PORT OF LOS ANGELES TO HIGHLIGHT SMALL BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES AT FEB. 24 WORKSHOP

Congresswoman Hahn’s Event Aimed at Helping Small Businesses and Entrepreneurs Succeed During Economic Recovery

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – February 21, 2012 – The Port of Los Angeles will be among the participants at the upcoming “Surviving and Thriving in the Economic Recovery:  Accessing Capital for the Entrepreneur and Small Business Owner” event sponsored by Congresswoman Janice Hahn on Friday, February 24.  Port contract and purchasing officials will be on hand to meet with small business owners and share information about current and upcoming Port procurement, construction and professional service contract opportunities. 

The Port’s participation in the workshop is in conjunction with Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa’s Business Inclusion Program (BIP), an initiative created in 2011 by Executive Directive 14 to help ensure that all enterprises  – including job-creating small businesses – have an equal opportunity to do business with the City.  The BIP outlines specific steps for City departments to take to ensure business opportunity inclusion for both small and disabled veteran businesses, as well as minority- and women-owned enterprises. 

The Port’s own Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program began in 2007, and provides all individuals and businesses open access to the business opportunities available at the Port in a manner reflecting the diversity of the City of Los Angeles.

The February 24 workshop, which runs from 8:30 a.m. to noon at the Torrance Cultural Art Center will feature presentations by Congresswoman Janice Hahn, the U.S. Small Business Administration, the South Bay Entrepreneurial Center, Angel Investors and local SBA lenders. Those interested in attending need to RSVP to 310-831-1799 or email hahnrsvp@mail.house.gov.  Free parking is available for all attendees.