Saint Paul — Minnesota small businesses interested in selling their products and services to local, state, and federal agencies can get advice and technical assistance at a free workshop on Thursday, May 23 at Fortune Bay Resort & Casino in Tower, Minnesota.

The workshop is hosted by the Minnesota Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The event will provide a general overview on competing for government contracts - what to expect, where to look for opportunities, as well as available certifications. All interested businesses are invited to participate in the workshop’s morning session, while the afternoon will be more relevant to those interested in the Historically Underutilized Business Zone (HUBZone) program. 

The HUBZone certification helps small businesses in urban and rural communities gain preferential access to federal procurement opportunities. Qualifications for a business to participate include having its principal office in a HUBZone and meeting the SBA’s small business criteria. HUBZones near the conference include the Bois Forte Indian Reservation, the cities of Virginia and Hibbing, along with Lake, Itasca, and Koochiching counties. 

The session will provide the pre-work necessary to get ready for contracting using the HUBZone certification. Also included is an overview of the HUBZone program, along with a discussion of the program eligibility, benefits, and how to become certified. HUBZone-certified and potential HUBZone vendors will have the chance to talk directly with attending federal agency representatives. 

When: Thursday, May 23, 9 am – 4 pm, sign in begins at 8:30 am
Where: Fortune Bay Resort & Casino; 1430 Bois Forte Rd, Tower MN 55790
Cost: Free Register: http://bit.ly/PTACevents 

For additional information, contact: Assistant Commissioner Curt Yoakum at (651) 201-2771 or curtis.yoakum@state.mn.us 

About the Minnesota Procurement Technical Assistance Center
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.