Workshop to aid small business get federal contracts

The Vermont Procurement Technical Assistance Center and U.S. Small Business Administration are holding a series of workshops around the state to help local companies understand what the new HUBZone Program expansion could mean for their business. One of those workshops will be held in Springfield from 10 a.m. to noon on Monday, Dec. 12 at the Howard Dean Education Center at 307 South St.

The HUBZone Program helps small businesses gain preferential access to federal contracts due to limited development in areas with rural communities. Several counties in Vermont, including Addison, Bennington, Orange, Rutland, Windsor and Windham, have recently been designated as such areas. Companies located in these areas (as well as Essex and Orleans county, which have had this designation) can qualify for the benefits of this program.

The workshops will explain the HUBZone Program, including the necessary information for businesses to qualify, as well as the process for certification and eligibility requirements.

Admission to the workshops is free of charge. You can register online at http://vtptac.ecenterdirect.com or call Springfield Regional Development Corp. for more information at 802-885-3061.