place?
Advocacy work is deeply personal and essential to me. I am a product of intersecting, underrepresented communities, having navigated conscious and unconscious bias throughout my career and personal life. This lived experience drives my commitment to supporting others who face similar obstacles.
My journey has been filled with hard-earned knowledge and lessons. I have built a successful business from the ground up, managed a long and fulfilling marriage of 33 years, and raised a family of five as a military dependent. These experiences have equipped me with a wealth of insights that I wish to share. From executing a $2.1 million contract without any initial funding or line of credit to balancing the demands of work and family, I have accumulated a wealth of knowledge that could fill a book if time permitted.
Being active in underserved communities is my way of sharing this knowledge rather than keeping it to myself. I believe in the power of giving back and helping those who have been overlooked by society. When I was raising my children, my responsibilities as a working mother and wife left little time for socializing and building a professional network. Now that my children are young adults — some serving in the military as their father and I did, one in college, and another in trade school — I finally have the time to dedicate to giving back to my community.
This dedication is why I enthusiastically joined the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce in Prince George’s County, where I live and run my business, as well as the Prince George’s Chamber of Commerce, the Maryland Chamber of Commerce, and was recently invited to join The BOW Collective. My involvement allows me to share my knowledge, mentor others, and help create opportunities for individuals to build the lives they aspire to. By participating in these community organizations, I aim to provide the support and guidance that I often lacked during my own journey.
I also recently established a BESS internship for underserved communities and college students. Business development, executing win plans, and creating value propositions are not typically taught in college courses; these are skills learned through hands-on experience in corporations. I hope to bridge the gap and provide invaluable learning experiences for young individuals who might not otherwise have access to such knowledge.
I am deeply committed to community involvement and ensure that BESS gets involved and participates in events that exemplify our company’s dedication to corporate social responsibility. We actively engage with our local community through various initiatives, including supporting the Prince George’s County Police department with back-to-school giveaways. Our recent contributions include donating essential school supplies such as spiral notebooks, pencils, and folders to children in need, fostering educational opportunities and supporting youth development. Additionally, we’ve participated in Toys for Tots programs, dedicating eight hours of volunteer time to selecting toy wish lists and bringing joy to underserved families during the holiday season.
I’ve also actively engaged in fundraising efforts for local politicians, contributing to campaigns aligned with my values. I’ve supported County Executive Angela Alsobrooks in her bid for the U.S. Senate, recognizing her potential to positively impact our community and to make history as the first Black woman elected to the Senate from Maryland. I am deeply committed to making a meaningful difference in the communities where I live and work.
Ok, thank you for that. Let’s now jump to the primary focus of our interview. According to this EY report, only about 20 percent of funded companies have women founders. This reflects great historical progress, but it also shows that more work still has to be done to empower women to create companies. In your opinion and experience what is currently holding back women from founding companies?
In my opinion and experience, several factors continue to hold back women from founding companies, despite the progress we’ve made. One of the most significant challenges is the persistent stereotype that women are too emotional or that their place is still primarily in the home, raising children. This outdated mindset can undermine a woman’s confidence in her ability to start and run a successful business. It also affects how others perceive her potential, often leading to a lack of trust in her capability to deliver services or products at the same level as her male counterparts.
In today’s economy, the reality is that most families require both parents to contribute financially to maintain a comfortable standard of living. With this in mind, starting a business should be a viable option for women who want to contribute economically while also having control over their professional lives. However, the challenges don’t end there. Women often face a lack of access to capital, which is crucial for starting and scaling a business. The financial industry, traditionally male-dominated, still tends to favor men when it comes to funding decisions, leaving women entrepreneurs at a significant disadvantage.
Moreover, women frequently encounter a lack of opportunities and inclusion in business networks. These networks are often essential for gaining access to clients, partners, and investors. Without these connections, women can find it difficult to grow their businesses, regardless of how capable or innovative they are. The combination of these factors — outdated stereotypes, limited access to capital, and exclusion from key networks — creates a significant barrier for many women who aspire to start their own companies.
To overcome these challenges, it’s essential to continue pushing for greater inclusion and representation of women in all areas of business. This means advocating for more women in leadership positions, encouraging investment in women-owned businesses, and creating networks that support and uplift women entrepreneurs. By addressing these issues head on, we can empower more women to step into the role of founder and create the businesses of the future.
Can you share with our readers what you are doing to help empower women to become founders?
Empowering women to become founders is a mission that I hold close to my heart, and it’s something I actively work toward every day. Having navigated the challenges of building a business as a woman, I am committed to paying it forward by being the mentor I wished I had earlier in my career. My goal is to break down barriers, share my lessons learned, and help other women shape the businesses and lives they aspire to lead.
To achieve this, I offer in-person mentorship, where I guide aspiring entrepreneurs through the intricacies of starting and scaling a business, particularly in government contracting. Additionally, I provide free resources on the BES Solutions, Inc. website, specifically targeted at those looking to enter the world of government contracting. These resources are designed to demystify the process and empower women to take the leap into entrepreneurship with confidence.
In June of this year, I was honored to be inducted into The BOW Collective, a powerful organization and sisterhood comprised of the nation’s top 1% of small business owners. As “Business Philanthropists,” we work together to bring awareness, business opportunities, and capital resources to entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented communities. The BOW Collective is not just about supporting established businesses; we actively create a pipeline for successful entrepreneurship by offering training, counseling, and partnerships to emerging businesses.
I have fully embraced the Black Owned Women’s Business networking mission, diving headfirst into this community to add value by sharing knowledge, experience, and resources. My approach is simple: take competition off the table and focus on collaboration. I find immense joy in mentoring, motivating, and partnering with other members of The BOW Collective. Together, we work to scale our businesses and, in turn, create employment opportunities in our underrepresented neighborhoods.
Through these efforts, I aim to make a meaningful impact, ensuring that more women feel empowered to step into the role of founder, equipped with the tools, knowledge, and support they need to succeed.
This might be intuitive to you but I think it will be helpful to spell this out. Can you share a few reasons why more women should become founders?
Why not us? Why not women? These are the questions I challenge everyone to ask when considering the landscape of entrepreneurship. For far too long, the norm has been that men are the ones who start businesses, lead companies, and drive economic growth. But the truth is, there’s absolutely no reason why women shouldn’t be stepping into these roles just as confidently and successfully.
We now have data that proves women-led organizations are not just thriving — they’re excelling. Women founders bring unique perspectives, innovative ideas, and a collaborative approach to leadership that resonates in today’s world. These companies are not only putting impressive numbers on the board, but they’re also creating more inclusive workforces that reflect the diversity of our society. This inclusivity isn’t just a moral imperative; it’s a business strategy that leads to better decision-making, stronger employee engagement, and ultimately, greater success.
So, why should more women become founders? Because we have the talent, the vision, and the drive to make a difference. Women founders are redefining what it means to lead, proving that businesses can be both profitable and purposeful. By stepping into the role of founder, women are not only changing the narrative but also creating opportunities for others to follow in their footsteps. We are demonstrating that success doesn’t have to fit a traditional mold — it can be achieved in ways that are more inclusive, equitable, and impactful.
The time for women to become founders is now. We need to continue challenging the outdated notion that business ownership is a man’s domain and take action to ensure that women have the support, resources, and encouragement to start and grow their own companies. When women lead, everyone benefits — our communities, our economies, and our future. It’s time to change the narrative, and it starts with asking, “Why not us?” and then taking the bold steps to answer that question with action.
Can you please share 5 things that can be done or should be done to help empower more women to become founders?
1. Increase Access to Capital — One of the biggest barriers for women entrepreneurs is access to funding. Often, women receive less venture capital and loan opportunities compared to their male counterparts. I experienced this firsthand when I was struggling to secure a line of credit for BES Solutions, Inc. Despite my business’s solid performance, I faced multiple rejections simply because of the implicit biases in the lending process. It wasn’t until I connected with Matt Witt at M&T Bank, who understood my business’s potential, that I finally secured the funding I needed. We need more financial institutions and investors who are willing to look beyond gender and focus on the value of the business itself.
2. Provide Mentorship and Networking Opportunities — Mentorship is crucial for women who are navigating the challenges of starting and growing a business. When I started my company, I lacked a mentor to guide me, which made the journey more difficult. Now, I actively mentor other women through The BOW Collective and offer free resources on our website to help aspiring entrepreneurs. Networking events specifically designed for women can also provide valuable connections and insights that are essential for business growth.
3. Create and Promote Women-Centric Business Programs — Business programs that are tailored to the unique needs of women entrepreneurs can make a significant impact. For example, The BOW Collective is an organization that supports women-owned businesses through training, counseling, and access to resources. These programs not only offer practical skills but also create a supportive community for me and other women that encourages us to take bold steps in our entrepreneurial journeys.
4. Encourage Work-Life Balance and Flexible Work Policies — Many women are discouraged from starting their own businesses because they fear they won’t be able to balance their professional and personal lives. When I began BES Solutions, Inc., I had to find ways to balance my business with raising five children and caring for elderly parents. One strategy that helped me was outsourcing non-core tasks, which freed up my time to focus on business growth. Encouraging and promoting work-life balance through flexible work policies can help more women see entrepreneurship as a viable option.
5. Challenge and Change Gender Stereotypes — Gender stereotypes often discourage women from pursuing entrepreneurship. For a long time, the narrative was that business ownership was a man’s domain, and women were expected to stick to more traditional roles. I’ve faced my share of skepticism as a woman in a male-dominated industry, but I’ve also seen the power of challenging these stereotypes. By sharing stories of successful women entrepreneurs and promoting the idea that women are just as capable as men in leading businesses, we can change perceptions and inspire more women to take the leap into entrepreneurship.
You are a person of great influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good for the greatest number of people, what would that be? You never know what your idea can trigger.
If I could inspire a movement that would bring the most good to the greatest number of people, it would be one that advocates for a transformative shift in how government contracts are awarded to Black-owned businesses. This idea is not new to The BOW Collective, an organization I am so proud to be part of, as we are already actively seeking the attention of Capitol Hill to level the playing field in government contracting.
The data speaks volumes: Black businesses are consistently awarded the least amount of government contracts compared to all other ethnic groups in America. This is not just a statistic; it’s a reflection of deep-rooted systemic disparities that have persisted for far too long. Our communities have been left behind while others have thrived, further widening the wealth gap in this country.
The movement I envision would push for the establishment of a new small business socio-economic category specifically for Black-owned business set-asides. This would ensure that a portion of government contracts are reserved for Black entrepreneurs, enabling them to gain the foothold they need to grow, create jobs, and contribute to economic growth in their communities.
By advocating for this change on Capitol Hill, we are not just asking for equity in government contracting — we are asking for a chance to close the economic disparities that have long plagued our communities. Access to funding, job creation, and economic growth are essential for closing the wealth gap in this country, and it begins with ensuring that Black-owned businesses have the same opportunities to succeed as anyone else.
This movement is about more than just contracts; it’s about creating a ripple effect that could uplift entire communities. By leveling the playing field in government contracting, we can empower Black entrepreneurs, stimulate job creation, and foster economic growth in areas that have been historically overlooked. The time for change is now, and with the support of The BOW Collective and like-minded advocates, I believe we can inspire this movement and bring about lasting, positive change for the greatest number of people.
We are very blessed that some very prominent names in Business, VC funding, Sports, and Entertainment read this column. Is there a person in the world, or in the US with whom you would love to have a private breakfast or lunch with, and why? He or she might just see this if we tag them.
I think my answer here might surprise you! If I could have a private breakfast or lunch with anyone, it would be with Speaker of the House, Rep. Mike Johnson. His influential position provides a crucial platform to champion causes that can drive meaningful change in our country. As I mentioned previously, the establishment of a Black-owned business set-aside for federal contracting is particularly close to my heart.
Black-owned businesses are awarded the least amount of government contracts compared to all other ethnic groups in America. This disparity has profound implications for economic growth and wealth creation in our communities. I believe Rep. Johnson’s voice and support could be pivotal in pushing this initiative forward, helping to level the playing field and close the economic gap that has persisted for far too long. His advocacy on Capitol Hill could be the catalyst needed to ensure that Black entrepreneurs have the opportunities they deserve to succeed and thrive.
How can our readers further follow your work online?
I’d love to stay in touch! Connect with me on my personal LinkedIn, follow BES Solutions Inc. on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, or visit our website.
Thank you for these fantastic insights. We greatly appreciate the time you spent on this.
About The Interviewer: Vanessa Ogle is a mom, entrepreneur, inventor, writer, and singer/songwriter. Vanessa’s talent in building world-class leadership teams focused on diversity, a culture of service, and innovation through inclusion allowed her to be one of the most acclaimed Latina CEO’s in the last 30 years. She collaborated with the world’s leading technology and content companies such as Netflix, Amazon, HBO, and Broadcom to bring innovative solutions to travelers and hotels around the world. Vanessa is the lead inventor on 120+ U.S. Patents. Accolades include: FAST 100, Entrepreneur 360 Best Companies, Inc. 500 and then another six times on the Inc. 5000. Vanessa was personally honored with Inc. 100 Female Founder’s Award, Ernst and Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award, and Enterprising Women of the Year among others. Vanessa now spends her time sharing stories to inspire and give hope through articles, speaking engagements and music. In her spare time she writes and plays music in the Amazon best selling new band HigherHill, teaches surfing clinics, trains dogs, and cheers on her children.
Please connect with Vanessa here on linkedin and subscribe to her newsletter Unplugged as well as follow her on Substack, Instagram, Facebook, and X and of course on her website VanessaOgle.
Eronica Dew Of BES Solutions: Why We Need More Women Founders & Here Is What We Are Doing To Make… was originally published in Authority Magazine on Medium, where people are continuing the conversation by highlighting and responding to this story.