By Special to the Daily World
The SBA is sponsoring a series of federal government Small Business Forums that are designed to provide basic contracting, marketing and resource information to the small business owner. The forums, which are free to the public, will also help identify business opportunities and assist small businesses interested in pursuing the federal marketplace.
The series of forums is being held in partnership with the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) and the Georgia State University Small Business Development Center.
The first forum in the series will be on Feb. 24 at the SBA’s Georgia District Office, 233 Peachtree St. N.E. The forum runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and will provide an overview of the agency’s 8(a) Business Development Program as well as the new Women Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program, called the 8(m) program. Participants will get an overview of becoming certified under both programs.
The second forum, on March 10, covers the GSA Schedule contract used by small businesses to sell products and services in the federal marketplace. The forum will provide a unique opportunity for vendors to receive specific guidance on how to obtain a GSA Schedule contract. It will also show the best way to market the GSA Schedule contract to federal buyers. This forum runs from 10 a.m. to 12:00 noon at the Summit Building, 401 W. Peachtree St., Training Room 530.
The third forum will be held on March 24 at the SBA District Office on Peachtree Street and provide participants with the basics in successfully marketing the SBA 8(a) Business Development Certification. The forum will include a discussion of a case study using the 8 (a) Program Business Plan, and how to use teaming and joint venture agreements in marketing to the federal government. A panel discussion of small business owners who have successfully marketed to the federal government, will also be on the program.
Pre-registration is required as seating is limited. To register online, go to www.sba.gov/ga and cursor down to Resources in Your Area: Workshops and Seminars. Select the forum date from this drop down list. Complete relevant information and click “Register,” or fax completed registration from to Attention: Dorothy Fletcher at 404-331-0101.