If you are a veteran or service-disabled veteran, the College of Business Administration’s Small Business Development Center at Alabama State University has resources to help you start and grow your small business.
From creating a business plan to finding your first customer, ASU’s “Veterans Supplier Diversity-Procurement Conference and Matchmaker 2012” will help you succeed.
The event, co-sponsored with the Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama LLC, will take place Thursday, August 30 from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. in the Dunn-Oliver Acadome Banquet Room. Registration begins at 7:30 a.m.
The conference theme is “Driving for Success: Making the Connections.” Discussion topics will include veteran resources, skills training, funding and more.
Thomas Taylor, event coordinator, said the conference is designed to offer real opportunities for veteran-owned small businesses.
“This is a first-of-its-kind, free event where veteran-owned and service-disabled veteran-owned small businesses can learn, exchange ideas, network and market their products and services to supplier diversity corporations, federal government agencies and prime contractors,” Taylor said.
A highlight of the conference is the Match-Maker session, during which 30 registrants will have an opportunity to present their company’s “capabilities statement” in a two-minute brief to companies, government officials and prime contractors that drive economic development. An additional 10 registrants will be selected at random to present the same.
ASU alumna Deborah Scott Thomas, retired USAF Col., entrepreneur and president and CEO of Data Solutions & Technology Incorporated (DST), will serve as the luncheon’s keynote speaker.
Attendees are encouraged to bring at least 12 sets of business marketing materials for participating buyers.
Participating buyers will be highly encouraged to select those businesses to which they would like to extend a follow-up office visit.
Due to limited seating, attendees are encouraged to preregister by Aug. 23. Lunch will be provided.
For more information or to register, contact Thomas Taylor at 334-229-4138 or email: ttaylor@alasu.edu.
