Workshop explores federal contracting opportunities
Aug. 8, 2003
KALAMAZOO -- Representatives of woman-owned companies and those who think their organization may qualify as a small disadvantaged business are invited to a Western Michigan University workshop Thursday, Aug. 14.
Sponsored by WMU's Southwest Michigan Technical Assistance Center, the Government Contracting Workshop for Woman-Owned Businesses and Small Disadvantaged Businesses will take place from 9 to 11:30 a.m. at the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce Building, 346 W. Michigan Ave. The presenters will be Jackie Hart and Pamela Thompson of the Small Business Administration. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. for the free event, which is open to the public. Those interested in attending should reserve a seat by calling Janice Campbell at (269) 387-2005, or by sending e-mail to <janice.campbell@wmich.edu>.
Hart and Thompson will describe how federal programs provide contracting opportunities to small disadvantaged businesses and woman-owned businesses. They will discuss the certification and pre-qualification process, as well as electronic commerce opportunities and business development resources in Michigan.
In addition to WMU's Southwest Michigan TAC, the event is co-sponsored by the Small Business Administration, the Michigan Economic Development Corp. and the Defense Logistics Agency.
Under the umbrella of WMU's Haworth College of Business and its Office of Business Development Services, the Southwest Michigan Technical Assistance Center offers free assistance to area companies interested in doing business with the government. Annually, Black and his staff help businesses secure more than $28 million in government contracts.
Media contact: Jessica English, 269 387-8400, jessica.english@wmich.edu