Expert Guidance to Help You Grow
Through one-on-one advising, mentorship, and strategic consultations, Mason Enterprise’s Advise programs connect entrepreneurs, researchers, and small business owners with the experience and resources needed to take the next step. From federal funding readiness to global market entry, our advisors support your journey, every step of the way.
Advise Programs:
Virginia Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Personalized Advising for Entrepreneurs
The Virginia SBDC is an organization of 25 local offices across Virginia providing professional business advising, training, and business resources to help grow and strengthen Virginia businesses. As part of the Mason Enterprise network and backed by George Mason University's renowned expertise, SBDC offers unparalleled access to cutting-edge research, industry insights, and a vast network of professional resources. This unique partnership allows us to combine practical business knowledge with the latest innovations from Virginia's largest public research university, providing you with comprehensive, forward-thinking solutions to drive your business success.
“Lin Hite, Kelvin Perry, and Michael Duncan from the SBDC all taught classes… Lin, my mentor, helped me with a business plan and pitch for the competition. Throughout the whole experience I felt nothing but support.”
- Catherine Carter, The Dog-Eared Page
International Small Business Development
Helping Virginia Businesses Go Global
Mason Enterprise’s International Small Business Development program supports Virginia-based businesses looking to expand into international markets. Through one-on-one advising, export-readiness assessments, and access to global trade networks, we help businesses navigate logistics, compliance, and overseas growth.
Services Include:
- Export-readiness evaluation and market entry strategy
- International marketing and cultural adaptation guidance
- Access to U.S. Commercial Service, EXIM Bank, and trade missions
- Assistance with customs, logistics, and regulations
- Matchmaking with international partners and buyers
Who It’s For:
Small and mid-sized Virginia businesses with export potential or interest in global markets.
Partners:
Virginia Economic Development Partnership (VEDP), U.S. Department of Commerce, GMU’s SBDC
APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC)
Government Contracting Training & Support
The Virginia APEX Accelerator, administered by George Mason University, is a statewide resource for businesses doing business with the government. The APEX Accelerator matches funds from local government and non-profit sources to offer no and low-cost assistance to businesses who want to participate in the government procurement process at federal, state, and local levels. APEX Accelerators are locally-run offices with programming customized to participants’ local market environments and needs.
Advantages of the APEX Accelerator:
- Learn the essentials for government procurement from industry advisors.
- Take part in free monthly educational seminars and webinars covering a variety of procurement topics. Browse the calendar for upcoming classes and plan to join for actionable insights into working with the government.
- The Bid Match Service (BMS) locates bid opportunities that align with your company’s products and services with federal, state, local, and foreign governments.
Women's Business Center of Northern Virginia
Business Training & Counseling
Women’s Business Center (WBC) of Northern Virginia is part of a national network of over 100 educational centers throughout the United States. WBC of Northern Virginia offers free/low-cost workshops and training and one-on-one technical assistance and counseling to women, minorities and socially disadvantaged clients in Northern Virginia. The program works in collaboration with a number of local, regional and national organizations to promote small business growth in Fairfax County and beyond.
Office of Technology Transfer (OTT)
Transitioning Mason's innovative technologies to the broader community through collaborations with industry, government, and non-profits
OTT helps Mason researchers bring innovations to market through licensing, IP strategy, and commercialization guidance. Schedule one-on-one sessions with tech transfer professionals.
- Services: IP protection, licensing strategy, patent navigation
- Audience: Faculty, researchers, spinouts
- Outcomes: Tech disclosures, startups, licensing deals
Entrepreneur in Residence (EIR)
Real-World Startup Mentorship
In the Entrepreneur in Residence program, government and corporate partners converge with faculty, students, and leading-edge researchers to develop solutions to tackle the world’s complex challenges. EIR’s home in the heart of Arlington’s Innovation Corridor, FUSE at Mason Square, makes it the optimum location to gather inventors, entrepreneurs, and investors with policymakers, and legal experts in a pioneering collaborative environment.
“The EIR program positions Mason at the center of an innovation triangle that brings together federal innovators, startups and strategic capital. With our federal and defense partners, we are collectively pushing the boundaries of AI and engineering to solve the greatest challenges of our time.”
- Farhad Chowdhury, serial entrepreneur, CEO of Vianova AI, and founder of the Entrepreneur-In-Residence Program
Regional Entrepreneur Initiative (REI)
Local Growth Through Regional Support
REI advisors help business owners and community leaders across Northern Virginia access regional funding, technical support, and ecosystem resources.
- Support Includes: Strategic growth planning, referrals to partners
- Audience: Founders, local businesses, nonprofits
- Focus: Inclusive economic development and capacity-building
ICAP Mentors
Startup Experts for Lean & Growth Advising
ICAP Mentors are a team of experienced entrepreneurs, investors, and subject-matter experts who support startups through the Innovation Commercialization Assistance Program (ICAP). These mentors provide personalized, hands-on coaching to help early-stage ventures validate their markets and prepare for growth.
Support Includes:
- Customer discovery and market validation
- Business model refinement and product-market fit
- Go-to-market strategy and MVP feedback
- Fundraising and investor readiness coaching
- Pitch reviews and storytelling for traction
Who It’s For:
Early-stage startups, university-affiliated teams, or ICAP/I-Corps program participants
Benefits:
- Fast-track your idea from concept to launch
- Get advice from people who’ve built and funded real ventures
- Join a community of founders, innovators, and support programs
