Saint Paul – The Minnesota Department of Administration (Admin) is pleased to announce that they will host the state's third small business opportunity fair for Minnesota small businesses owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, and veterans on Tuesday, May 22 at the Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building in St. Paul.

“The State strongly encourages the innovation and competition that small businesses bring to public contracting, which helps us get the best price and best value for public dollars,” said Administration Commissioner Matt Massman. “The Procurement Opportunity Fair is a great way to introduce more small businesses to opportunities with the state."

"This is our third year hosting the Procurement Opportunity Fair," said Assistant Commissioner Alice Roberts-Davis. "Each year we look forward to the new and innovative ideas that diverse businesses bring to support the state's efforts to provide the best possible services to Minnesotans."

This event will be an opportunity for small business owners to connect with purchasing staff from more than 20 state agencies, the Metropolitan Council, and the Minnesota State Colleges and Universities system to learn about upcoming business opportunities. Representatives from Admin's Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP) and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) will be available during the event to answer questions about the Small Business Procurement Program and how to compete for business with the state.

When: Tuesday, May 22, 9 am – 12 pm (Registration starts at 8:30 am)
Where: Rooms 2370 & 2380, Elmer L. Andersen Human Services Building (Minnesota Department of Human Services), 540 Cedar Street, St. Paul, MN 55101 (Map)
Cost: Free
Register: https://mngov.ecenterdirect.com/events/1222
Details: https://mn.gov/admin/business/vendor-info/oep/about/events/

Admin’s Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP) counsels small businesses, including small businesses owned by minorities, women, people with physical disabilities, and veterans attempting to sell goods and services to the State. OEP helps level the playing field for small businesses by ensuring they are aware of contract opportunities, have the information and technical assistance they need to respond to solicitations and have an equitable opportunity to achieve a successful business relationship with the state. More information can be found at OEP's website at mn.gov/admin/oep.

Admin’s Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) assists businesses by providing free individualized technical assistance in navigating local, state, and federal contracting requirements as well as performance assistance. Expertise provided by PTAC business counselors includes market identification, registration assistance, contracting regulations/compliance assistance, and ongoing technical support throughout the procurement process. PTAC counselors conduct year-round training sessions across the state to help businesses hone essential business skills. More information about PTAC can be found at mn.gov/admin/ptac.

The Department of Administration (Admin) oversees state procurement, including more than $2 billion in state purchases each year. State law has provided for a targeted group preference program since 1990. Additional information about state purchasing programs can be found online at mn.gov/admin.

For additional information, please contact:
Julie Nelsen
(651) 201-2565
julie.j.nelsen@state.mn.us