Austin's entrepreneurial community is set to gear up for the third annual Small Business Connections Conference, a chance for small and minority-owned businesses to dive into the city's procurement process and potentially snag a piece of the city's anticipated $25 billion infrastructure investment. It's happening on August 27 at the Palmer Events Center, and it's a full-day event, starting bright and early at 7:30 a.m. and wrapping up at 2:30 p.m., aiming to be a nexus for opportunities and growth in the local business realm.
The City of Austin's Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR), alongside the Economic Development and Financial Services departments are hosting this promising event, with a theme, "Connecting Your Business to Austin's Future," targeting the linkage of small businesses to Austin's expansive growth plan which seems to serve as a golden ticket for those looking to get in on major city projects like the Austin-Bergstrom International Airport expansion and bands like Capital Metro's Project Connect notwithstanding the Austin Convention Center Redevelopment.
It's not just about the big projects, though; the event also offers an Exhibitor Show, where business owners can engage with a host of procurement and project staff, not to mention the chance to rub elbows with prime contractors who have their hands on the wheel of Austin's construction evolution. According to Edward Campos, director of SMBR, "The conference represents a significant investment in the continued growth and sustainability of our area's small and certified business community," in a statement released by the SMBR's press release.
Moreover, workshops are designed to navigate attendees through the nuts and bolts of vendor registration and certification – cracking the code on "What Austin Buys" is a key takeaway here, aiming to de-mystify the procurement process and business opportunities are ripe for plucking for the taking especially when put into the hands of small business proprietors. "Supporting small businesses through the City’s procurement process isn’t just good policy – it’s how we invest in our community, grow our local economy, and make sure public dollars create lasting impact right here at home," said James Scarboro, Chief Procurement Officer of the Financial Services Department, as quoted in the press release.
Registration is on the house – no cost – and is open to all members of the public, with sign-ups available online for those interested in attending. Further details on what the event has in store, including updates and information, can be found by following the Small and Minority Business Resources Department’s social media channels or by checking out their website. Business owners and up-and-comers, this could be your gateway to not just a piece of the pie, but to being a part of shaping what the future of Austin looks like.
