ZealRiver Technologies: Resilience, Growth, & Community Impact

Cheryl W. Brown, CEO of ZealRiver Technologies, Inc., embodies resilience and entrepreneurial spirit. Starting her career as IT support with a contracting firm at Maxwell Air Force Base, Cheryl’s passion and drive quickly outgrew her role. She aspired to create a business that would not only leverage her expertise but also contribute to the technology landscape in her community. In 2010, Cheryl took her first steps toward entrepreneurship by enrolling in the NxLevel University Training Program, offered by the Alabama SBDC at ASU and the Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, to learn the fundamentals of business ownership.

After dedicating several years to building her foundation, Cheryl officially launched ZealRiver Technologies, Inc. in 2016. Her journey with the Alabama SBDC Network, the SBA, and the SBDC at Alabama State University has been instrumental in helping her business thrive. Over the years, she has taken full advantage of the SBDC’s services, from one-on-one advisement to participation in specialized programs like the COVID-19 Small Business Survival Program, Digital Marketing Cohorts, and procurement technical training. She also became an alumnus of the SBA Emerging Leaders program, a milestone that significantly shaped her approach to scaling her business.

The Alabama SBDC’s support has been pivotal during key moments of growth and transition for ZealRiver. The SBDC guided Cheryl through the complex process of PPP loan forgiveness, digital marketing strategies, and cyber disaster preparedness. They also supported her in pursuing a mentor-protégé relationship, helping her secure not one, but two active mentors. Through a collaborative initiative with the SBC and the Balch and Bingham Boost Program, she received crucial legal assistance in forming a joint venture, ZRS Solutions LLC and operating agreement, positioning ZealRiver as a formidable competitor in the federal contracting arena.

However, Cheryl’s journey has not been without challenges. In 2022, she faced an unimaginable personal loss with the passing of her son. This tragedy deeply affected her, yet with the unwavering encouragement and support from the Alabama SBDC staff, Cheryl found the strength to persevere. The SBDC’s commitment to her success went beyond business advice; they provided a compassionate presence that helped her navigate both personal and professional obstacles. Cheryl’s resilience in the face of hardship is a testament to her character and determination.

Today, ZealRiver Technologies stands as a beacon of success. The company has expanded its reach with multiple federal, state, and business-to-business contracts, including awards from the GSA 8(a) STARS III program. With annual revenues in the millions and a growing team, ZealRiver is a key player in the tech industry. Cheryl continues to give back to her community, frequently sharing her experiences as a guest speaker at Alabama SBDC workshops and conferences. She mentors young entrepreneurs in the tech sector, providing them with guidance and encouragement.

In her final thoughts, Cheryl expressed her gratitude, saying:
“The Alabama SBDC has proved to be a critical asset to my business growth. Having a trusted resource that is readily available to assist small businesses is vital to our success. Mrs. Mosley and the staff at the SBDC at ASU truly care about helping us stay competitive and successful. Their ongoing support has provided me with the confidence to manage and grow my business effectively. I wholeheartedly recommend the Alabama SBDC services to other small businesses.”

ZealRiver Technologies continues to flourish, and Cheryl’s story serves as an inspiring example of strength, vision, and the impact of community partnerships. Her journey demonstrates the power of determination, resilience, and the invaluable role of the Alabama SBDC in helping
small businesses thrive.

Impact Attributions:
Annual Revenue Growth: $4.2MIL

#Employees: 14

Certifications: SBA 8(a), EDWOSB, WOSB, DBE

Contracts:
2024 GSA Multiple Award Schedule (MAS) (47QTCA24D00EY) – $500K 2024 DLA JETS 2.0 IT Services Contract – IDIQ Contract Ceiling $12BIL
2024 EITaaS Base Infrastructure Modernization -IDIQ Contract Ceiling $12.5BIL 2024 Barksdale AFB Education Services – $1MIL
2024 Air Force Geospatial Information Management System (AFGIMS) – $500K 2024 Digital Certification Revocation for the AF Information Network – $3.4MIL
2021 Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division Dam Neck Activity – $4MIL
2021 GSA 8(a) STARS III contract award (47QTCB21D385) – IDIQ Contract Ceiling: $50BIL

2019 Barksdale AFB Education Services – $860K
2019 Capabilities Integration Environment (CIE) Gunter Air Force Base -$2.9MIL 2016 Barksdale AFB Education Services – $180K
2016 Deliberate and Crisis Action Planning and Execution System (DCAPES) – $260K
MPP Formed Joint Venture: Two JVs
ZealRiver Technologies, Inc./ Joint Venture: ZRS Solutions LLC – Samaria Systems ZealRiver Technologies, Inc./ Joint Venture: ZS2 Solutions LLC -Samaria Systems