Opportunities await for Dallas minority businesses at Access 2009

by Gordon Jackson of of Dallas Weekly

If there is ever a time a small minority-owned business needs the hook-up for contracts, it’s right now, during the worst economic crunch since the Great Depression. The ACCESS 2009 Business Expo looks to be a viable solution for such needs.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Minority Business Development Council (DFWMBDC) will host Access 2009 May 11-12 at the Arlington Convention Center. Procurement officials and executives from over 200 major corporations and public agencies will be present and prepared to provide business opportunities to an estimated 800 businesses and entrepreneurs.

“Yes, these are tough times, but this is an opportunity for a minority business to come out and showcase their wares,” Margo Posey, DFWMBDC’s President and CEO, said on the Reporters Roundtable talk show on KKDA. Seminars and workshops will provide minority businesses with insight and solutions to take advantage of the contract opportunities available.

“DFW Stimulus: Taking Advantage of the Opportunities” looks to be the highlight seminar of the two-day event, focusing on the dollars available in North Texas through the $787 billion stimulus package initiated by President Barack Obama and passed through Congress. Another feature will be the State of Texas Spot Bid Contract Fair (2:00 to 5:30 p.m., May 11, 9:10 to 3:30 p.m. May 12), sponsored by State Senator Royce West.

Posey said that, at last year’s expo, close to $286 thousand was awarded in contracts in the two-day period for businesses that qualified.

“People came on Monday, with many of the state agencies there, and contracts were awarded by Tuesday,” said Posey. Spot bid winners will be announced at the close of the second day.

Both days start off with the Access Boot Camp, 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. on May 11, 7:50 to 8:50 a.m. on May 12. The Business Expo opens at 9:00 a.m. on the second day, following a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Industry Focus sessions include “Information Technology (IT) Speed Dating” and workshops covering: Professional Services; Health, Environment and Safety; Food and Beverage; Marketing, Public Relations and Media Services; Transportation and Logistics and more.

A “Green” Pavilion will also be at the expo to inform about the growing environmental industry, Posey said.

“Green is the big buzz word today and we’ll have companies providing those kinds of opportunities to the right businesses,” she said.

Participating in the expo’s Silent Auction, DFWMBDC’s primary annual fundraiser, is another way for businesses to promote themselves. Proceeds go to the organization’s Scholarship Fund. DFWMBDC’s three-fold mission involves certifying minority businesses, connecting them with corporations and agencies and helping develop them with information to grow and nurture their enterprises.

Arlington Convention Center is located on Ballpark Way, just north of the Ballpark in Arlington. For registration information about the expo, call 214-630-0747.

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