SBA to host ‘matchmaking’ forum in San Germán

The all-day event is scheduled for Friday, Aug. 6 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the James R. Beverley Auditorium of Inter-American’s University’s San Germán campus.

“As we continue on the path to economic recovery, it is our intention to help small businesses expand their development opportunities by obtaining contracts with the federal government,” said SBA District Director José R. Sifontes. “Close to $1 billion was invested in federal contracts in Puerto Rico last fiscal year, and we want to ensure small firms continue to get their fair share of that contracting pie.”

Business matchmaking events provide a forum for small business owners to hold face-to-face meetings with federal government purchasing representatives and contracting officers, and to learn about federal agency contracting procedures. Also, matchmaking events offer entrepreneurs important tips on how to effectively market their products and services to potential government buyers.

“This event is a great marketing opportunity for local firms with federal and state government purchasing representatives who will visit us in San Germán,” said Carmen Martí, Puerto Rico SBTDC executive director. “We encourage small business entrepreneurs to participate and learn about these agencies’ needs and how to obtain contracts.”

The matchmaking event will include educational sessions on government certifications, procurement and labor legislation. Participating will be such federal agencies as NASA, General Services Administration (GSA), Housing & Urban Development (HUD), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard, U.S. Customs & Border Protection, the Federal Highway Administration, and the Veterans Health Administration, among other federal and state government agencies, and private companies.

For more information and to register free of charge call (787)766-5420 or 892-6760.