Deonna Barnett

About Deonna Barnett

I empower small to mid-sized companies become contract-ready, growth-driven, and strategically positioned to compete for government and corporate contract opportunities. With nearly 20 years of experience in small business development, I specialize in connecting small-to-mid-sized firms with the public- and private-sector buyers who need their products and services.My work extends beyond consulting. I partner with agencies, corporations, and ecosystem builders to strengthen diverse supplier pipelines, design engagement strategies, and deliver capacity-building programs that drive measurable impact.At the core of my leadership is a passion for equitable economic growth and empowering businesses to build sustainable, competitive enterprises that create jobs, innovation, and community wealth.Core Expertise:* Government & Corporate Contracting* Supplier Development & Engagement * Business Growth & Scaling Advisory* Program Design & Ecosystem Development* Proposal Development & Procurement Strategy* Capacity-Building for Small to Mid-Sized Firms* Operational Efficiency & Management* Financial Management & Projections* Experience with Tech Startups & Innovation

Experience

1. Director of Consuting

   Aventi Enterprises

   Jan 2019 — Present · Columbus, OH, US

   I lead supplier development and engagement initiatives that help businesses become contract-ready and competitive in both public and private markets. My work focuses on designing and delivering strategic advisory services that strengthen operational capacity, improve proposal readiness, and align suppliers with buyer expectations.I bring expertise in tech innovation, market validation, and data analytics using these tools to identify growth opportunities, assess feasibility, and guide businesses in developing scalable, enterprise-ready solutions. Through analytics-driven insights and structured engagement strategies, I support organizations in making informed decisions, accelerating growth, and securing sustainable contracting opportunities.As the Director, additional responsibilities include recruiting and hiring talent, budget management, overseeing P&L performance, and driving the strategic vision of the company.

Education

• The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business

  Bachelors, Business Administration-Marketing

  2003 — 2007

Skills

• Recruiting
• Microsoft Office
• Sales
• Public Relations
• Media Relations
• Start-Ups
• Marketing
• Non-Profits
• Leadership
• Event Planning
• Project Planning
• Leadership Development
• Event Management
• Public Speaking
• Customer Service
• Press Releases
• Trade Shows
• Marketing Communications
• Facebook
• Online Marketing
• Advertising
• Small Business
• Website Development
• Market Research
• Editing
• Coaching
• Business Planning
• Budgets
• Research
• Community Outreach
• Community Development
• Newsletters
• Program Development
• Strategic Communications
• Email Marketing
• Brand Development
• Social Networking
• Social Media Marketing
• Entrepreneurship
• Strategic Planning