Ready to take your business from chasing opportunities to competing for contracts?
You have a great business, a strong team, and a vision for growth—but breaking into government and corporate contracting can often feel overwhelming. Between registrations, certifications, compliance requirements, and procurement portals, it's easy to wonder where to start.
That's where Build Your Own Table: Contracts & Conversations comes in. This 10-week cohort is designed for local, minority-owned, women-owned, and emerging businesses seeking to compete for and secure government and corporate contracting opportunities. Participants will gain practical knowledge, strategic insights, and one-on-one coaching to help position their businesses for sustainable growth through procurement.
Leading the cohort is Dr. Daphnie Swift, Esq., MBA, an attorney, entrepreneur, educator, and business strategist who understands what it takes to successfully navigate the world of government and corporate contracting. Dr. Swift has dedicated her career to helping businesses access opportunities, build capacity, and position themselves for growth through procurement and supplier diversity initiatives. Now, she's bringing that expertise to the Memphis Medical District Collaborative (MMDC) to help local businesses unlock new opportunities and expand their reach.
Throughout the cohort, participants will learn how to identify contract opportunities, navigate certifications and registrations, conduct market research, develop competitive proposals, understand pricing and compliance requirements, manage contracts effectively, and build strategic partnerships that support long-term growth. Participants will also receive personalized coaching designed to help them apply what they learn directly to their businesses.
The application deadline is Friday, July 10, at 11:59 p.m. Don't wait until the last minute. The earlier you apply, the sooner you can begin preparing to take advantage of the opportunities this program provides. "Please note that space is limited to 30 participants."
All sessions will take place at the MMDC Office, located at 656 Madison Avenue in the heart of the Memphis Medical District.
Participants will explore every stage of the procurement process, including government and corporate contracting fundamentals, certifications and registrations, market research, opportunity identification, proposal writing, pricing strategies, contract management, compliance, risk mitigation, and business growth strategies. During the final weeks of the program, participants will also engage in one-on-one strategy sessions with Dr. Swift to focus on their specific business goals and contracting opportunities.
By the end of the cohort, participants won't just walk away with a certificate. They will leave with a professional Capability Statement, a targeted agency and buyer prospect list, a partnership outreach strategy, and a customized 90-Day Action Plan designed to help them pursue contracting opportunities with confidence. Most importantly, they will be better positioned to compete for contracts, build strategic relationships, and grow their businesses.
Whether you're looking to secure your first contract, become a subcontractor, or expand your existing portfolio, this cohort will provide the knowledge, resources, and confidence needed to take the next step.
The table is set. Now it's time to build your own, create new opportunities, and position your business for sustainable growth.
Ready to take your business to the next level? Apply by July 10 using THIS LINK. Let's get you contract-ready!
