In support of Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo’s goal of increasing minority- and women-owned business participation in state contracting, the SUNY Canton Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a workshop for local entrepreneurs that will focus on government contracting and certification.

All prospective and current minority- and women-owned businesses are invited to the event, which will be held at 6 p.m. Wednesday, March 13, in SUNY Canton’s Wicks Hall (Room 006). A guest panel of representatives from state and regional entities will be available to advise attendees on matters related to funding, purchasing and processing. A workshop portion will include hands-on instruction and assistance to business owners with the initial steps of becoming certified.

“We meet with many minority and women entrepreneurs, but they do not completely understand the opportunity that continues to broaden for them. Government contracting can expand their market, increase revenue and ultimately create jobs in the North Country,” noted SUNY Canton SBDC Procurement Advisor Brooke E. James. “By providing assistance in understanding and completing the minority- and women-owned business certification process, our clients can continue to grow.”

The program is being held in cooperation with North Country Procurement Technical Assistance Center. The event is free, however preregistration is required as space is limited. To register, contact the SBDC at (315) 386-7312.

For more information about Gov. Cuomo’s Executive Order to help remove barriers for minority- and women-owned businesses in regard to the state government procurement process, visit http://www.governor.ny.gov/press/021711minority-women-ownedbusiness.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Coordinator, or call 315/386-7528.

One-on-one sessions with SBDC Advisor Brooke E. James will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. every Tuesday during the month of October at the Municipal Building in Star Lake. The sessions are held free of charge. Space is limited, so those who wish to participate are asked to make an appointment by contacting Ms. James at (315) 386-7312 or at jamesb@canton.edu.

The SBDC offers free direct counseling and a wide range of management and technical assistance services, from helping start-ups develop a business plan and assist existing businesses prepare to expand, to offering resources for industry-specific companies.

Media inquiries should be directed to Gregory Kie, Media Relations Manager, or call 315/386-7527.