district event packet
TRANSCRIPT
DISTRICT EVENT PACKET
PREPARED BY THE HOUSE SMALL BUSINESS COMMITTEE MAJORITY STAFF
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Page 3-5: District Events and SBA Resources Page 6: SBDC Contact InformationPage 7-10: SBA Regional Resource Guide Page 11-15: SBA District Office Master ListPage 16-18: Small Business Event SuggestionsPage 19: FOCUS ON: COVID-19 RecoveryPage 20-24: COVID-19 Recovery Event 101 Page 25: Sample Press Release Page 26: Event Flier Page 27: Media Advisory Page 28-29: Sample Agendas Page 30: Sample Talking Points Page 31: FOCUS ON: Contracting Page 32-34: Contracting Event 101 Page 35: Sample Press Release Page 36: Event Flier Page 37: Media Advisory Page 38-39: Sample Agenda Page 40: Sample Talking Points Page 41: Sample Social Media Posts
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Suggested District Events
Tips:
1) Utilize SBA Resources in Your District. SBA has a network of offices and resource
partners throughout all fifty states and the territories. By holding a district event convening
representative from these centers, you can help connect constituents to free or low-cost
entrepreneurial development training and educate them on the various resources at their disposal.
2) Have Your Member Virtually Tour a Local Business or SBA Office. This is a
great opportunity to get your boss facetime with local business owners to hear concerns and
success stories. Also, it’s great for press as you can invite your local TV/ radio/ print reporters to
join as well.
3) Hold a Small Business Townhall- This is a great way to hear from small businesses inyour district about the struggles they continue to face as a result of the ongoing COVID-19pandemic and what they need to recover. Invite representatives from an SBA District Office andSBA Resource Partners to answer questions and inform small business owners about reliefinitiatives that the SBA offers.
In this packet, you will find:
• A breakdown of SBA offices and resource partners, including how to
locate centers and their basic function.
• Names, address and website of SBA offices in your district.
• Sample district event materials, including talking points, press release,
and social media guidance.
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NOTE: All event suggestions in this packet should be converted to virtual events unless otherwise noted. Virtual events require the same care and preparation as in person events and can be just as effective. Click here for more information on the digital resources at your disposal and best practices for holding a virtual event.
SBA District Office
-Often concentrated in large metropolitan areas, or
statewide.
-Oversee SBA’s programs throughout the state,
with resource partners such as SBDC, SCORE and
WBC.
SBA Regional Office
-Ten nationwide offices concentrated by geographic
region.
-Support district offices and promote economic
growth within area.
U.S. Export Assistance Center
-With over 100 locations nationwide, these centers
help small businesses develop a plan to export their
products.
Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC)
-Often but not exclusively offered on university
campuses, these centers are focused on helping
veterans transition back to civilian life through
entrepreneurship.
SCORE Business Mentor Chapters
-With over 300 locations, SCORE matches
volunteer business counselors and mentors to
aspiring entrepreneurs.
Small Business Development Center
(SBDC)
-With just under 1000 centers nationwide, SBDCs
are the largest of SBA’s resource partners and
provide counseling and training on a wide-range of
topics including, access to capital, trade,
cybersecurity, federal contracting (?) and more.
Women’s Business Center (WBC)
-With over 100 locations, WBCs provide business
development training and mentorship to women.
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Procurement Technical Assistance (PTAC) -These centers provide technical assistance
counseling to businesses looking to enter into
contracts with government.
-PTACs can also assist small businesses in
navigating se aside contracts though programs
designed to help traditionally underserved
populations including women and minorities.
Regional Innovation Cluster (SBIR, STTR)
-Regional offices focused on incorporating small
businesses into developing varying industry- driven
innovative technology.
Certified Development Company (Lending
Assistance)
-Nonprofit corporations that are certified and
regulated by SBA and help participating lenders
provide loans to small businesses.
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LEAD SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT CENTERS (SBDCs) BY STATE OR REGION- CONTACT INFORMATION
STATE ORGANIZATION NAME POSITION TELEPHONE E-MAILAL Alabama SBDC Network Bill Cummins State Director 205-348-1582 [email protected] UAA Business Enterprise Institute Jon Bittner State Director 907-786-7276 [email protected] AS American Samoa Community College
SBDC Jason Betham State Director 684-699-4830 [email protected]
AZ Arizona SBDC Janice Washington State Director 480-731-8722 [email protected] AR Arkansas SBTDC Laura Fine State Director 501-683-7728 [email protected] Orange County/Inland Empire
Regional SBDC Network Mike Daniel Regional Director 657-278-3195 [email protected]
CA UC Merced SBDC Regional Network Kurt Clark Regional Director 559-241-6590 [email protected] San Diego & Imperial SBDC Network Marquise Jackson Regional Director 619-216-6718 [email protected] Los Angeles Regional SBDC Patrick Nye Regional Director 562-938-5006 [email protected] Northern California Regional SBDC Kristin Johnson Regional Director 707-826-3920 [email protected] Colorado SBDC Joey Jenkins State Director 303-892-3864 [email protected] CT Connecticut SBDC Joe Ercolano State Director 855-428-7232 [email protected] DE Delaware SBTDC Mike Bowman State Director 302-831-4283 [email protected] DC District of Columbia SBDC Carlo Brown State Director (202) 806-1551 [email protected] FL Florida SBDC Network Michael Myhre State Director 850-473-7800 [email protected] GA Georgia SBDC Network Allan Adams State Director 706-542-6762 [email protected] Hawaii SBDC Network Cathy Wiltse State Director 808-974-7515 [email protected] ID Idaho SBDC Doug Covey State Director 208-426-3838 [email protected] Illinois SBDC Mark Petrilli State Director 217-524-5700 [email protected] Indiana SBDC David Watkins State Director 317-232-8805 [email protected] Iowa SBDC Lisa Shimkat State Director 515-294-2030 [email protected] Kansas SBDC Greg Panichello State Director 785-296-6514 [email protected] Kentucky SBDC Kristina Joyce State Director 859-257-7668 [email protected] Louisiana SBDC Carla Holland State Director 318-342-5507 [email protected] Maine SBDC/SBTDC Mark Delisle State Director 207-780-4420 [email protected] MD Maryland SBDC Paul Bardack State Director 301-403-8300 x15 [email protected] Massachusetts SBDC Georgianna Parkin State Director 413-545-6301 [email protected] Michigan SBTDC J.D. Collins State Director 616-331-7480 [email protected] Minnesota SBDC Bruce Strong State Director 651-259-7420 [email protected] Mississippi SBDC Sharon Nichols State Director 662-915-5001 [email protected] Missouri SBTDC Greg Tucker State Director 573-882-8570 [email protected] Montana SBDC Chad Moore State Director 406-841-2746 [email protected] NE Nebraska SBDC Catherine Lang State Director 402-554-2521 [email protected] NV Nevada SBDC Sam Males State Director 775-784-1717 [email protected] New Hampshire SBDC Liz Gray State Director 603-862-2200 [email protected] NJ New Jersey SBDC Leon Fraser State Director 973-353-1927 [email protected] New Mexico SBDC Russell Wyrick State Director 505-428-1343 [email protected] New York State SBDC Brian Goldstein State Director 518-944-2840 [email protected] NC North Carolina SBTDC Scott Daugherty Executive Director 919-715-7272 [email protected] North Dakota SBDC Tiffany Ford Interim State Director 701-328-5375 [email protected] OH Ohio SBDC Jim Laipply State Director 614-466-6581 [email protected] Oklahoma SBDC Michelle Campbell
Hockersmith State Director 580-745-2955 [email protected]
OR Oregon SBDC Mark Gregory State Director 541-463-5250 [email protected] Pacific Islands SBDC Network Pam Peralta Interim Director 671-735-2593 [email protected] PA Pennsylvania SBDC Ernie Post State Director 215-898-1219 [email protected] Puerto Rico SBTDC Ricardo Martinez Executive Director 787-763-6811 [email protected] Rhode Island SBDC Ed Huttenhower State Director 401-874-7232 [email protected] SC South Carolina SBDC Michele Abraham State Director 803-777-3130 [email protected] South Dakota SBDC Jeff Eckhoff State Director 605-677-5103 [email protected] TN Tennessee SBDC Patrick Geho State Director 615-898-2745 [email protected] North Texas SBDC Mark Langford Regional Director 214-860-5832 [email protected] Northwest Texas SBDC Regional
Network Judy Wilhelm Regional Director 806-745-3973 [email protected]
TX University of Houston SBDC Network Steve Lawrence Regional Director 713-752-8425 [email protected]
TX South-West Texas Border Region SBDC
Al Salgado Regional Director 210-458-2450 [email protected]
UT Utah SBDC Michael Finnerty State Director 801-957-5384 [email protected] Vermont SBDC Linda Rossi State Director 802-728-9101 [email protected] VI Virgin Islands SBDC Ted Gutierrez Regional Director 340-776-3206 [email protected] VA Virginia SBDC Jody Keenan State Director 703-277-7727 [email protected] Washington SBDC Duane Fladland State Director 509-358-7765 [email protected] West Virginia SBDC Debra Martin State Director 304-693-1027 [email protected] WI Wisconsin SBDC Bon Wikenheiser State Director 608-263-0221 [email protected] Wyoming SBDC Jill Kline State Director 307-766-3405 [email protected]
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SOURCE: SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
1. Alabama (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_2822.pdf
2. Alaska (page 32): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_2821.pdf
3. Arizona (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3097.pdf
4. Arkansas (page 31): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3096.pdf
5. Californiaa. Fresno (page 32): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3098.pdfb. Los Angeles (page 43): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3099.pdfc. OC/IE (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3103.pdfd. Sacramento (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3100.pdfe. San Diego (page 32): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3101.pdff. San Francisco (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3102.
6. Colorado (page 28): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3104.pdf
7. Connecticut (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3105.pdf
8. DC Metro area (page 31): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3106.pdf
9. Delaware (page 31): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3107.pdf
10. Floridaa. North FL (page 27): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3108.pdfb. Miami (page 27): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3109.pdf
11. Georgia (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3110.pdf
SBA State/Regional Resource Guides*SBA lenders in each area are listed on the pages set forth below*
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SOURCE: SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
12. Hawaii (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3112.pdf
13. Idaho (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3115.pdf
14. Illinois (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3161.pdf
15. Indiana (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3116.pdf
16. Iowa (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3114.pdf
17. Kansasa. Wichita area (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3117.pdfb. Kansas City area (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3123.
18. Kentucky (page 25): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3118.pdf
19. Louisiana (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3119.pdf
20. Maine (page 31): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3163.pdf
21. Maryland (page 27): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3120.pdf
22. Massachusetts (page 40): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3162.pdf
23. Michigan (page 27): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3121.pdf
24. Minnesota (page 36): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3122.pdf
25. Mississippi (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3125.pdf
26. Missouri (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3124.pdf
27. Montana (page 28): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3126.pdf
28. Nebraska (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3129.pdf
29. Nevada (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3133.pdf
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30. New Hampshire (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3130.pdf
31. New Jersey (page 32): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3131.pdf
32. New Mexico (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3132.pdf
33. New York (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3135.pdf
34. North Carolina (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3127.pdf
35. North Dakota (page 28): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3128.pdf
36. Ohioa. Cleveland (page 32): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3137.pdfb. Columbus (page 27): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3138.pdf
37. Oklahoma (page 31): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3139.pdf
38. Pennsylvaniaa. Eastern (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3141.pdfb. Western (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3142.pdf
39. Oregon (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3140.pdf
40. Puerto Rico (page 25): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3143.pdf
41. Rhode Island (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3144.pdf
42. South Carolina (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3145.pdf
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43. South Dakota (page 28): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3146.pdf
44. Tennessee (page 31): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3147.pdf
45. Texasa. Dallas/FW (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3148.pdfb. El Paso (page 32): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3149.pdfc. Houston (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3151.pdfd. Lower RGV (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3150.pdfe. Lubbock/West Texas (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resource-
guide_3152.pdff. San Antonio (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3153.pdf
46. Utah (page 32): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3154.pdf
47. Vermont (page 30): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3156.pdf
48. Virginia (page 29): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3155.pdf
49. Washington (page 40): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3157.pdf
50. West Virginia (page 27): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3159.pdf
51. Wisconsin (page 26): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3158.pdf
52. Wyoming (page 28): https://www.sba.gov/sites/default/files/files/resourceguide_3160.pdf
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Alabama District Office 205-290-7101Visit website [email protected]
Alabama District Office (Mobile Alternate Work Site) 251-544-7401Visit website
Alaska District Office 907-271-4022Visit website [email protected]
Alaska District Office (Fairbanks Alternate Work Site) 800-755-7034Visit website [email protected]
Arizona District Office 602-745-7200Visit website
Arizona District Office (Show Low Alternate Work Site) 928-532-0034Visit website
California - Fresno District Office 559-487-5791Visit website [email protected]
California - Los Angeles District Office 818-552-3201Visit website [email protected]
California - Orange County / Inland Empire District Office 714-550-7420Visit website [email protected]
California - Sacramento District Office 916-735-1700Visit website [email protected]
California - San Antonio District Office 210-403-5900Visit website [email protected]
California - San Diego District Office 619-557-7250Visit website [email protected]
California - San Francisco District Office 415-744-6820Visit website [email protected]
Colorado District Office 303-844-2607Visit website
Connecticut District Office 860-240-4700Visit website [email protected]
Connecticut District Office (Bridgeport Branch SBA Office) 203-335-0427Visit website [email protected]
Delaware District Office 302-573-6294Visit website
District of Columbia - Washington Metropolitan Area 202-205-8800Visit website
Florida - North Florida District Office 904-443-1900Visit website [email protected]
Florida - North Florida District Office (Orlando Alternate Work Site) 407-648-2891Visit website
Florida - South Florida District Office 305-536-5521Visit website [email protected]
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SOURCE: SMALL BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION
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Florida - South Florida District Office (Ft. Pierce Alternate Work Site) (772) 466-3176Visit website
Florida - South Florida District Office (Tampa Alternate Work Site) (813) 228-2100 x24Visit website
Georgia District Office 470-891-5576Visit website
Hawaii District Office 808-541-2990Visit website [email protected]
Hawaii District Office (Guam Branch Office) 671-472-7277 Visit website [email protected]
Idaho - Boise District Office 208-334-9004Visit website [email protected]
Illinois District Office 312-353-4528Visit website [email protected]
Illinois District Office (Springfield Branch Office) 217-793-5020 x114Visit website [email protected]
Indiana District Office 317-226-7272Visit website
Iowa District Office 515-284-4422Visit website [email protected]
Iowa District Office (Cedar Rapids Branch Office) 319-362-6405Visit website
Kansas - Wichita District Office 316-269-6616Visit website [email protected]
Kentucky District Office 502-582-5971Visit website [email protected]
Louisiana District Office 504-589-6685Visit website
Maine District Office 207-622-8551Visit website
Maine District Office (Bangor Alternate Work Site) 207-945-2021Visit website
Maine District Office (Portland Alternate Work Site) 207-248-9040Visit website
Massachusetts District Office 617-565-5590Visit website
Michigan District Office 313-226-6075Visit website [email protected]
Minnesota District Office 612-370-2324Visit website [email protected]
Mississippi District Office 601-965-4378Visit website [email protected]
Mississippi District Office (Gulfport Branch Office) 228-863-4449 Visit website
Missouri- Kansas City District Office 816-426-4900Visit website [email protected]
Missouri - Kansas City District Office (Springfield Branch Office) 417-890-8501Visit website
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Missouri - St. Louis Missouri District Office 314-539-6600Visit website [email protected]
Missouri - St. Louis Missouri District Office (Columbia Alternate Work Site) 573-382-1792Visit website
Montana District Office 406-441-1081Visit website
Nebraska District Office 402-221-4691Visit website
Nevada District Office 702-388-6611Visit website
Nevada District Office (Northern Nevada Branch) 775-222-0401Visit website
Nevada District Office (Northern Nevada Branch) 775-222-0401Visit website
New Hampshire District Office 603-225-1400Visit website
New Jersey District Office 973-645-2434Visit website
New Mexico District Office 505-248-8225Visit website
New York District Office 212-264-4354Visit website
New York District Office (Long Island Branch Office) 631-454-0750 Visit website
New York - Syracuse District Office 315-471-9393Visit website
New York - Syracuse District Office (Albany Alternate Work Site) 518-446-1118x231Visit website
New York - Syracuse District Office (Elmira Branch Office) 607-734-8130Visit website
North Carolina District Office 704-344-6563Visit website
North Carolina District Office (Raleigh Alternate Work Site) 919-532-5525Visit website
North Carolina District Office (Wilmington Alternate Worksite) 910-398-0746Visit website
North Dakota District Office 701-239-5131Visit website
North Dakota District Office (Bismarck Alternate Work Site) 701-328-5850Visit website
North Dakota District Office (Grand Forks Alternate Work Site) 701-746-5160Visit website
Ohio - Columbus District Office 614-427-0407Visit website
Ohio - Columbus District Office (Cincinnati Branch Office) 513-684-2814Visit website
Ohio - Columbus District Office (Dayton Alternate Work Site) 614-633-6372Visit website
Oklahoma District Office 405-609-8000Visit website
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Oregon - Portland District Office 503-326-2682Visit website
Pennsylvania - Eastern Penn. District Office 610-382-3062 Visit website
Pennsylvania - Eastern Penn. District Office (Harrisburg Branch Office) 717-782-3840Visit website
Pennsylvania -Philadelphia District Office (Wilkes-Barre Branch Office) 570-826-620 Visit website
Pennsylvania - Pittsburgh District Office 412-395-6560Visit website
Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands District Office 787-766-5572Visit website
Puerto Rico and US Virgin Islands District Office (St. Croix Post of Duty) 340-718-5381Visit website
Rhode Island District Office 401-528-4561Visit website
South Carolina District Office 803-765-5377Visit website
South Carolina District Office (Charleston Alternate Work Site) 843-225-7430Visit website
South Dakota District Office 605-330-4243Visit website
South Dakota District Office (Rapid City Alternate Work Site) 605-341-5962Visit website
Tennessee District Office 615-736-5881Visit website
Tennessee District Office (Memphis Alternate Work Site) 901-494-6906Visit website
Texas-Dallas/Fort Worth District Office 817-684-5500Visit website [email protected]
Texas-El Paso District Office 915-834-4600Visit website
Texas - Houston District Office 713-773-6500Visit website [email protected]
Texas - Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office 956-427-8533Visit website [email protected]
Texas - Lower Rio Grande Valley District Office (Corpus Christi Branch Office) 361-879-0017Visit website
Texas - Lubbock-West Texas District Office 806-472-7462Visit website [email protected]
Utah District Office 801-524-3209Visit website [email protected]
Vermont District Office 8028284422 Visit website
Virginia District Office 804-771-2400Visit website [email protected]
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Washington - Seattle District Office 206-553-7310Visit website
Washington - Seattle District Office (Spokane Branch Office) 509-353-2800Visit website
West Virginia District Office 304-623-5631Visit website
West Virginia District Office (Charleston Branch Office) 304-347-5220Visit website
Wisconsin District Office 414-297-3941Visit website
Wisconsin District Office (Madison location) 608-441-5263Visit website
Wyoming District Office 307-261-6500Visit website
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General Small Business Recovery Roundtable Host a virtual roundtable discussion with local businesses to discuss small business recovery and specific issues that firms face. This event can include small businesses from a certain region, sector, or subgroup (race, gender, sexual orientation, age, etc.).
Small Business COVID-19 Resources Webinar Host a webinar to update small businesses on resources available to firms impacted by COVID-19. Guests can include a representative from an SBA District Office, a representative from a local SBDC, and community small business owners.
Virtual Small Business Tour-
Working with local business owners or trade associations, choose a local business and set up a video conference to tour their location. Please consult with your nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) or Women’s Development Center (WBC) and ask them to join to provide any answers to technical assistance or other business questions. Alternatively, the tour can be done in person in compliance with local social distancing guidelines.
Capital Access Event Hold a workshop bringing together small businesses and small business lenders to help small businesses access the capital needed for their small business to recover and grow moving forward.
Option 1: COVID-19 Emergency Lending Roundtable Option 2: Small Business Capital Access Workshop Option 3: Small Business Capital Access Town Hall (or Tele-Townhall)
Procurement Workshop Hold a workshop bringing together small businesses and federal procurement experts to help
SMALL BUSINESS EVENT SUGGESTIONS
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small businesses access the federal marketplace and compete for government contracts.
Capitol Hill Update and Coffee with the Local Chamber Of Commerce Host a virtual meeting with the local Chamber of Commerce to provide an update on activities on Capitol Hill and their impact on small business. Discuss the implications of the CARES Act for small businesses as well as the importance of further action the Heroes Act. Invite representatives from the local chambers of commerce, as well as other community-based businesses who would be interested in the impact of federal legislation on the local business community.
Growing Your Business Roundtable Host a two panel event providing local businesses with information on access to capital and government contracting. For the first panel, bring local commercial and SBA lenders together who can talk about how small business owners secure loans for expansion or to open a business of their own. For the second panel, invite SBA Procurement Center Representatives and federal agency Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilizations to speak about how small firms can successfully find – and win – federal contracts.
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Minority Enterprise Awareness & Exchange Program
Highlighting the importance of minority business development and the disparate impact this crisis has had on minority firms, bring together minority business groups with those minority businesses that have contributed to the local economy. In this session, work to uncover the barriers to minority business start-ups and growth that have been exacerbated by COVID-19. With local groups, design an action agenda to help ease these burdens and overcome obstacles to the development of minority enterprise.
Roundtable on Small Business Disaster Assistance Host a roundtable discussion with federal, state, and local officials to find ways to ensure that small firms impacted by a natural disaster receive recovery assistance. Consult with your nearest Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and ask them to assist businesses in designing disaster preparedness plans in case of a natural disaster, fire, or flood.
Small Business Resiliency Event Organize a training that provides entrepreneurs and small business owner’s tips and resources on how they can reopen and grow successfully in the wake of COVID-19 and other natural disasters. Topics covered can include information on reopening your business, loans and grants, business plan development, employee management and regulatory matters. Include speakers from pertinent federal and city agencies, as well as local chambers of commerce.
Women Business Forum
Inviting either your local SBA Women’s Business Center or other women’s business groups in your area, bring women-owned businesses together to discuss the challenges they’ve faced during the pandemic and their role in enhancing the community
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FOCUS ON: COVID-19RECOVERY
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Goal The event will educate small business owners on the federal resources available to them through the SBA. The event will also allow members to connect with small business owners in their community and learn about the challenges they face due to the ongoing pandemic. Members should also update entrepreneurs on their continued efforts in Washington to provide business owners with additional relief.
Organizing Your Event Given the current challenging environment facing small businesses, it is important to educate small businesses on the resources at their disposal, answer any questions they may have, and provide strategies for growing their business moving forward. Depending on the time and resources available to plan the event, two options are included below.
OPTION 1. SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19 ROUNDTABLE: The Member will host a virtual roundtable discussion about the issues facing small businesses and how they can access relief. The discussion will include small business owners, SBA representatives, and SBA resource partners. Topics of discussion can include the EIDL loan program that can supply businesses emergency loans to help weather losses related to the pandemic. The SBA representative can also be on hand to answer any questions related to accessing the EIDL program or other topics like PPP loan forgiveness. SBA resource partners can also discuss best practices for small businesses during the pandemic, including how to safely reopen a business and innovative strategies to put in place to add additional revenue streams. Small business owners will be invited to attend in the audience and will have the opportunity to ask questions.
COVID-19 RECOVERY EVENT 101
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OPTION 2. SMALL BUSINESS CAPITAL ACCESS WORKSHOP: FUNDING DURING THE PANDEMIC AND BEYOND: The objective of the workshop is to provide small business owners with specific steps they can take to secure a loan. COVID-19 has caused an economic downturn that has exacerbated small business owners need for capital and the struggles they face when accessing it. The workshop will be led by local lenders and business counselors and focus on showing small businesses how to select, apply for, and obtain the most affordable financing option for their business. The workshop will also cover the unique lending challenges presented by the pandemic.
The event would explain the types of financing available to business owners and what banks look for in a borrower. Panelists would discuss how to improve your balance sheet and when it is appropriate to refinance or seek additional capital.
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Speakers
The above events may include presentations from the following:
The SBA District Offices
The SBA works with a number of local partners to counsel, mentor, and train small businesses. Click here for a contact list for all SBA District Offices.
Entrepreneurial Development Service Providers
Resource partners, such as an official from a local Small Business Development Center, SCORE chapter, Women’s Business Center, Veteran’s Business Outreach Center, or Export Assistance Center are available to assist.
Small Business Lenders
Representatives from a local bank, credit union, or other lender who can talk about the SBA’s programs can be included in the event. Community banks, many of which are 7(a) lenders, can be a resource in addition to someone from a local Certified Development Corporations to discuss the 504 program. Finally, a local intermediary participating in the SBA’s microloan program can offer valuable guidance.
Other Possible Participants
Include a local Chamber of Commerce, Rotary Club, Business Association representative, or an official from a local Economic Development Corporation (EDC)
Attendees
The audience should be comprised of local small business owners impacted by COVID-19. Possible avenues for reaching out to small business owners include the local Chamber of Commerce or Economic Development Corporations.
Press Component In addition to these participants and audience members, local media should be encouraged to cover the event. Some local newspapers may even help publicize the event.
Format for Discussion The format for this event would be similar to a Town Hall. As the host, the Member of Congress would provide brief opening remarks and then turn the discussion over to the presenters. Presenters’ discussion could cover:
• What is the current state of the small business lending market, what challenges are presented by thepandemic?
• What federal relief programs are still available to small business owners?
• Information on the various SBA financing programs and other private sector alternatives. Local lenderswould facilitate this section.
• What are the steps to accessing relief and how can small businesses best navigate them?
• What is Congress doing to provide small business owners with additional relief
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Next Steps: Follow-Up Press By inviting local print, radio and television media, the event should generate good coverage the day of the event. In addition, the event provides a number of built in opportunities for follow-up media:
• Ideally, if a small business owner obtains a loan and/or investment capital as a result of the event, theMember of Congress should tour the premises of the business and see how the money has been used.Even if the Member of Congress is unable to do a tour, you can pitch to reporters a small businessowner’s personal story as a follow-up piece
• The Member could speak to or tour the local Small Business Development Center, Women’s BusinessCenter, or SCORE Chapter.
Conclusion As the most reliable job creators, small businesses are vital to the Country's ongoing economic recovery. Hosting an event focused on small business relief offers the opportunity to talk about some of what Democrats have achieved on behalf of small businesses while educating local entrepreneurs about valuable services that are available to them. While every congressional district has different dynamics, industries, and demographics, they have one thing in common: small businesses serve as an essential source of employment and an anchor to the local community. These events will not just yield press coverage; it will also build beneficial relationships with community lenders and area businesses and allow Members to better understand the challenges facing small businesses during this unprecedented time.
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Representative XXXX XXXXXX Presents
*** SAMPLE FLIER *** Small Business Recovery Event
On (date), Rep. XXXX is hosting a Small Business Recovery (EVENT OPTION 1, 2, or 3) to help local small businesses navigate the ongoing pandemic and set themselves up for future success.
At this workshop, you’ll learn:
• What types of Small Business Administration (SBA) programs are available to businessowners impacted by the pandemic and which ones best suit your needs.
• How small businesses can qualify for a wide-variety of SBA loan programs during thepandemic and beyond.
• Answers to outstanding questions about the federal relief process for small businesses
• What Congress is doing to provide small businesses with additional releif
Participants will include: (name) (name) (name) (name)
Day, Month Date, 2020 at Time, Location
NOTE: *Space is limited. For more information, and to RSVP, interested participants are encouraged to call (XXX) XXX-XXXX or e-mail XXXXXX.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Month Date, 2020
CONTACT: NAME (XXX) XXX-XXXX
*** SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE *** Rep. [NAME] Hosts Small Business Recovery Event
[CITY, STATE]- Today, Rep. [NAME] held a [type of event] aimed at ensuring that entrepreneurs are aware of the federal resources at their disposal during the ongoing pandemic. With small businesses facing unprecedented challenges as a result of COVID-19, today’s event brought together small businesses to learn about ways to access relief from the Small Business Administration (SBA).
“Small business are struggling, and it is vital that they know how to access the federal programs that can help them stay afloat,” said Rep. [NAME]. “As someone who represents [STATE/ DISTRICT], I want to make sure our small businesses have the resources they need as they recover from this crisis and secure the financing they need to keep their business going."
The event allowed small businesses to interact with representatives from [INSERT PARTICIPANTS]
Topics of discussion included what the federal programs available to a business owner impacted by COVID-19 are, a review of existing small business relief legislation, and best practices for obtaining capital in an uncertain envrionment.
Participants in the Roundtable included:
[ORG X]
[ORG X]
[ORG X]
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Month Date, 2020
CONTACT: NAME (XXX) XXX-
XXXX
*** MEDIA ADVISORY *** XXXX to Host Small Business (Event Option 1, 2, or 3)
WASHINGTON, DC – Tools to help small businesses weather the ongoing pandemic and grow during uncertain times will be the topic of an upcoming (event 1, 2, or 3) hosted by Rep. XXXX.
The forum will help local small businesses learn about the relief resources available to them
through the SBA and ways to access capital now and in the future.
WHAT:
WHO:
WHEN:
Small Business Recovery (Event 1, 2, or 3) to help local
entrepreneurs learn about federal small business relief
programs.
Rep. XXXX XXXX, Small Business Administration officials,
local entrepreneurial development experts and participating
local lenders.
Day, Month Date, 2020
Time
WHERE: Location
NOTE: *Space is limited. For more information, and to RSVP, interested participants are encouraged to call (XXX) XXX-XXXX or email XXXXXX.
# # #
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9:30am –Member opens Roundtable and discusses goals of the Roundtable and current environment for small businesses
9:50am – Member introduces Roundtable participants 9:50am to 10:15am – Roundtable Topic #1 – Prior Small Business Legislation and Efforts Moving Forward10:15am to 10:30am – Audience Q&A Topic #1
10:30am to 11:00am – Roundtable Topic #2 – Accessing SBA Programs and Loan Forgiveness11:00am to 11:15am – Audience Q&A Topic #2
11:15am – Member closes Roundtable
SAMPLE AGENDA FOR OPTION #1 SMALL BUSINESS COVID-19
ROUNDTABLE
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9:30am –Member welcome participants and opens Workshop.
9:45am – Member Introduces Workshop Leaders - Loan Officer of a Local community bank- A Local SBDC Director- SCORE counselor- SBA Lending Resource Partner (7a, 504, Microloan)
9:45am to 10:15am – Workshop Topic #1 – Lending in an Uncertain Environment 10:30am to 11:00am – Workshop Topic #2 – How to Present Your Business to a
Lender 11:15am to 11:45am – Workshop Topic #3 – What Product is Right for Your
Business and Why?
11:45am – Member closes Workshop
SAMPLE AGENDA FOR OPTION #2 SMALL BUSINESS LENDING EDUCATIONAL
WORKSHOP
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• Democrats have fought hard throughout this crisis to secure relief for smallbusinesses.
• Through the Paycheck Protection Program and the EIDL program, small businessreceived hundreds of billion of dollars in low interest loans that allowed hundreds ofthousands of businesses to keep their doors open.
• In subsequent relief packages following the CARES Act, House Democrats fought forset asides for the community lenders that often serve the smallest of the smallbusinesses and underserved firms.
• By allocating billions to community lenders, House Democrats helped ensure thatcritical funds reached the small businesses that were being ignored by the big banksand excluded from PPP early in the program.
• Senator McConnell must bring the Heroes Act, which the House passed in May, for avote in the Senate. This bill, authorizes an additional $10 billion for EIDL grants forsmall business. The bill also dedicate $75 billion for vital public health measures thatwill help combat the virus and restore consumer confidence so small firms canrecover.
• With regards to future relief, Democrats are fighting tooth and nail to ensure that anyfuture package Congress enacts includes more grant funding and extended debt reliefon current loans.
COVID-19 RECOVERY SAMPLE TALKING POINTS
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FOCUS ON: Contracting
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Goal: To teach small business owners about the opportunities in government contracting. The goal is for the small business owners to leave the event having made contact with federal agency procurement representatives or/and larger companies. Becoming a federal contractor has the potential to create business growth for a small business. The event will stimulate growth by educating business owners of existing opportunities.
Speakers: The Representative will speak on how there is a need to continue opening the federal procurement market to small businesses. The member will then talk about the available options to breaking into the market— focusing on the SBA programs. Then the member will introduce the agency representatives in attendance and the larger contractors (if invited). Following these short speeches, the discussion will be opened for questions.
CONTRACTING EVENT 101
The SBA District Offices
The SBA works with a number of local partners to counsel, mentor, and train small businesses. Contact your local SBA district office.
Entrepreneurial Development Service Providers
Resource partners, such as an official from a local Small Business Development Center, SCORE chapter, Women’s Business Center, Veteran’s Business Outreach Center, or Export Assistance Center are available to assist.
SBA Procurement Center Representatives (PCR)
Assist small businesses in obtaining federal contracts through six Area Offices across the U.S. and its territories.
Commercial Market Representatives (CMR)
Government contracting staff at the SBA stationed in area offices as well.
Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU) or Office of
Small Business Programs (OSBP)
Identify opportunities to incorporate small businesses as vendors to their agencies.
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Location: The event should be held virtually.
Attendees: Small business owners-- the audience should be comprised of the targeted constituency. Either existing contractors or those looking to start the process.
Agenda: The event will be broken down into two sections.
The first will be a welcome to the event and an introduction to small business procurement issues. There will be a time for question and answers. This portion should take around and hour including time for questions.
The second part will be a virtual exhibition where small business owners learn of individual opportunities for receiving a government contract. This is the “procurement fair” where the owners would hear about services or contracting opportunities from federal agencies. Large government contractors can also participate- thus providing small businesses the chance to learn about subcontracting opportunities. The time allotted for the second part is more fluid.
Press Component:
In addition to these participants and audience members, local media should be encouraged to attend and cover the event. Some local newspapers may even help publicize the event.
Conclusion: Hosting a small business contracting event offers the opportunity to talk about your priorities while educating local entrepreneurs about valuable services that are available to them. As the largest purchaser of goods and services around in the world, the federal government represents a prime market for small businesses. This event informs local entrepreneurs about the significant opportunities available to them and sets the foundation for future economic growth.
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Representative
XXXX XXXXXX Presents
*** SAMPLE FLIER *** Competing for Contracts:
A Workshop for Small Business Owners A Free Workshop for Entrepreneurs
Find out about competing for government contracts to grow your business.
Presenters
XXXXXX Procurement Center Representative, Small Business Administration
XXXXXX Government Contracting Specialist, Procurement Technical Assistance Center
XXXXXX Program Manager, Small Business Development Center
XXXXXX Procurement Officer, New York Department of Transportation
XXXXXX Projects Coordinator, U.S. Department of Defense
Day, Month Date, 2020 TIME
LOCATION ADDRESS
DIRECTIONS
NOTE: Space is limited. For more information, and to RSVP, interested participants are encouraged to call (XXX) XXX-XXXX or e-mail XXXXXX.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Month Date, 2020
CONTACT: NAME (XXX) XXX-XXXX
*** MEDIA ADVISORY ***
Rep. XXXX to Host Small Business Contracting Workshop LOCATION – As small businesses seek new opportunities to grow and expand, Rep. XXXX will host a workshop on DATE to help entrepreneurs provide their goods and services in the federal marketplace.
With over $500 billion in federal contracts available annually and new opportunities designed for small firms, the federal procurement market can be a valuable source of business for entrepreneurs. At the workshop on DAY, small business owners will hear from government procurement officers, local Small Business Administration representatives, and others about navigating the procurement process and competing for government contracts.
WHAT: Small Business Contracting Workshop to educate local entrepreneurs about competing for federal procurement contracts and subcontracts.
WHO: Rep. XXXX XXXX, federal and state agency procurement officers, local Small Business Administration officials and representatives from area private contractors.
WHEN: Day, Month Date, 2020 Time
WHERE: Location
NOTE: For more information, and to RSVP, interested participants are encouraged to call (XXX) XXX-XXXX or email XXXXXX.
# # #
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Month Date, 2020
CONTACT: NAME (XXX) XXX-XXXX
*** SAMPLE PRESS RELEASE *** Rep. [NAME] Hosts Small Business Contracting Workshop
[CITY, STATE]- Today, Rep. [NAME] held a workshop helping local small businesses compete for
federal contracts. As the largest purchaser of good and services around in the world, the federal
government represents a prime market for small businesses.
“In Congress, I am working to help small businesses recover from this crisis, by expanding
opportunities for small businesses in government contracting we can help create new revenue
streams that help firms on the road to recovery.” said Rep. [NAME]. “The SBA offers a bevy of
resources aimed at helping smaller businesses compete in the contracting space, and today’s event
was an opportunity to help small business owners in the community understand the opportunities
available to them through the federal government.”
The event covered the basics of contracting and the steps small businesses can take to become
more competitive. Topics included how to better compete for contracts, how contracts help small
businesses expand and the differences between the various types of government contracts and
subcontracts.
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CONTRACTING WORKSHOP SAMPLE AGENDA
Rep. ______ Welcomes You To Competing for Contracts:
A Workshop for Small Business Owners Agenda
7:15 a.m. – 7:20 a.m. – Opening Remarks by Rep __________ _.7:20 a.m. – 7:35 a.m. How Government Contracts Can Help Small Businesses Expand • Regional/District Small Business Administrator7:35 a.m. – 7:50 a.m. Resources to Help Entrepreneurs Compete and Bid for Contracts • Procurement Technical Assistance Center Representative• Small Business Administration Procurement Center Representative• Small Business Development Center Representative• SCORE Representative• Women’s Business Center Representative7:50 a.m. – 8:05 a.m. Finding the Contracts and Subcontracts Right for Your Business • Federal Agency Procurement Officers
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• State Agency Procurement Officers• Major Local Prime Contractor Representative8:05 a.m. – 8:30 a.m. – Q&A from Audience8:30 a.m. - Closing Remarks from Rep _.8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m. – Federal Agencies and large government contractors discuss specificcontracting and subcontracting opportunities available to local small businesses for virtual procurement fair.
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Supporting Small Businesses and Job Growth Through Federal Contracting
• We know the important role small businesses play in our economy---representing over 99percent of all employers in the U.S. and supporting more than 56 million jobs.
• To empower small businesses to grow and expand, those of us in Congress need to providethem with opportunities to succeed. One way to do that is through federal contracts.• The Federal Government is the largest procurer of goods and services in the world, spendingnearly $584 billion in FY 2019. Over the years, Congress has recognized the positive impactfederal contracting has on increasing small business opportunities when it established a minimumfor a federal contract set aside of 23 percent.
• As a subset of this overall goal, Agencies aims to award no less than 5 percent of contractsto women owned businesses and small disadvantaged businesses; and no less than 3 percentto service-disabled veteran owned small businesses and small businesses in “HistoricallyUnderutilized Business Zone” (HUBZone) locations.
• In addition, because small businesses are proven innovators, the Federal Government alsoprovides agency set-aside grants for R&D and small business innovation research which stimulatescommercialization of technology between public and private entities.
• We know that small businesses provide quality performance, efficiency, and innovation.That’s why the Federal Government benefits from providing the engines of our economy withcontracting opportunities.
• I’ll continue to work to simplify the access to federal contracts and help educate our smallbusinesses in my district on ways to grow by doing business with the Federal Government.
CONTRACTING SAMPLE TALKING POINTS
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Sample Tweets:
Recovery- On [DATE] I’ll be holding a virtual roundtable to educate small business owners SBA relief programs
related to COVID-19.Join me as we discuss the resources available to entrepreneurs in our community.
- Join me on [DATE], for my small business virtual roundtable on the issues facing business owners inthe current climate.I'll have guests from [TAG PARTICIPANTS] to answer your questions about the resources available foryour business.
- We can't afford to leave small businesses behind during this crisis. Today, I held a roundtable withlocal businesses to discuss the issues they are facing and what Congress is doing to help.
- At today’s event, [Name of local business owner] shared his story on his struggle during this crisis.Their story is not unique, business around the country are suffering. We must do more. [Insert picturefrom event]
Contracting - On [DATE] I’ll be discussing federal government contracting opportunities for small businesses. We
must ensure that small businesses are on a level playing field with larger firms when it comes to doingbusiness with the federal government.
- I enjoyed speaking with local entrepreneurs today and discussing the variety of federal governmentcontracting opportunities that exist for small businesses. These firms are the backbone of our economy.
- Federal contracting opportunities have the potential to grow small businesses in [DISTRICT/STATE].I enjoyed speaking with entrepreneurs back home today and discussing all the opportunities availableto them.
SAMPLE SOCIAL MEDIA POSTS