August 28, 2012

U.S. Congressman John Barrow (GA-12) will host a two day business forum in Augusta on Tuesday, September 4, 2012 and Wednesday, September 5, 2012. The forum on Tuesday will focus on minority business opportunities, including workshops on access to capital, contracting and with the federal government, and starting your own business. Small Business Administration (SBA) Regional Administrator, Cassius Butts, will be on hand to participate, as well as other SBA officials, Small Business Development Center (SBDC) officials, and Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) volunteers.

"Minority business owners are facing increasing difficulty in obtaining credit to grow or start their businesses," said Congressman Barrow. "This forum will give folks an opportunity to meet with representatives who specialize in minority business growth. It's important for folks to have access to this business advice, and I'm looking forward to bringing everyone to one location to help out."

On Tuesday, September 5, 2012, Congressman Barrow will host a broader Small Business Forum at Kroc Center for small business owners and entrepreneurs in the 12th District. SBA Regional Administrator Cassius Butts will participate, as well as Georgia Economic Development, Local SBDC's, and SCORE Volunteers. The event will begin with an opening forum. Following the forum, participants will be able to breakout into workshops to get more information on small business lending, federal contracting, starting your own business, veterans business opportunities, and initiatives to help startups in the States of Georgia.

"Nationwide, two-thirds of all new jobs come from small businesses, yet folks tell me all the time that they're having trouble getting lending, or even getting simple questions answered," said Congressman Barrow. "We're bringing the federal and state resources together to one location to help our local small businesses and entrepreneurs get the help they need to folks in Georgia back to work or on the road to owning their own business."

Both events are free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Congressman Barrow's office at (706) 722-4494.

Minority Business Forum
Tuesday, September 4, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Paine College
1235 15th Street
Candler Memorial Library Ballroom, 2nd Floor
Augusta, Georgia

Small Business Forum
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
The Salvation Army Kroc Center
1765 Broad Street
Augusta, GA

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Contact: Richard Carbo
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202-225-2823