By Hazel Scott
The Small Business Development Center at Alabama State University is gearing up for its 11th annual Small Business Procurement Conference and Matchmaker. The event kicks off virtually via Zoom on November 7 from 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m., and on November 8 with an in-person session from 7:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. at the John Garrick Hardy Student Center Theatre and Ballroom, 1055 Tullibody Drive.
This two-day hybrid conference will offer educational presentations, contracting opportunities, and business connections between federal agencies, prime contractors, and corporations with Alabama small businesses.
“This annual event is designed to foster contracting opportunities between federal, state, and local governments, primes, and private entities with all Small, Women-Owned, Minority-Owned, Small Disadvantaged-Owned and HUBZone-Owned,” said Andrea Rogers Mosley, director of SBDC.
On day one, attendees will participate in educational procurement readiness workshops held virtually. Educational workshops, which will be in-person, will continue on day two and will culminate with an opportunity for small business attendees to present their pitch. Lunch will be provided.
“SBDC hosts this event at ASU in honor of our veterans,” said Mosley.
Matchmaker
Small business attendees will have the opportunity to present their “Capabilities Pitch” to showcase their products and services directly to procurement decision-makers and small business contracting specialists from government and corporate agencies.
To ensure that agencies are speaking with vendors capable of meeting their needs, the Matchmaking sessions will be segmented into four major industry categories: Construction, Information Technology/Logistics and Professional/Service/Technical/Health.
Space is limited to 10 businesses per agency with 7 to 10 minutes to pitch. This session is on a first-come, first-served basis.