A series of free classes starts Friday, May 4, for minority and women-owned businesses seeking to do business with the government.
The classes are offered by the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government and include some new class offerings such as an introduction to international trade, a new certification from the Kentucky Finance Cabinet and two new certifications offered by the SBA for women owned businesses.
All classes will be held in the Government Center at 200 East Main Street, Training Room B109. Parking is available in the Government Annex Garage on East Main Street. Please bring your parking pass to the security desk in the Government Center lobby and have it stamped. Present your stamped parking ticket to the parking attendant for free parking.
Please register online at www.lexingtonky.gov/MWBE
For more information, contact Marilyn Clark at mclark@lexingtonky.gov or call 859-258-3323.
Here is a list of classes, dates and times:
LFUCG Minority and Women Business Classes
April--June 2012
Fri. 5/4 Certification: Your Passport to Opportunity
9-11am Instructor: Marilyn Clark, LFUCG Minority Business Enterprise Liaison
Certification verifies that your business is at least 51% owned, operated, controlled and managed by a minority or woman. Come to this class to learn about the history of certification programs; the different certifications available; the certification criteria and procedures; the benefits of being certified; the LFUCG certification requirement; and how to use certification and supplier diversity programs to grow your business.
Mon. 5/7 Minority Business Enterprise Certification
9-11am Instructor: Sonya Brown, TSMSDC
The Tri-State Minority Supplier Diversity Council is one of 37 councils nationwide that assists minority businesses (MBEs) in establishing business contacts with important corporate clients and offers a wide range of services to minority entrepreneurs. In this class you will learn the benefits of the MBE certification, the criteria, how to fill out the application, documentation requirements and how to grow your business through established supplier diversity programs.
Fri. 5/11 Introduction to International Trade
9-11am Instructor: Ying Juan Rogers, Executive Vice President of the World Trade Center Kentucky
Today, the world is more connected and products and services begin to flow more quickly between localities through the use of modern technology. Exports provide higher profits for American companies. Imports keep prices low and increase the variety of goods available to Americans. In this class, you will learn the benefit of international trade and the basics of exporting and importing.
Mon. 5/14 How To Do Business with LFUCG
4-6pm Instructor: Todd Slatin, LFUCG Senior Buyer
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government spends millions of dollars each year on goods and services. In this class you will learn about what the city purchases; how our procurement system works; bonding requirements; how to find work at the division level; how to register online and more.
Fri. 5/18 WOSB and EDWOSB Certifications for Women Owned
10am-12N Small Businesses
Instructors: Sharron Johnson, Women’s Business Center and Robert Coffey, SBA
The Women-Owned Small Business Contract Program allows contracting
officers to set aside specific federal contracts to certified Women Owned Small Businesses (WOSBs) and Economically Disadvantaged Women Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSBs) in certain eligible industry codes. This class will give information on the eligibility requirements, the certification process, how to use third-party certifications, the five steps necessary to participate in the program and helpful tips on how to bid on government contracts.
Mon. 5/21 National Women’s Business Owner’s Corporation (NWBOC)
9-11am Women Business Enterprise Certification (WBE)
Instructor: Marilyn Clark, LFUCG MBE Liaison
The mission of NWBOC is to create an avenue for women business owners to compete for corporate and government contracts. Through the NWBOC WBE certification for women, NWBOC has changed the playing field for women owned businesses. In this class you will learn all the information you need to successfully apply for the WBE certification and understand the benefits of the program.
Fri. 6/1 Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification
9-11am Instructor: TBD
The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certification (DBE) connects your business with opportunities at the state and federal level. In this class you will learn about the DBE program criteria; the application process and timeline; how to prepare your application and supporting documentation; and how to access opportunities to contracting with the state and federal government.
Mon. 6/4 Minority Business Enterprise Certification
9-11am Instructor: Sonya Brown, TSMSDC
The Tri-State Minority Supplier Diversity Council is one of 37 councils nationwide that assists minority business enterprises (MBEs) in establishing business contacts with important corporate clients and offers a wide range of services to minority entrepreneurs. In this class you will learn the benefits of the MBE certification, the criteria, how to fill out the application, documentation requirements and how to grow your business through established supplier diversity programs
Fri. 6/8 Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC)
Women Business Enterprise (WBE) Certification
Instructor: Maude Moreno, WBENC
The Women’s Business Enterprise Certification is accepted nationally.
This certification connects your business to opportunities with the private industry, government and some other business sectors. In this class you will learn the criteria for WBE certification, the process for application and the benefits to being certified.
Mon. 6/11 How To Do Business with LFUCG
4-6pm Instructor: Todd Slatin, LFUCG
The Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government spends millions of dollars each year on goods and services. In this class you will learn about what we purchase; how our procurement system works; bonding requirements; how to find work at the division level; how to register online and more.
Fri. 6/15 Kentucky Minority and Women Business Certification
9-11am Instructor: Yvette Smith, Kentucky Finance Cabinet
The Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certification Program, along with Kentucky’s Small Business Connection Portal, helps facilitate the development of women and minority owned businesses in Kentucky. The certification will also allow minority and women owned businesses to compete for work in states outside of the Commonwealth of Kentucky that require certification by a statewide body. This class will teach you all the requirements for this new Kentucky MWBE certification program.
Mon. 6/18 Small Business Administration Certifications and Programs
4-6pm Instructor: Robert Coffey, SBA
The Small Business Administration (SBA) offers a variety of programs and support services for small businesses including financial assistance, counseling and training, certifications, assistance with government contracting, advocacy and disaster relief. In this class you will learn about the SBA programs and certifications available to help your business grow.