Rikka Earns Veteran Institute for Procurement Certification

Rikka is pleased to announce that CEO, Managing Member and Founder Charlyn Ho recently completed the Veteran Institute Procurement (VIP) START Program, a comprehensive training and certification program that helps veteran-owned businesses strengthen their ability to win government contracts and do business with both military and civilian agencies.

Rikka, represented by Ho, was one of 52 businesses from 18 states, plus Washington, D.C. to graduate.

The first of its kind in the nation, VIP START is facilitated by subject matter experts from industry and government with a goal of increasing participants’ ability to win and maintain government contracts. VIP START participants receive hands-on market-based instruction that helps establish best business practices for federal government contracting. There are over 20 topics taught, including law, accounting, insurance, human resources, marketing, and proposals.

"We are honored to give back to the men and women who served our country by providing them with the tools they need to succeed as government contractors," said Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation President Barbara Ashe. “We hope this training fosters their success as businesses and employers.”

VIP START is a three-day, 27-hour comprehensive certification program. Participants must be a C-level leader in a veteran-owned small business operating for at least one year with one year of revenue generation; owner must be a W-2 in their company or full-time employee and spend 100% of their time in their business. VIP START is fully funded by the Montgomery County Chamber Community Foundation, partnerships with SBA, Lockheed Martin, the State of Maryland, and VIP sponsors. VIP START is offered at no cost to participants.