GOVCON
Transitioning from Small to Large
Next Level Success
for Gov/Con Leaders
This program helps CEOs and their senior teams in the GovCon space make the transition from small business setaside contracts to full-and-open competition upon graduation for their 8a and small business status.
The unique six-month program creates the opportunity for a select cohort to work with 12 CEO Guest Speakers who have successfully led their companies through the transition. Each month, two critical aspects of preparing for graduation are addressed. Then, participants work with a Newport facilitation team to create their company’s specific graduation plan. At the end of the program, each company will have created a tailored graduation plan serving as a roadmap for the years up-to and immediately following graduation.
Session 1
Success Story – Graduating
Decision to Graduate
Value Proposition
Session 2
Pipeline Diversification
Sales Growth
Session 3
Organic Growth
Growth via Acquisition
Session 4
Corporate Leadership
Advisory and Fiduciary Boards
Session 5
Preparing for Transaction – Business
Maturing Operations
Regulatory Environment
Session 6
Preparing for Transaction – Personally
What’s Next
Success Story – Selling
Invest in Your Company's Bright Future
Each cohort is built around a maximum of 15 companies, with 2 attendees from each. A CEO and her/his plus-one (COO, CFO or Chief of Staff typically) meet one morning each month with the cohort to get to higher ground and work “on” the business, guided by the Guest Speakers who have successfully led their companies through the transition and Subject Matter Experts to assist in development of their company’s specific graduation plan. At the end of the 6-month program, each company will have created a tailored graduation plan serving as a roadmap for the years up-to and immediately following graduation.
The cost to participate is $5,000 for the first company executive and $3,000 for the second executive.
Key Takeaways
This program is designed for GovCon CEOs and their C-Suite teams planning to transition from competing as a small business to moving into full and open competition. Benefits include:
- Make Conscious decision about exit strategy
- Create plan to enter new agencies
- Determine when and how to hire professional management
- Set clear priorities and focus on them
- Hold team accountable to objectives
- Ensure team alignment through clear communications
The small to large cohort program at Newport was a fun, developmental experience that I would recommend to any govcon leader! The best part of the program was the opportunity to hear from successful mid-size company leaders at each session. Getting their lessons learned as they grew their company past the small business threshold was invaluable for planning our own growth strategy at Ripple Effect. I highly recommend!
Jennifer Pohlhaus, PhDCOO, Ripple Effect 
Newport’s GovCon Transition from Small to Large program is a real gem for business leaders looking to maneuver their way through “no man’s land” and establish a middle market company. The real life insights shared by organizations that have completed this journey is truly invaluable. The success stories shared during the program are a source of inspiration as well as wealth of tactical tips of “how to” successfully make the transition from a small to a large company. The program is unique and highly recommended, especially as there are very few (if any) similar programs in the industry.
Shezad HabibPresident and Managing Director Manhattan Strategy Group 
The Small to Large transition program is a wonderful series of practical exercises and conversations on thinking through the growth of a small business from the strategic to the tactical. Of particular value was hearing the experiences of senior executives at other companies that had made the leap, both what worked and what did not. Hearing from industry veterans about not just the successes but also the setbacks, disappointments, and regrets was immensely valuable. Overall, the conversations and structured assignments helped us in assessing our competitive position, see some blinds spots, and seize on opportunities in front of us. In addition, the conversations with peer companies facing the similar challenges and opportunities were very valuable.
Phil RizziCOO, AR Services 
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Ed Rothstein
Newport Partner, Mid-Atlantic
M: 443.569.9861
Col (Ret.) Ed Rothstein leads the Newport GovCon programming following a 30-year military career in the U.S. Army, including serving as Garrison Commander at Ft. Meade, MD with focus on cyber, intel and other DoD assets. He has served as an economic development leader and as an elected official, leading the Carroll County, MD Board of Commissioners as president. Mr. Rothstein aligned his SDVOSB advisory business with Newport, LLC in 2021, providing clients access to national resources and areas of technical expertise for growth and exit planning.
