The city of Dayton has announced a new event to help small businesses.
The 2022 Small Business Opportunity Forum will be held from 8:30 a.m. to noon April 21 at the Dayton Metro Library West Branch, located at 300 Abbey Ave. in southwest Dayton.
Presented by the Dayton Human Relations Council, the free event will offer local businesses a chance to meet decision makers, learn about and apply for certification at the city, state and federal levels, and network with prime contractors and community partners. Businesses can also learn about the Dayton Recovery Plan, the city's planned use of American Rescue Plan Act funds, and its commitment to black- and brown-owned businesses.
The forum also will allow small business owners to learn about construction projects and goods/services acquired by city departments and programs, including public works, planning/development, water, aviation and procurement/purchasing. These departments will introduce upcoming construction projects and procurement opportunities.
In addition, the Business and Technical Assistance Center will share information on the new "Passport to Success" program — a monthly event assisting underrepresented groups in capacity building. This event is designed to work with small businesses in a variety of areas to expand the capacity-building opportunities for underrepresented groups to ensure their success.
Monthly workshop topics include accounting assistance; business management counseling; completing federal, state and local certification applications; contract procurement assistance; estimating/bidding assistance; identifying local resources; loan packaging assistance; marketing plan development; development of a capabilities statement; and referrals to financial assistance programs.
Those interested in attending the forum can register here.
