Certification workshop for minority-owned businesses

Small multicultural- and minority-owned businesses are invited to a free workshop on becoming a certified minority-owned enterprise from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, June 27, at Western Illinois University – Quad Cities.                                                                       

The Illinois Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at WIU – Quad Cities, Quad Cities Chamber of Commerce and Illinois Procurement Technical Assistance Center are teaming up to provide this opportunity to learn about the certification process and benefits of becoming certified, including the ability to pursue government contracts, grants and loans. Business leaders in the region also are invited to the event to build relationships with small multicultural- and minority-owned businesses.

There is no cost to attend. Dinner is provided with the presentation in Room 103/104 of Riverfront Hall at WIU – QC, 3300 River Drive, Moline. Participants must register at least two days in advance at bit.ly/qccchamber or 563.823.2682.

Attendees will learn about SBDC Self-Certification; Women-Owned Business Certification (W.O.B.); Statewide Accounting Management System (S.A.M.S.); Data Universal Number System (D.U.N.S.); and Grants Accountability and Transparency Act (G.A.T.A.). Participants are encouraged to ask questions and share ideas. Spanish translation will be available.

The Illinois SBDC and International Trade Center at WIU – QC opened in 2017 to assist small business development and growth in the Quad Cities region and northwest Illinois. The centers’ free services are offered to help entrepreneurs start, grow and sustain their businesses.

The Illinois SBDC is a unit of the Illinois Institute for Rural Affairs at WIU. The Illinois SBDC is funded in part through a Cooperative Agreement with the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, the U.S. Small Business Administration and WIU.

Aligning with the mission of the Quad Cities’ Q2030 Regional Action Plan, the Chamber is working to boost awareness of multicultural- and minority-owned businesses in the community and provide them with opportunities to connect with business service providers to further their business goals.

Visit wiusbdc.org for more information about the SBDC.