Small businesses, as well as ones owned by minorities, will be able to get free development advice, guidance and technical support when the Minority Business Development Agency hosts a series of plenary sessions and one-on-one meetings next week.
The events, hosted in partnership with the Economic Development Authority, will allow entrepreneurs to have their business needs evaluated by MBDA’s analysts and capital readiness experts, who will then provide guidance towards funding options including small business grants, as well as guidance towards achieving business goals and free access to the MBDA’s business planning software.
Presenters at the two plenary sessions – May 14 on St. Croix at the Buccaneer Hotel, and May 16 on St. Thomas at the Emerald Beach resort – will include the Departments of Public Works and Property & Procurement, who are expected to share information on new infrastructure opportunities for contractors.
The EDA, as co-organizer, will be on hand to educate participants on financing opportunities through the State Small Business Credit initiative, and how to get certified to bid on procurement projects across the nations.
Following the resource presentations, participants will break for a networking lunch to be followed by one-on-one meetings between business owners and MBDA program consultants. Each day is expected to run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and those interested in registering for the event are invited to contact the EDA for more information.
