The Million Dollar Connection: Fueling Business Growth Through Strategy

In this episode of Scale Smart Live, host Taja M. Graham sits down with Dr. Dawn-Nicole McIlwain, award-winning strategist, economic developer, and founder of ProcuraFind®, a B2B matchmaking platform helping small businesses access high-value contract opportunities in corporate and government sectors.Dr. McIlwain shares her expertise on how small businesses can become supplier-ready using her proprietary CARES Framework, a five-phase system designed to improve contracting awareness, readiness, and education. With a career that spans startup development, corporate strategy (as a former BCG consultant), and AI education, she offers a proven roadmap for growth through procurement and operational alignment.Key topics include:How to grow from small business to certified supplierThe role of strategic connections in winning million-dollar contractsWhy traditional networking tactics fall short, and what to do insteadIf you're a small business owner looking to scale through contracts, build sustainable partnerships, and position your company for supplier success, this episode offers practical tools and insight for long-term growth.Listen now and learn how to scale with strategy and structure.