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Essential Steps for Year-End Contract Preparation
One critical area that often gets overlooked at the end of the year is contract preparation. This checklist guides you through practical steps to review, organize, and prepare for contract growth so you can start the new year with confidence.

Deonna Barnett
Dec 23, 20253 min read


Aventi Attends Record-Breaking ED411 Gathering to Shape Central Ohio’s Economic Future
Aventi joined more than 750 economic development leaders from across Central Ohio at the record-setting ED411 convening. With record attendance, ambitious goals, and a shared commitment to building the workforce and industries of the future, the Columbus Region is well-positioned for another decade of strong economic growth.

Deonna Barnett
Dec 8, 20252 min read


Aventi Hosts Successful Columbus City Schools Supplier Outreach Event to Strengthen LEDE Program
Aventi Enterprises (Aventi) proudly hosted a successful Supplier Outreach session on November 11, 2025, in partnership with Columbus City Schools (CCS), as part of our ongoing role as the District’s Outreach Services Consultant.

Deonna Barnett
Dec 8, 20252 min read


Should Your Business Serve Corporations, Government Agencies, or Both?
As a growing business, one of the most strategic decisions you’ll make is choosing who your primary customers will be. Should you focus solely on selling to other businesses (B2B)? Should you pursue contracts with government agencies (B2G)? Or is it best to serve both? The answer depends on your goals, capacity, industry, and risk tolerance. Let’s break down the pros and cons of each model and explore why a combination approach might give your business the edge. The B2B Model

Deonna Barnett
Nov 28, 20252 min read


Building Corporate Contracting Success: Key Lessons from Delta Air Lines’ Supplier Diversity Manager, Makeda Mathews
In November 2025, during the NAWBO Columbus luncheon, I had the privilege of interviewing Makeda Mathews, Supplier Diversity Manager at Delta Air Lines. Her insights were both practical and inspiring, especially for business owners seeking to break into corporate supply chains. While government contracting often dominates supplier conversations, Makeda reminded the audience that corporate contracting is its own ecosystem with its own rules, expectations, and pathways to oppo

Deonna Barnett
Nov 26, 20252 min read


Aventi Enterprises to Support Businesses Seeking to Work with Columbus City Schools
Aventi Enterprises assumes the role of Outreach Services Consultant for Columbus City Schools to strengthen their Local and Economically Disadvantaged Enterprise (LEDE) vendor program.

Deonna Barnett
Oct 24, 20252 min read
Knowing When to Expand Your Team: A Guide for Growing Businesses
Every growing business eventually reaches a point where the current team can no longer handle the increasing demands of clients, projects, or operations. While the idea of hiring can be exciting, premature expansion can strain resources. Conversely, waiting too long can stall growth and burn out your core team. Knowing when to expand is just as critical as knowing who to hire. Signs It's Time to Expand Your Team 1. Your Team is Consistently Over Capacity If your staff is work

Deonna Barnett
Oct 20, 20253 min read


How the October 2025 Government Shutdown Could Affect Small Businesses
The impact of a federal government shut down can ripple down to small businesses through contracting, financing, regulatory approvals, and even local consumer demand. Understanding these ripple effects can help business owners respond strategically and protect their operations until the government reopens.

Deonna Barnett
Oct 13, 20256 min read


Q4 2025 Procurement Forecast: What Small Businesses Should Expect
Budgets are closing out, agencies are moving quickly to obligate remaining funds, and competition for contracts is at its peak. Understanding the forecast for contract opportunities in Q4 2025 will help you position your business for success.

Deonna Barnett
Sep 27, 20253 min read


Small Business Insight: Why Pilot Projects & Phased Contracts Are Your Ticket to Growth in 2025-2026
Pilot projects and phased contracts are becoming a preferred way for buyers to test and build relationships with small businesses. If you know how to position yourself for these opportunities, they can be your stepping stone to bigger wins.

Deonna Barnett
Sep 26, 20253 min read


Small Business Insight: The Hidden Value of Corporate Contracts
For many small businesses, government contracts often get the spotlight. But did you know corporate contracts can be just as transformative and sometimes even more accessible?

Deonna Barnett
Sep 14, 20252 min read


What is an IDIQ?
If your goal is to create consistent revenue in government contracting, learning how to position your company for IDIQs is a smart move.

Deonna Barnett
Jul 31, 20253 min read


Writing Proposals with AI: Key Considerations for Businesses
Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as a valuable tool for businesses writing proposals for government and corporate contracts. From accelerating the drafting process to enhancing compliance checks, AI has the potential to save time, improve quality, and increase your win rate. However, using AI in proposal writing requires careful planning and discernment.

Deonna Barnett
Jul 29, 20252 min read


Why Does the Same Company Keep Winning and You Don’t?
You’ve spent hours preparing a proposal, only to see the award go to the same company again and again. You know your business is qualified. So why aren’t you winning?

Deonna Barnett
Jul 26, 20252 min read


Fortune 500 Firms Scale Back DEI Supplier & Workforce Initiatives
Over 200 S&P 500 companies have removed terms like “diversity,” “equity,” and “inclusion” from their annual SEC filings in 2025. According to a joint analysis by Harvard and financial researchers, DEI mentions in company reports dropped by nearly 70% over the past two years.

Deonna Barnett
Jul 13, 20252 min read


The Mid-Year Business Reset: How to Realign Goals and Win More Contracts in Q3 & Q4
As the year hits its halfway point, it's the perfect time for small businesses to pause, reflect, and reset. Whether you’re pursuing your first government contract or expanding your reach with corporate contracts, a mid-year check-in can help ensure you close out the year strong.

Deonna Barnett
Jul 9, 20253 min read


TechX Business Exploration Program: A Real Story of Innovation & Growth
At Aventi, we are committed to empowering entrepreneurs through cutting-edge programs like TechX , where innovation meets opportunity....

De'Lona Moultrie
Jun 7, 20251 min read


Navigating the 90-Day Tariff Pause: Strategic Implications for Small Businesses
This temporary reprieve aims to de-escalate trade tensions and provides a brief window for businesses to adjust their strategies

Deonna Barnett
May 18, 20252 min read


AI Integration Moves from Hype to Opportunity
Large organizations look to innovators to develop customized solutions that will streamline operations and reduce costs.

Deonna Barnett
May 5, 20252 min read


TechX: 2025 Winter Session Recap
April 22, 2025, Aventi wrapped up the 2025 Winter Session of the TechX Program with a dynamic and mission-driven group of founders who...

Deonna Barnett
May 5, 20251 min read
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