Gen. Dennis L. Via, Army Materiel Command's top leader, talks with about
400 professionals at the Team Redstone Small Business Industry Outreach event at the Jackson Center in Huntsville, Ala., March 14. "Small business is the economic engine for Am...

About 400 professionals attend the Team Redstone Small Business Industry Outreach event at the Jackson Center in Huntsville, Ala., March 14. "The environment is changing, and it will always change, but opportunities for small businesses remain," sai...

Huntsville, Ala. -- The "Open for Business" sign is hanging on the U.S. Army Materiel Command, its top leader told about 400 professionals who gathered in Huntsville for the Team Redstone Small Business Industry Outreach event at the Jackson Center March 14.

"Small business is the economic engine for America and also for our Army," AMC Commander Gen. Dennis L. Via said. "The environment is changing, and it will always change, but opportunities for small businesses remain."

Finding those opportunities and getting face time with Army and DOD officials is what attracts small business executives to this type of forum.

"The small business community is always trying to get in touch with local leaders. The large companies have far more access than we do," said Patrick Walton, president of enGenius Consulting in Huntsville. "Along with being part of the community, we look to this as a way to grow the company and get in front of potential customers."

Acting Director of the DOD Office of Small Business Programs Kenyata Wesley used straight talk to help guide business seekers. When he asked the crowd how many had read the FY16 National Defense Authorization Act, only a few hands went up.

"This is where I get on my soapbox and say every hand should go up," Wesley said. "Why? Follow the money."

Wesley said the Act includes about 50 provisions that impact small companies. Additionally, Wesley encouraged businesses to research the various Army commands and become familiar with their priorities.

"Be smarter about the process and not just smart about what you do every day," he said. "Want to be around in five years or when the next conflict happens? You should know what their (command's) challenges are and what their budgets are."

AMC Small Business Director Nancy Small said the event, held for the third consecutive year in Huntsville, continues to be a success. "We have filled to capacity each year," Small said. "Small businesses are always eager for education and information about our processes and opportunities."