The Watch – Looking out for Small Busines – 2nd edition, 2005
ActioNet Turns Vision Into Action
Ashley W. Chen, President & CEO of ActioNet, founded the company in 1998 with a ‘dream of building something great’ Based in Fairfax, VA – ActioNet is an SEI CMM level 3 certified information technology services firm specializing in project management, enterprise software development, information systems security, and systems integration and training. ActioNet also has custom developed products such as iMakeSurveys (www.imakesurveys.com), an online service – created to simplify the process of collecting survey information and providing timely feedback – for organizations engaged in customer service and outreach activities.
On March 12, 2004, ActioNet was approved for participation in SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program. ‘Since our acceptance in to the 8(a) program, we have received strong support from our local SBA District Office,’ said Ashley Chen. ‘SBA has provided us with sound and timely advice, as well as supporting our efforts to grow new business opportunities. Through various outreach forums conducted by SBA, ActioNet has been able to network with potential customers and teaming partners.’
2004 was a banner year for ActioNet. In 2004, Ashley W. Chen was recognized by SBA’s Washington Metropolitan Area District Office as the Minority Small Business Person of the Year. That same year, Asian Enterprise Magazine recognized her as Asian Entrepreneur of the year. Other awards include INC Magazine’s 500 fastest growing private companies, the Deloitte Technology Fast 50 award, and The Washington Technology Fast 50 award. ActioNet was also a recipient of the Department of Transportation’s ‘Outstanding Women-Owned Business Enterprise Award.’
In 2001, ActioNet received the ‘Exceeds Customer Expectations’ Past Performance Rating from Dun & Bradstreet (D&B). Ms. Chen states, ‘We are very proud of the fact that our initial customers are still our customers today.’
The firm has grown from a one person operation in 1998, to a dynamic information technology solution provider with more than 70 employees and $5 million in revenue.
‘Ashley Chen’s passion, drive and motivation have contributed toward her entrepreneurial success, ‘ said Allegra F. McCullough, Associate Deputy Administrator for Government Contracting and Business Development.
For more information on ActioNet, contact Ashley Chen by phone at (703) 204-0090 x108, by email at [email protected], or you can view the web site at http://www.actionet.com.