Saint Paul – The Minnesota Department of Administration (Admin) will host the state's fourth procurement opportunity fair for Minnesota small businesses owned by minorities, women, persons with disabilities, veterans, and economically disadvantaged areas on Thursday, May 30 at the MnDOT Training and Conference Center in Shoreview, Minnesota.

"We look forward to the new and innovative ideas that diverse businesses bring to the Opportunity Fair each year that support the state's efforts in providing the best possible services to Minnesotans and our agency partners," said Administration Commissioner Alice Roberts-Davis.

This event will be an opportunity for small business owners to connect with purchasing staff from more than 20 state agencies 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.

New this year at the Opportunity Fair is a "Shark Tank" style forum where business owners present their businesses to a panel of state buyers. Forty-five Minnesota small businesses were selected out of more than 100 applicants to participate.

When: Thursday, May 30, 10:00 am – 1:00 pm (Registration starts at 9:30 am) 
Where: Minnesota Department of Transportation Training and Conference Center, 1900 County Road I, Shoreview, MN 55126
Cost: Free 
Register: https://mngov.ecenterdirect.com/events/1347

Admin’s Office of Equity in Procurement (OEP) counsels 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 develop 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 $2.3 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/government/purchasing-contracting/.

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