According to the Longwood University Small Business Development Center (SBDC) website, on Oct. 8 there will be a free business seminar at the Farmville-Prince Edward Community Library from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
The business seminar is designed for business owners and representatives who are interested in learning about Federal Government Contracting Programs, which could possibly lead to Federal contracting opportunities.
Business Analyst Kimberly Ray, who works at Longwood University’s Small Business Development Center, stated, “This is the first time this seminar has been presented in Farmville by the Longwood SBDC. We welcome any new or existing businesses in the surrounding area to attend.”
Ray added, “The process of becoming aware of dederal contract opportunities, meeting the requirements and submitting an actual bid for federal contracts can be overwhelming for some businesses."
“Many businesses are not aware that they may have a government-stated advantage for federal contracts if the business meets specific qualifications,” Ray continued.
Joanne Tompkins, director of the Crater Procurement Assistance Center (PTAC), has been invited to speak at the seminar, according to the Longwood SBDC website.
Ray said, “PTAC is a government-funded agency formed to assist businesses with the process of pursuing opportunities in the Federal, State and Local Government marketplace.”
Tompkins will be giving special attention and discussing the qualifications and advantages of four programs: one being a program for small, disadvantaged businesses, another for women-owned businesses, the third for HUBZone certification for businesses located in designated areas and the last for service- disabled and veteran-owned businesses.
Ray said, “Longwood SBDC is also offering QuickBooks for Small Business Owners, and we are partnering with Downtown Farmville and the Chamber of Commerce to offer a Business Boot Camp.”
According to the Business Boot Camp (BBC) flyer, the BBC is for people who have dreamt about opening their own business.
The boot camp costs $40 for four nights and will include information on starting your own business and helping you develop your own business plan.
One can also compete for grant monies, which will help current entrepreneurs and future businessmen open their own business.
According to the QuickBooks for Small Business Owners flyer, Patrick deFur, a Certified QuickBooks ProAdvisor will come and teach guests about the initial set-up and the number one rated small business accounting software. There will be two informative hands-on training sessions, with each session costing $50.
The two sessions are located at Longwood University in Hiner Hall in room G16.
Session two is on Monday, Oct. 14 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., and session three is on Tuesday, Oct. 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information about the free business seminar or the other two events Longwood that SBDC will be holding, contact Kimberly Ray at (434) 395-2752 or by email at raykw@longwood. edu.
One can also contact Longwood SBDC at (434) 395-2086 or go visit their office on 315 West Third Street.
