From the San Juan County Economic Development Council

Are you interested in doing business with the government?  Join the San Juan County Economic Development Council for a two-hour seminar on Orcas Island, which will provide information on the goods and services that state and federal agencies buy and how they buy them.  Also covered will be San Juan County’s designation as a HUBZone by the Small Business Administration, which gives our businesses an edge over others competing for government contracts.

Diana Drake, a business development specialist from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will lead the HUBZone part of the class.  She will cover how businesses can get government designation for the HUBZone program.  She will also cover the new Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program, which provides greater access to federal contracting opportunities.

John Tamble, counselor at the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in Mount Vernon, will cover a basic overview of PTAC services, opportunities to do business with government agencies, and the necessary government registrations and paperwork.

As part of Tamble’s work with PTAC, he can also provide information about how to obtain government designations such as women or minority-owned certification, or Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) certification. These certifications can increase a company’s chances to win certain government bids.

Date:  March 16, from 10-noon. FREE. Advance registration recommended.  Sponsored by the San Juan County Economic Development Council and hosted by the Outlook Inn, 171 Main Street, Eastsound.  Call 360-378-2906 to reserve your space, or email:  info@sanjuansedc.org.  The EDC thanks San Juan County for helping to fund our 2011 Business Education Series

The San Juan County Economic Development Council’s Business Education Series was created by the EDC in response to concerns from local business owners and overall increased demand from new businesses. This series will present a variety of business topics designed for both those opening a new business or those wanting to take their business to the next level.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council (EDC) strives to strengthen and diversify the economy of San Juan County. We believe a strong economy builds a strong community. The EDC works to build an environment that helps business owners create jobs. We serve business:  linking organizations and resources, providing valuable information, rendering assistance and advocating for an improved island business environment.