Forum Aims to Help Small Businesses Grow

Small and minority business owners trying win contracts with local governments and larger corporations might want to put April 9 on their calendars.

That’s the day Hillsborough County Economic Development is hosting an Open Doors Forum. Set to take place from 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at the MOSI Kids in Charge Welcome Center, 4801 E. Fowler Ave., the event is designed to provide smaller businesses with an opportunity to learn more about earning government contracts.

“Attendees will also have an opportunity to meet prime contractors for possible relationship building and collaboration of resources,” an email about the event from the county stated. “Vendors will also have a chance to connect with representatives from various agencies to present their business models for possible contracting opportunities.”

Government agencies expected to be represented at the forum include the cities of Tampa and Plant City, Hillsborough County, HART, Tampa General Hospital, the Hillsborough School Board, the Housing Authority and more. Private corporations Walbridge, SKANSKA and Harris McBurney and Progressive Waste Services will also be on hand.

During the forum, business owners will get an overview of what it takes to do business with larger contracting agencies. Economic development staff will also be available to help business owners launch the certification and registration process.

For more information, visit Hillsborough Economic Development online.

Image via Shutterstock

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