March 9 workshop kicks off FCEDA series to help 8(a) companies thrive, compete and graduate

Fairfax County, Virginia USA, Tuesday, March 2, 2010 -

The Fairfax County Economic Development Authority (FCEDA) presents, on March 9, 2010,  the first in a workshop series designed to explore opportunities for companies in the Small Business Administration’s 8(a) program, a business development initiative for small disadvantaged businesses. The series will be held at FCEDA headquarters in Tysons Corner. Attendees will interact with business owners who have led companies through all phases of the 8(a) program, as well as attorneys, bankers and SCORE representatives who advise 8(a) companies.

The series is designed for representatives of companies that are certified as 8(a) companies or companies that have graduated from the 8(a) program. The March 9 seminar, “8(a) Contracting and JV/Mentor-Protégé Programs,” features information for companies that want to convert their 8(a) status into government contracting opportunities as a prime contractor, subcontractor, or a protégé in an official mentor-protégé relationship.

Subsequent workshops are scheduled for May 18, July 15 and November 4. Each workshop begins at 7:45 a.m. and will run until 10:30 a.m. The events are free, but registration is required and seating is limited. Program details about each session and registration information is available here.

The 8(a) Program is the US Small Business Administration's initiative to promote equal access for socially and economically disadvantaged individuals to participate in the business sector of the nation's economy. The program allows 8(a) approved firms to participate in the business sector and to become independently competitive in the marketplace.

“Thanks in part to the 8(a) program, Fairfax County has one of the most dynamic small and minority business communities in the nation. These workshops will help companies make the most of the program and transition out of it to become even stronger businesses,” said Gerald L. Gordon, Ph.D., president and CEO of the FCEDA. “This series represents another way that the FCEDA is fostering small business growth in Fairfax County.”