Region 5 Small Business Conference Location 12th floor, Metcalfe Federal Building 77 W. Jackson Blvd Chicago, IL 60604 Date and Time Wednesday 11/05/2014 3:30AM to 10:00AM CST Details EPA Region 5, in partnership with the Young Entrepreneurs of the Universe, will hold its annual small business conference on Wednesday, November 5, 2014. The one-day conference brings together EPA program officials, acquisition personnel, other federal agency procurement officials and prime contractors in an effort to inform and educate small businesses about the various opportunities to do business with EPA and other federal, state and local government agencies. For more information, contact: Adrianne Callahan
[email protected] 312-353-5556 Register for this free conference Agenda This draft agenda is subject to change. Exhibit room open throughout the entire day. Registration Color Guard, National Anthem Opening Remarks Cheryl Newton, Assistant Regional Administrator U.S. EPA Region 5 Babette Peyton, President Young Entrepreneurs of the Universe – Veteran Initiatives SAM Registration – Know the Process It is critical when doing business with the Federal government to register in the System for Award Management (SAM) and understand when it is necessary to update your SAM registration. GSA Schedule Many federal agencies utilize General Services Administration (GSA) schedules to award a multitude of contracts; including those awarded to small businesses. Bonding Learn more about bonding levels and how it’s important to ensure you have the appropriate bonding capacity to obtain and maintain federal projects. Getting to Know your PTAC A widely untapped resource for small business. Learn more about the services and assistance Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) provide. EPA Programs – What Contract Opportunities Exist? Designed to be an interactive session for small businesses to ask questions and gain a better understanding of EPA programs and procurement opportunities. EPA Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program An overview of EPA’s program that encourages the use of Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), WBE (Women Business Enterprise) firms in EPA-funded projects. Grant Opportunities Funded by EPA Hear from state and local agencies and tribal organizations within the Midwest who are recipients of EPA Assistance Agreements. Understand why it's important to follow the money to identify other opportunities to work on projects funded by EPA. AFTERNOON Capital Resource Panel A panel of experts will be available to discuss small business loans and how small businesses can gain access to funding. Teaming Partners Small businesses are often looking for teaming partners; be prepared to move around the room and interact during this facilitated session to promote collaboration among small businesses. Matchmaking – AFTERNOON ONLY