Expanding Business Opportunities in Rural Wisconsin – Black River Falls, WI

The government can be a great customer for your business – especially if you are a small business. The challenge is to know WHAT they buy, HOW they buy it, and WHEN they buy it – AND THEN – how your business can take those first steps to SUCCESSFULLY SELL to the GOVERNMENT.  Wisconsin is home to many opportunities from Ft. McCoy, US Army Corps of Engineers, National Park Service, US Forest Service and VA Hospitals and Clinics.  It is also home to a number of large prime contractors including Oshkosh Defense, Wisconsin Physician Services and Michels.

During this session you will learn how to:

• Determine if your small business qualifies for small business certifications.
• Leverage your small business certifications targeting HUBZone [Jackson County recently became a Governor designated HUBZone AND the Federal government is not meeting their HUBZone goals], veteran, woman and disadvantaged businesses
• Identify if the government is buying what you are selling
• Identify and take the first steps in entering the market as a prime or subcontractor
• Leverage regional resources that can assist your business

Be prepared to introduce your business at the start of the event and network once the formal program has concluded.  Bring your business cards and capabilities statements.

AGENDA:

8:00 am – 8:30 am Registration and Networking Breakfast/Coffee

8:30 – 8:45 am Welcome and introductions
• Amanda Gunn, Executive Director for Black River Area Chamber of Commerce
• Brad Chown, Administrator, Black River Falls City

8:45 -10:00 am Government 101 – How to Successfully Sell to the Government – presented by Benjamin Blanc, Government Contract Specialist

10:00 – 10:15 am Break

10:15 – 10:45 am US SBA Small Business Certification Update – presented by Shane Mahaffy, Lead Business Opportunity Specialist, US SBA

10:45 – 11:00 am US SBA Certification Process – including the HUBZONE, WOMAN, DISADVANTAGED and VETERAN owned – presented by Benjamin Blanc, Government Contract Specialist

11:00 – 11:15 am US SBA Lending Programs – presented by Tammie Clendenning, Lead Economic Development Specialist, US SBA

11:15 – 11:45 am Briefings from area Partners and Resources
• Chris Hardie, CEO, 7 Rivers Alliance
• Heather Cloud, Executive Director, Ho Chunk Nation
• Mark Tallman, Regional Director, WEDC
• Beth Haskovec, Senior Director, Office of Rural Prosperity, WEDC

Networking to end of program

See agenda here: Agenda for Expanding Business Opportunities in Rural Wisconsin – Jackson County