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Last week, Prince William County Department of Economic Development & Tourism (PWCDEDT) hosted the Calibrate Conference—a one-day event designed to equip, energize, and empower Prince William County’s small business community.

Held at George Mason University’s Beacon Hall and in collaboration with Prince William Chamber of Commerce and Mason SBDC, the conference brought together more than 130 entrepreneurs, thought leaders, and community champions to explore this year’s theme: Effortless Efficiency + Smart Solutions.

AI isn’t just for Silicon Valley

The day kicked off with a keynote from Sterling McKinley, Grow with Google’s DMV Coach, whose session, "Grow Your Business with AI-Powered Tools," helped demystify the buzz around artificial intelligence. Sterling showed attendees how small businesses can use free and low-cost tools to automate workflows, improve customer service, and gain marketing insights—all without needing a tech background.

Transform Your Day-to-Day Tasks

Following the keynote, attendees rolled up their sleeves for a hands-on workshop that turned AI theory into action. "Prompt, Create, Dominate" by Mason SBDC introduced the fundamentals of prompt engineering, which is an essential new skill for entrepreneurs navigating a digital-first world.

This session offered practical techniques to turn raw data into insights, automate messaging, and develop high-quality marketing content in minutes. Participants left with easy-to-apply strategies that can streamline operations, uncover market trends, and sharpen communications—all while saving time and resources.

Building Stronger Systems for Sustainable Growth

The morning concluded  with the “Systems for Scaling” power panel, moderated by Christina Winn, PWCDEDT Executive Director, featuring

• Lovey Hammel, Employment Enterprises,
• Bennett Whitlock, Whitlock Wealth,
• Scott Hepburn, Hepburn & Sons, and
• Kevin Rieger, Villagio Hospitality Group.

These seasoned entrepreneurs shared honest insights about building operational strength, navigating setbacks, and creating scalable systems that allow businesses to thrive through transition.

The panel reminded attendees that behind every smooth-running business is a lot of trial, error, and fine-tuning. From implementing better financial practices to investing in team culture, these leaders offered attendees a practical roadmap for long-term success.

Celebrating Service and Impact

One of the day’s most inspiring moments was the recognition of Pamela Lucas, founder and CEO of PAMCO Care, as the 2024 Virginia SBDC Veteran Small Business of the Year. Pamela’s story, including military service, public leadership, and now entrepreneurship, resonated deeply with the crowd. Her company, which supports individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, now spans six group homes and employs over 50 people.

Her journey exemplifies the kind of impact that small businesses can have—not just economically, but socially and personally. Her leadership is proof that growing a business doesn’t mean leaving your values behind—it means expanding your ability to serve others.

A Day to Refocus and Reconnect
Calibrate is more than just a day of sessions. It’s a rare moment for business owners to pause, gain perspective, and take real steps toward intentional growth. It’s where real-world knowledge meets local connection.

Throughout the day, attendees took advantage of breaks and networking moments to meet fellow business owners, swap ideas, and share stories. That kind of peer-to-peer learning and support is exactly what makes conferences like Calibrate so impactful. It’s not just about learning how to grow—it’s about growing together.