PORT OF LOS ANGELES REACHES OUT TO SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS
WITH WORKSHOP ON MAY 23

SAN PEDRO, Calif. – May 18, 2007 – The Port of Los Angeles will introduce its new Small Business Development Program on Wednesday, May 23, from 4–7 p.m. at Banning’s Landing Community Center, 100 E. Water Street, Wilmington.  Refreshments will be served.

The Small Business Development Program is designed to effectively target small business owners (including minority and woman-owned businesses).  The intent is to make it easier for small businesses to participate in Port contracts by providing education and assistance on how to do business with the City, educating small business owners on the City selection process and identifying partners and resources to enhance the success and development of small business owners.  A key component of this Program is requirement that prime contractors wishing to do business with the Port must meet the project’s small business requirement in order to be considered for contract award for particular projects. 

A major component of this outreach event is to introduce the Port’s various partners and resource offerings in such areas as registration, financing, certification, insurance and bonding.  Port staff will also be on-hand to discuss upcoming projects and potential business opportunities.

All contractors/vendors are encouraged to register on the Port's DiversityXchange website at https://pola.ediversityxchange.com to learn about upcoming events, opportunities, and small business resources.

Reservations for the May 23 event will be taken by e-mail only at bramirez@portla.org.  Please call Beatriz Ramirez at (310) 732-3072 with questions.