Small Business Outreach Seminar Offered Today

U.S. Rep. Tom Graves (R-GA-14), in conjunction with the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce, the Small Business Administration (SBA), the General Services Administration (GSA) and Georgia Tech, will host a Small Business Outreach Seminar for the 14th Congressional District today to explain how to utilize the many federal resources available for small businesses, including how to secure government contracts.

“Georgia’s entrepreneurs and innovators are vital to our communities and they create many of our jobs,” said Graves. “I want to be sure that small businesses in the 14th district are informed about all the federal resources available to them, particularly when it comes to competing for government contracts. Knowing how to utilize federal resources might provide an extra boost for a new business to get started, or help existing businesses expand and create more jobs.”

The event, held on March 26, from 10 a.m. to noon, will include presentations on small business certifications, lending, working with SBA and GSA and information about other small business programs. A representative from the Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center will give a presentation on their free services for small businesses and provide information about obtaining grant awards.

Attendees invited to arrive early for networking and a meet and greet from 9 to 10 a.m. The seminar will be held at the Paulding County Chamber of Commerce, 455 Jimmy Campbell Parkway, Dallas.

This event is free and open to the public.

Constituents with questions may contact Tracey Bartley in Congressman Graves’ office at 706-226-5320.

Details on event participants:

U. S. General Services Administration (GSA) – The central contracting agency for the Federal Government; manager of federal buildings and U. S. Courthouses.

Mildred Quinley, Director, Office of Small Business Utilization

Rebecca Vanover, Small Business Development Specialist

The U. S. Small Business Administration (SBA) – Provides general business support and free training to entrepreneurs and small businesses; maintains the federal small business loan program and establishes regulations that require federal agencies set-aside contracting and procurements for small business.

Joyce Thurmond, Procurement Center Representative

Georgia Tech Procurement Assistance Center (GTPAC) – A grant-funded program that provides free training to small businesses on how to navigate the government procurement process.

Jerry Shadinger, Procurement Counselor