Minority and women-owned business enterprise matchmaking event slated for May 11

New buyers are the lifeblood of any enterprise. A matchmaking function on Could 11 at Heifer International headquarters in Minor Rock will provide minority- and females-owned corporations a likelihood to meet likely purchasers, at the Minority and Women of all ages-Owned Small business Business Matchmaking Party.

There is no expense to take part, but registration is expected. The occasion keynote is Sidney Moncrief, a five-time NBA All-Star, former Arkansas Razorback, motivational speaker, creator and founder of Moncrief One particular Group and Moncrief Game Changer, Inc., which functions to present exceptional activities to enhance college student mastering.

The annual celebration will have 15-minute matchmaking appointments the place company homeowners can explore doable contracts for their goods and products and services. Business enterprise homeowners will be matched with obtaining associates based mostly on info furnished for the duration of registration.

The function is offered by a partnership among the the Arkansas Procurement Technological Aid Middle, or Arkansas PTAC, the Arkansas Financial Growth Commission and the Arkansas District Workplace of the Smaller Companies Administration. Arkansas PTAC is portion of the University of Arkansas Procedure Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Support.

Liz Russell, an Arkansas PTAC counselor for the Division of Agriculture, is also featuring a May 5 webinar with tips for navigating the matchmaking occasion. Topics incorporate the part of certifications, seller registration websites, marketplace investigation resources and internet marketing resources certain to the authorities market. Like the May 11 occasion, there is no price tag to participate in the webinar, but registration is necessary.

“Underserved small firms have ordinarily faced obstacles in accessing credit score, funds and other equipment required to develop,” Berman said. “They are generally situated in inner cities and rural locations and usually involve individuals of coloration, gals, veterans, tribal groups and some others. Participating in the once-a-year Minority and Women of all ages-Owned Enterprise Matchmaking party will help company house owners to network with federal government consumers, smaller organization assist companies, these types of as Arkansas PTAC, as properly as other space companies.”

Arkansas PTAC counselors will also train a Govt Contracting 101 course at the function, which will aim on offering to both equally the state of Arkansas and the federal federal government.

Berman mentioned earlier event attendees have emerged with new contracts and promising connections.

“Businesses who fulfill with purchasers go away the event with authorities contracting opportunities,” she stated. “Those who have been unable to indication a deal for goods or services as a result of the matchmaking celebration have at the extremely the very least fulfilled with a authorities purchaser and know what they are trying to find as it relates to the tiny businesses’ sector. This allows them be much better organized the upcoming time.”