City & ECU To Host Mix-N-Meet-N-Learn

East Carolina University and the City of Greenville will host their Minority and Women Business Enterprise (M/WBE) programs’ third annual Networking Mix-n-Meet event for women and minority-owned business suppliers and contractors.  The event will take place on February 16th from 8:30a.m. - 12 p.m. at the Allied Health Sciences Building on the campus of East Carolina University.  Registration and breakfast will begin at 8:30 a.m.
 
Women and/or minorities who own businesses will have the opportunity to network with several large companies, institutions of higher education, governmental entities, and other organizations.   They will get to speak one-on-one with the individuals involved in the procurement process and get the “inside track” on how to best market their product or service.  Many of these entities have services available and programs in place to assist disadvantaged and historically underutilized businesses to expand and succeed in the competitive market. 
 
“Networking is one of the simplest and most effective ways for businesses to market and sell goods and services,” explained City of Greenville M/WBE Coordinator, Denisha Harris.  “Events such as the Mix-n-Meet are invaluable opportunities for firms to mingle with potential business partners to learn how to enroll themselves in the bid process and cultivate those relationships that can lead to future business opportunities.” 
 
“It will ensure attendees’ equal and increased opportunities for all segments of the construction community. It is an opportunity that no small business owner can afford to miss.” said Donna Mayo, ECU’s Historically Underutilized Businesses liaison officer.
 
Firms can look forward to meeting with organizations such as the City of Greenville, East Carolina, Skanska Building Company, and Bovis Lend Lease.  They will walk away with information on current bid opportunities and the need-to-know individuals who can get the process started. 
 
Not only will businesses have the opportunity to Mix-n-Meet but also learn.  This year, the United States Small Business Administration (SBA) and the ECU Small Business Technology and Development Center (SBTDC) and others will hold a mini workshop introducing their services to provide business development and technical assistance for the small business owners.  The NC Department of Transportation (NCDOT) will host a vendor outreach work session to discuss its certification process needed for upcoming projects in eastern Carolina. 
“We’re offering entrepreneurs a ‘one-stop’ shop!  In one morning, folks will learn about the next web marketing seminar, take advantage of a certification class, and make important contacts with major procurement officers,” stated Ms. Harris. 
 
This event is free and open to the public.  If you would like to attend, please RSVP to Denisha Harris at 252.329.4862 or dharris@greenvillenc.gov by Friday, February 8th.