JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO - RANDOLPH, Texas -- The Department of Defense’s Office of Small Business Programs, in partnership with the Small Business Administration, sponsored Small Business Training Week 17 from April 3-7, 2017, at the Sheraton Atlanta in Atlanta, Georgia. More than 600 government employees were in attendance.

The event featured 70 dynamic speakers and subject matter experts, dedicated to developing the small business workforce. The five-day training began with a boot camp designed for novice small business professionals and continued with the Vanguard Awards ceremony, where members were recognized for outstanding achievements.

“Our command is very fortunate to have senior leaders who wholeheartedly support the small business program and are champions of small businesses,” Elizabeth Tijerina, Air Education and Training Command Office of Small Business Programs director, said. “It makes it all worthwhile when you have a senior leader take time out of their busy schedule to address the team and thank everyone for a job well done.”

Ten AETC small business professionals attended the workshop where they learned valuable insights about policy changes, legislative updates and numerous topics affecting small business Programs. The SBTW17 was an opportunity to learn and build lasting relationships and connections among the small business workforce.

Each of the AETC small business professionals were presented coins by Maj. Gen. John E. McCoy, Air National Guard assistant to the AETC commander. The AETC team not only met, but exceed all goals for fiscal year 2016.