Join the Economic Development Council for a two-hour seminar on Orcas Island about the goods and services that state and federal agencies buy and how they buy them.  They’ll also cover San Juan County’s designation as a HUBZone by the Small Business Administration, which gives businesses an edge over others competing for government contracts.

The free workshop is on March 16 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Outlook Inn. Advance registration is  recommended. Call 378-2906 to reserve a space or email: info@sanjuansedc.org.

Diana Drake, a business development specialist from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will lead the HUBZone part of the class. She will cover how businesses can get government designation for the HUBZone program. Drake will also cover the new Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program, which provides greater access to federal contracting opportunities.

John Tamble, counselor at the Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) in Mount Vernon, will present a basic overview of PTAC services, opportunities to do business with government agencies, and the necessary government registrations and paperwork. As part of Tamble’s work with PTAC, he can also provide information about how to obtain government designations such as women or minority-owned certification, or Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) certification. These certifications can increase a company’s chances to win certain government bids.

The San Juan County Economic Development Council’s Business Education Series was created by the EDC in response to concerns from local business owners and overall increased demand from new businesses.  This series will present a variety of business topics designed for both those opening a new business or those wanting to take their business to the next level.