Free Business Development Program Offered Feb. 12-13

A free two-day workshop designed to help minority business owners do business with the state and federal government will be held in Hilo on Feb. 12 – 13 at the `Imiloa Astronomy Center from 9 a.m. – 4 p.m.

The program, which is open to any small business interested in doing business with the government, is sponsored by the Small Business Administration, the Department of Transportation, and the Minority Business Development Center Honolulu office.

Part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, the Minority Business Development Agency is the only federal agency created specifically to aid the development of minority-owned businesses in America.

Attendees will learn how to find out about contracting opportunities, the benefits of certifications, and how to complete a business plan.

Additional topics to be discussed include, how to respond to a Request for Proposal (RFP), how to register in the System for Award Management, and how to become certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise, and how to become SBA 8(a) certified.

Offered by the Small Business Administration, the 8(a) program provides assistance to economically and/or socially disadvantaged business owners and has provided crucial assistance to minority entrepreneurs over the past few years.

Participants can access a variety of business development services, including the opportunity to receive federal contracts on a sole-source or limited competition basis.

Mary Dale, business development specialist for the Small Business Administration will discuss the 8(a) program and the advantages of becoming 8(a) certified.

Melanie Martin, DBE program supervisor at the Department of Transportation, will discuss how to do business with the state government.

Early registration is recommended, as seating is limited. For more information email [email protected]. You can register online at www.sbadotmbch.eventbrite.com or call (808) 956-0850.