BRC Alert

Volume 2, Issue 10, August 5, 2003

Procurement, Hiring, & Training

1. Agency Promotes Sale of Goods and Services to the District
2. Technical Assistance Provider Seeks Small Business Counselor
3. Small Business Training Dates Released
4. Board of Trade Launching Two Small Business Programs
5. Online Training Offered by Small Business Administration
6. DC Business Tools Available
7. View the BRC Alert Archives

1. Agency Promotes Sale of Goods and Services to the District

The Office of Local Business Development (OLBD) continues to provide a range of programs that assist businesses with obtaining Local, Small, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (LSDBE) certification. Over 700 businesses have obtained certification.

LSDBE Certification is critical for businesses seeking to sell their products or services to District of Columbia government agencies. LSDBE certification is required in order to add a business to the District of Columbia Supply Schedule (DCSS). Certification also gives business a competitive advantage when bidding on contracts.

• LSDBE applicants can schedule one-on-one counseling sessions with a Certification Specialist for specific information and analysis regarding certification applications.
• The OLBD technical assistance program is designed for all new and existing LSDBE applicants to help them prepare a complete application and reduce processing time.
• Prior to submitting an application for review, LSDBE applicants are encouraged to participate in a group Orientation and Recruitment Session to address questions that pertain to LSDBE certification.

For information about OLBD programs or to learn how to become a certified LSDBE, visit OLBD or call (202) 727-3900. For email inquiries, contact Nicole.Copeland@dc.gov.

2. Technical Assistance Provider Seeks Small Business Counselor

The Georgia Avenue Business Resource Center (GABRC)—a leading, District-wide provider of technical assistance to small businesses and nonprofit organizations—seeks to hire a Small Business Counselor. One of several responsibilities would be to provide direct one-on-one counseling and technical assistance to small business clients.

Interested candidates can download the position description*.

For more information, visit GABRC, email infoGABRC@aol.com, or call (202) 545-0220.

3. Small Business Training Dates Released

The Washington, DC Small Business Development Center Network (DC SBDC) at Howard University released its training calendar through December 2003.

The training sessions span a variety of topics including:

• Doing Business With Local Government
• 8(a) Certification
• Legal Structures
• Risk Management and Insurance Planning
• Business Tax Workshops
• Small Business Loans
• Business Plan Development
• Marketing Strategies
• International Trade

Many sessions are free, while others charge a nominal fee. The sessions are held at the five DC SBDC service centers and other locations within DC. DC SBDC strongly recommends that attendees RSVP for sessions.

Download the course schedule* or call (202) 806-1550 for more information. Visit DC SBDC for more information.

4. Board of Trade Launching Two Small Business Programs

In September, the Greater Washington Board of Trade will launch its Small Business Partnership (SBP), a program that will feature two components: the Academy, a one-year training program geared towards start-up companies; and the Alliance, a two-year program that teams more mature companies with larger Board of Trade members.

The Academy will involve both classroom training and team exchange. During the one-year program, seminars, networking events, and other services will supplement the classroom training. The Academy curriculum will be developed in concert with the participating small companies and the Board of Trade members, who will also serve as Academy faculty.

The aim of the Alliance program is to build the capacity of small companies by improving the talent of the owners and improving operations. Expected results include higher sales, more efficient inventory management, a better customer mix, and a higher caliber of clientele. The SBP will broker mentoring and sales relationships between large Board of Trade member companies and small companies around the region.

Membership in the Board of Trade is required for both Academy and Alliance programs.

Small companies that would benefit from a structured training program tailored to the needs of new companies are encouraged to contact the SBP. For more information about the Small Business Partnership, contact Lindsay Godwin at (202) 857-5934 or LindsayGodwin@bot.org. Visit the Board of Trade to learn about other programs.

5. Online Training Offered by Small Business Administration

The US Small Business Administration has created the eBusiness Institute at its website, giving small business owners access to online business courses, workshops, information resources, counseling assistance, and other services.

There are 16 training categories with more than 70 interactive courses and electronic guides that provide educational tools and resources on entrepreneurship. Topics range from starting a business, to management, marketing, taxes, and more. The eBusiness Institute also features a virtual library with more than 200 free eBooks and publications, and a section for young entrepreneurs.

Visit the eBusiness Institute to access this online training. For information about other SBA programs, visit the local office of the SBA.

6. DC Business Tools Available

• Business Resource Center
• Basic Business License
  or call (202) 442-4311
• Electronic Taxpayer Service Center
  or call (202) 727-4TAX
• DC Business Connections
  or call (202) 661-8677
• Economic Development Map
  or call (202) 727-6365
• NET 2000 Tax Calculator
  or call (202) 727-6365
• Citizen Service Requests
  or call (202) 727-1000

7. View the BRC Alert Archives

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