Doing Business with the Federal Government’ — a NIMCA-symposium Sept. 6

Online Staff Report

Northern Illinois Minority Companies Association (NIMCA) announces the re-launch of its organization. NIMCA’s focus is to strengthen women and minority businesses. As a component to this organization renewal and in cooperation with Rockford Area Economic Development Council, NIMCA will host a two-hour symposium, titled “Doing Business with the Federal Government”. It will be held from 5-7 p.m.,Thursday, Sept. 6, in the EIGERlab Auditorium, 605 Fulton Ave., Rockford. The event is free and open to all minority, women and veteran small business owners. Refreshments will be served.

Featured speakers will include:

Hans Bonner, program director — Chicago (MBDA) office — Minority Business Development Agency

Special guest from Chicago (SBA) office — Small Business Administration

Ann Johns, program director — Rockford (PTAC) Office — Procurement Technical Assistance Center

Guest speakers will discuss the services and opportunities available for minority, female and veteran business owners. This is a great opportunity to learn how to secure government contracts with the federal government. A question-and-answer session will follow each presentation.

Northern Illinois Minority Companies Association’s (NIMCA) mission is to support community development and facilitate the professional and business development of minority and women-owned businesses in the Greater Rockford area.

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) works with minority business entgerprises to generate increased financing and contact opportunities and to create and retain jobs.

Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) help businesses seeking to compete successfully in federal, state and local government contracting. Funded through Cooperative agreements between Department of Defense (DoD) and state/local entities, PTAC provides a range of expert services at little or no charge.

Small Business Administration — (SBA)/Small Business Development Center (SBDC) offers a variety of programs and support services to assist small businesses.

For more information, contact NIMCA, P.O. Box 1946, Rockford, IL 61110 (815) 962-3335.

Posted Sept. 5, 2012