Business Matchmaking and SBDC team to help entrepreneurs access contracts
Statewide small business stimulus program heads to Riverside
SACRAMENTO — On Feb. 4 Riverside businesses will have the opportunity to participate in a free statewide program aimed at increasing small business readiness to access stimulus-funded contracts through President Obama’s Economic Recovery Plan.
The half-day program, Stimulus Opportunities for Small Business, is free for participants and will be presented by California Small Business Development Centers and Los Angeles-based nonprofit Business Matchmaking, in cooperation with the Small Business Advocate in the governor’s office.
“As the Inland Empire region’s leadership pursues the infusion of stimulus dollars into our two counties, it is important that we have a pool of qualified and prepared small businesses that can step up and access those opportunities as they roll out,” said Vincent McCoy, director of the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center. “Stimulus funds come in many forms and so it makes sense for all types of businesses to take advantage of this great event.”
McCoy added that one of the most exciting parts of the program is that participants get firsthand insight from state and federal government buyers, and corporate representatives from the U.S. General Services Administration, Caltrans, U.S. Dept. of Veterans’ Affairs, County of Riverside and Hewlett-Packard. Aside from capitalizing on stimulus opportunities, these events will connect small businesses with free consulting aimed at helping entrepreneurs survive or thrive in the current economy.
Marty Keller, director for the Office of Small Business Advocate, said that the California SBDC and Business Matchmaking partnership for these stimulus events is important because it provides essential tools and information that can ease small businesses through the procurement process.
“The power of this event is that it combines a breadth of information about all the sources of stimulus dollars with the practical information a small business needs to enter the often bewildering world of government contracting and grants,” Keller said. “Small businesses frequently have difficulty accessing this type of funding, and so this event will give small businesses the hands-on, direct instructions they need to explore state stimulus-financed opportunities.”
The Stimulus Opportunities for Small Business event will also include updates for small businesses on new Small Business Administration (SBA) bank loan guarantees, and Workforce Development roles under the economic stimulus plan. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Riverside Convention Center located at 3443 Orange St., Riverside. Admission to the event is free, but space is limited and registration is required. To sign up, go to http://californiasbdc.org/stimulus or call (951) 781-2345 for more information.
Stimulus Opportunities for Small Business has been made possible by underwriting from sponsors HP, American Express OPEN and American Airlines. Business Matchmaking specializes in small business procurement with a track record of facilitating more than 70,000 face to face buyer-seller meetings throughout the country. California Small Business Development Centers provide free business consulting and low-cost training for thousands of California small businesses annually. Go to http://www.businessmatchmaking.com or http://www.californiasbdc.org
Dispatches From The Front 