Photo: Julian Bailey (center) was the feature presenter during the 2023 How To Do Business With the State workshop held last year by the Southern Georgia Black Chambers. (l-r) are H. DeWayne Johnson, SGBC President/CEO; Heather Craft, VSU Procurement Manager; Julian Bailey, Small Business and Supplier Diversity Manager; Crystal Langley, Small Business and Supplier Diversity Specialist; and Marion R. Ramsey, SGBC VP of Operations.
VALDOSTA – The Georgia Department of Administrative Services will lead a workshop on the new Georgia Business Certification Program.
Release:
In a significant stride towards fostering small business growth, Julian Bailey from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services is set to lead a workshop on the new Georgia Business Certification Program. The Southern Georgia Black Chambers coordinated with the department and will host the event on March 20, 2024, at the Willis L. Miller Library in Valdosta, Georgia, from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. The location address is 2906 Julia Drive.
Marion Ramsey, Vice President of Operations at SGBC, expresses enthusiasm, saying, “This workshop aligns with our mission to support underserved minority businesses. It’s a crucial opportunity for our community to understand and leverage the benefits of the Georgia Business Certification.”
The new certification program, initiated on January 1, 2024, aims to simplify the bid opportunity process for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses statewide. Governor Kemp’s endorsement of House Bill 128 in April 2023 catalyzed this initiative.
Ramsey adds, “We’re excited to collaborate with the Georgia Department of Administrative Services for the second consecutive year. Last year’s event was insightful, and we anticipate an even more enriching experience this time.”
As found in a 2023 report published by the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, small businesses often face challenges in meeting state requirements, identifying bid opportunities, and being bid-ready. The Department of Administrative Services addresses these issues, aiming to make state procurement more accessible to small businesses, with a focus on minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.
According to organizers, attendees will learn how certification distinguishes their businesses, providing visibility in the state’s supplier database. This certification increases attractiveness for subcontracting partnerships with prime contractors holding state contracts.
Valdosta State University Procurement Office will be in attendance as well in order to provide information related to small business opportunities at VSU through the Georgia Business Certification Program.
The workshop is open to the public, encouraging all small business owners to register at www.sgablackchambers.org/events. This event marks another step in SGBC’s commitment to empowering local businesses with resources and fostering economic growth for underrepresented business owners.
For further event information, contact SGBC VP of Events & Programs, Kimberly Grisson-Dixon, at kgdixon@sgablackchambers.org.
