SBA offers virtual business training on government contracting

    CLARKSBURG – A live Webinar and hands-on workshop is being provided by the U.S. Small Business Administration and its resource partners on Wednesday, Feb. 10. This training will provide West Virginia’s small businesses with tools and information on how to do business with the federal government. The training will focus on how small businesses can: market to federal agencies; find contracting opportunities online; learn the government buying process; and how to get registered.

    “We want to reach as many small businesses and entrepreneurs as we can and our Virtual Training Initiative is a perfect way to expand our outreach efforts in rural West Virginia,” said Judy McCauley, director of SBA’s West Virginia District Office. “This Virtual Training Initiative is also an excellent opportunity for qualified West Virginia small businesses to learn more and also register for the February 18 Small Business Industry Day at the U.S. Capitol.”

    Selling to the Government & SBA’s Small Business Certification Programs will be held at 10:00 a.m. and Getting Your Business Registered in CCR, is set for 1:30 p.m. Host sites for the virtual training will be at the Pierpont Community & Technical College in Fairmont, Southern Community & Technical College in Logan, the Women’s Business Center in Beckley, and the Regional Contracting Assistance Center in Charles Town (1:30 p.m. training only). Small business owners can participate in one or both of the workshops at any of the host sites, or from the comfort of their own office. For additional information and to register, contact Naomi Bassel at naomi.bassel@sba.gov or (304) 623-5631 extension 225.

    Small Business Industry Day is an event being hosted by the Architect of the Capitol (AOC) and is designed to provide information on how to do business with the AOC and the Capitol Visitor Center (CVC). The CVC is looking for U.S.-made products and manufactured with U.S.-made materials such as educational toys, jewelry, and souvenir apparel whose focus is on the Capitol for its two gift shops. They are also looking for goods and services required to maintain its buildings, including elevators, escalators, air handling units and electrical systems as well as products and services needed to maintain the landscaping around the Capitol complex and conserve and repair historical objects and artwork. Additional information can be found at the AOC website at www.aoc.gov.

    The federal government is the largest purchaser of goods and services in the world, spending nearly $520 billion in 2008. Contracting can be an excellent option for small businesses searching for expansion opportunities and for ways to keep their companies viable in today’s business climate. The U.S. Small Business Administration oversees various certification programs which can provide minorities, women, disabled veterans and other social and economic disadvantaged individuals with tools to engage in federal contracting.

    Representatives from the West Virginia Women’s Business Center, Small Business Development Center, Regional Contracting Assistance Center, and the U.S. Small Business Administration will be providing instructional guidance and support during the presentations.