The City of Austin’s Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR), in partnership with the Economic Development (EDD) and Financial Services (FSD) Departments, has announced the 2nd Annual Minority and Small Business Connection Conference. The event is scheduled for September 25, 2024, from 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. at the Palmer Events Center.
This year’s conference theme, “Building Business, Building Community,” underscores the city’s commitment to creating equitable opportunities within Austin’s business ecosystem. The event will provide information on accessing City resources, funding, procurement opportunities, and facilitate networking between business owners, City departments, and prime contractors.
“Our mission is to empower small, minority and women-owned businesses by providing them with the resources, support, and opportunities they need to thrive,” said Director of SMBR Edward Campos.
“By fostering an inclusive business environment, the city aims to build a stronger, more vibrant community for all,” said SMBR Assistant Director Dr. Tamela Saldana.
The conference is open to entrepreneurs, business owners, and community stakeholders. It will feature experts and representatives from various departments including Aviation, Austin Convention Center, Austin Energy and Capital Delivery Services. Attendees can expect panel discussions and numerous networking opportunities.
“The Financial Services Department is committed to offering fair and equitable procurement opportunities and equipping vendors with the tools they need to successfully compete for City of Austin contracts,” said FSD Chief Procurement Officer James Scarboro. “We want businesses to connect, learn about City processes, and walk away feeling empowered to take their businesses to the next level.”
Event highlights include:
“The Economic Development Department is dedicated to fostering an environment where all businesses can flourish with the support and knowledge needed to elevate their businesses,” said Sylnovia Holt-Rabb, Director of EDD. “We want Austinites to be inspired, networked up well within our thriving business community that shapes Austin’s future.”
For more information about the Small Business Connection Conference including registration details visit the conference event page or contact Eddie Bynog Jr., Public Information Specialist Senior at eddie.bynog@austintexas.gov.
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About SMBR
The Small and Minority Business Resources Department (SMBR) administers Minority-Owned Women-Owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Procurement Programs for Austin. Our mission promotes access equity on City contracts providing economic opportunity small minority-owned women-owned disadvantaged businesses.
About EDD
The Economic Development Department supports business growth creative industries local communities through programs building an equitable sustainable economy improving lives residents visit www.austintexas.gov/edd subscribe newsletter Connect @AustinEconDev Facebook X YouTube
About FSD
The Financial Services Department maintains financial economic integrity provides comprehensive integrated financial management administration support services departments customers supporting processes preparing annual budget fiscal report procurement franchise agreements real estate transactions overseeing investment portfolio debt management visit austintexas.gov/fsd
