The SBA and the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. are hosting a national 8(a) training, business matchmaking and awards ceremony this month in Washington, DC. The aim of this event is to provide small disadvantaged businesses with opportunities for face-to-face meetings and business matchmaking sessions.
“SBA and the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. are partners in a major effort to expand outreach and support to underserved and minority business communities that have been hit harder by the economy than other sectors,” said SBA Deputy Administrator Marie C. Johns.
The free event includes forums on how minority small businesses can market themselves to the federal government and how they can pursue government contracting opportunities. There will also be 250 time slots for one-on-one meetings with approximately 25 successful larger businesses and graduates of the SBA’s 8(a) training program.
The conference will conclude with an awards ceremony recognizing the National Minority Small Business Person of the Year and the presentation of the SBA Administrator’s Leadership award.
“We now have a chance to recognize the firms who have worked diligently over the last year, despite harsh economic conditions, and managed to successfully grow their businesses,” said Ron Busby, President/CEO of the U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. of this opportunity to work with the SBA.
The U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. is a non-profit organization that supports the growth and development of Black chambers of commerce across the U.S. through promoting issues of importance to Black-owned businesses, providing businesses with access to capital and contracting opportunities, and offering entrepreneur training.
The event will take place on October 10 at the Carnegie Library in Washington, DC.
Sources:
Press Release. SBA and U.S. Black Chamber, Inc. Host Matchmaker, Training and Awards Conference in Washington, D.C. October 1, 2012.
