In our debut episode of Mission Ready in 10, Rick from MoveAmerica tells the story of Shield AI—a company that started with two brothers, a garage in San Diego, and a mission to protect American warfighters. Today they're valued at $2.8 billion and their autonomous drone technology is being integrated into fighter jets. But here's the part nobody talks about: they didn't do it alone. Learn how SBIR funding works, why smart founders build support networks, and how MoveAmerica's Rapid Innovation Accelerator and APEX Accelerator programs can help open doors for your business. Because the warfighter needs small businesses like yours—we're just here to help you find the way.

In the this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, MoveAmerica Program Manager Athena Powell pulls back the curtain on the critical question of “what’s next” once you’ve selected a mentor, signed your Mentor-Protégé Agreement (MPA), and received a contract award.

With Athena's guidance, you’ll learn how to set your business up for success when it comes to executing the contract, including how to:

• Operationalize your team for post-award success
• Deliver on time, every time
• Communicate more effectively with internal teams and partners
• Build a strong performance record that positions you to win again

In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership (P2P), we speak with Mariano Mattei, VP of Cyber Initiatives for Eccalon and Project Spectrum, the DoD OSBP-endorsed cybersecurity platform supporting companies entering or operating within the defense industrial base. Mariano breaks down the evolving cyber landscape, the rising expectations around compliance, and the essential steps organizations must take to protect themselves and remain competitive. From CMMC readiness to practical cyber hygiene, this conversation offers a clear and accessible roadmap for companies of all sizes.

Listeners will learn:

• The most common cyber vulnerabilities and how to address them
• What’s changing across DoD cybersecurity requirements
• How small and medium businesses can prepare without getting overwhelmed

Whether you’re already in the defense sector or looking to become part of the defense industrial base, this episode provides the insight you need to get cyber-ready … and stay that way.

In this episode, Solomon Stavis, Director of the Rapid Innovation Accelerator - Miami (RIA-M), joins us to discuss how the RIA-M is helping emerging and non-traditional businesses and universities successfully navigate and access the federal contracting space. This podcast unpacks the 'so what' behind the RIA-M’s impact, from helping companies submit proposals to building critical partnerships across government, academia, and industry.

In the next episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, we are joined by Duane Wilson, Director of Business Intelligence, Assessments & Advanced Computing at MoveAmerica, for a podcast about the hidden vulnerabilities threatening the nation’s most vital supply chains. From semiconductors and rare earth elements to pharmaceuticals and defense components, the stability of these essential systems underpins U.S. economic strength, technological leadership and national security.

Whether you're in government, industry, or supply chain management, this webinar offers strategic insights into fortifying America's most essential lifelines in an increasingly unstable world.

In the next episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, Jay Davis, Business Counselor at the MoveAmerica APEX Accelerator, shares insights on Entering the Federal Supply Chain: Top 5 Essentials for Dual-Use Manufacturers. This episode is designed for businesses looking to bring their dual-use products into the federal marketplace.

Jay breaks down the critical components every company needs, starting with obtaining a CAGE code and developing a compelling capability statement, to identifying federal opportunities that align with your strengths. You’ll gain practical, step-by-step guidance to position your company effectively, meet regulatory requirements, and unlock the vast potential of federal contracts.

In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership from MoveAmerica, we chat with Chris Barber, Chief Nerd and founder, of the award-winning IT services firm Cheaper Than a Geek®. With more than 20 years of experience helping small businesses navigate the digital landscape, Chris shares practical guidance on how organizations can take their first steps toward stronger cybersecurity.

Tune in as we discuss the top security challenges facing small- and medium-sized businesses, the benefits of outsourcing IT services, and actionable insights from a managed IT provider’s perspective—giving you the tools to move from “negative four” to secure.

What do you do when your business already has FOCI exposure? In this episode of Pathways-2-Partnership, Dr. Christophe McCray walks us through real-world examples of how foreign influence has compromised U.S. innovation—and what companies can do about it. From red flags and risk factors to voting trusts and mitigation strategies, this episode provides a playbook for protecting your IP and staying eligible for federal contracts.