The event is intended to provide small business owners and operators from around the 9th District with access to federal, state and non-governmental groups that can help small businesses succeed.

“Small businesses face many challenges – especially in the current economic climate – including getting access to capital, lowering energy costs, funding research and development, and training their workforce,” Smith said. “I am hosting this event to make the resources provided by the government easily accessible for small businesses, and to better understand how we can assist small businesses as they work to create jobs and grow our economy.”

Doors will open at 7:30 a.m. and the event will begin at 8 with welcome remarks from Smith and Region 10 Small Business Administration (SBA) Administrator Calvin Goings. Following opening remarks, there will be 15-minute break-out sessions with agencies such as the SBA, Federal Emergency Management Agency to discuss how to best prepare for emergencies including floods, the Internal Revenue Service to discuss available tax credits and cuts, and the Procurement Technical Assistance Center to discuss how to do business with the government, among others.

In addition to the break-out sessions, more than 20 federal agencies will be on hand to offer information on programs that help small businesses work with the government, navigate federal rules and regulations or apply for federal resources. Entities such as Goodwill Industries and Employer Support of the Guard also will be on hand to provide information and guidance.

===

SMALL BUSINESS FORUM

• Date: Thursday, June 3

• Time: 7:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m.

• Location: ShoWare Center in Kent

• RSVP to: SmallBizForum@mail.house.gov or 253-593-6600

• Cost: Free