March 7 event will connect small businesses owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, or veterans with state agency purchasing officers and provide technical assistance on doing business with the State of Minnesota.

SAINT PAUL - The Minnesota Department of Administration (Admin) announced today that, in partnership with Minnesota Procurement Technical Assistance Center (MN PTAC), it will host a small business opportunity fair for Minnesota small businesses owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans on March 7. Minnesota's state agencies purchase more than $2 billion in goods and services annually.

The event will be an opportunity for small business owners to connect with purchasing staff from state agencies, the University of Minnesota, and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system and learn about upcoming business opportunities. Admin's Office of Equity in Procurement staff and representatives from MN PTAC will be available to answer questions about the Small Business Procurement Program and how to compete for business with the state.

When: Monday, March 7, 1 - 4 p.m.
Where: Skjegstad Room, Stassen Building (Minnesota Department of Revenue Building), 600 North Robert Street, Saint Paul, MN 55101 (MAP)
Cost: Free
Register:bit.ly/1PVZV7l
Details:/admin/assets/2017%20Opp%20Fair%20Flyer_tcm36-281392.pdfmn.gov/admin/oep/opp-fair

"The Business Opportunity Fair is an example of our commitment to ensuring equal contracting opportunities for all Minnesotans," said Administration Commissioner Matt Massman. "More small businesses able to compete for state contracts will ultimately strengthen Minnesota's small business sector and help the state obtain the best value in purchasing goods and services."

Admin created the Office of Equity in Procurement in 2015 to ensure greater equity in state contracting and construction. The office promotes opportunities to do business with the state and provides assistance to small businesses owned by women, minorities, people with disabilities, and veterans as they seek state contracts. More information can be found at OEP's website at mn.gov/admin/oep.

To advance the state's commitment to equity in contracting as outlined in Governor Dayton's Executive Order 15-02, Admin has worked with public agencies and the following organizations representing communities traditionally underrepresented in state contracting:

MN PTAC helps all Minnesota businesses pursue government procurement opportunities. MN PTAC offers specialized support for Women, Veteran, and HUBZone businesses. MN PTAC is a part of MEDA, which provides business development services, business financing, and access to market opportunities to support entrepreneurs of color. MEDA also operates two business development centers under cooperative agreements with the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) of the U.S. Department of Commerce. More information on MN PTAC services can be found at meda.net/mnptac.

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Contact: Adam Giorgi
Deputy Communications Director
adam.giorgi@state.mn.us
651-201-2565