In support of the White House Initiative on Small Business Contracting, the Department of Agriculture (USDA) and North Carolina Central University will jointly host a daylong series of educational workshops and networking sessions focusing on doing business with USDA and other federal agencies.

The workshops and panel discussions will be led by program and small business procurement officials from USDA and other federal agencies. Topics include acquisition needs and opportunities, procurement methods, subcontracting opportunities, business development resources, and more.

One workshop is specifically focused on contracting opportunities in rural America. This is part of a continuing effort by the USDA to enhance the competitive posture of rural small businesses and small farmer-owned cooperatives.

There will also be opportunities to meet one-on-one with USDA small business contracting specialists.

The workshop will be held at the Alfonso Elder Student Union on June 6.

There is no conference fee. Pre-registration is preferred with onsite registration available. Please register by email osdbu.smallbizconf@dm.usda.gov  by May 25. For further information please call 202-720-7117 or visit the USDA website at http://www.usda.gov/wps/portal/usda/usdahome?contentid=2012/04/0137.xml&contentidonly=true