Great Falls Small Business Expo 2008 Planning Well Under Way

The Small Business Expo 2007 was the first attempt to get business owners, managers, and key stakeholders outside of the four walls of their businesses, in order to take advantage of one intense day of opportunities; opportunities to learn more about government contracting systems, human resource management and growth financing options. The responses far exceed the expectations for the event as over 120 people flooded Great Falls last year in order to do better business.

This year we would like to build upon the momentum with the 2nd Annual Small Business Expo. The Holiday Inn of Great Falls will again host the event on Thursday October 16th 2008 from 8 AM until 3:30 PM. The Expo is free of charge and will provide existing businesses in Montana the opportunity to learn more about how they can expand their market share with international trade and sales to state and federal government agencies, view a showcase of successful agriculture innovation and resources, gain minority business development resources. Coffee and pastries at 8:00 am and lunch at 11:30 am will be provided at no cost to attendees by the event sponsors.

Sixteen distinct one hour breakout sessions will be available to attendees; four separate sessions will run concurrently four times throughout the day. Confirmed sessions include:

Going Global: Montana Business Success Stories

Entering Canadian Markets

Government Contracting Opportunities Panel

Changes in Government Contracting: The Shift to I.A.T.,
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Benefits

Understanding Government Contracting Systems

A trade show featuring materials on growth resources from presenters and sponsors will be open during the entire event for businesses to visit. As the small business expo is focused on providing resources, examples, and contacts to existing businesses, all types of business are welcome to attend.

The Small Business Expo 2008 is provided by Great Falls Region Small Business Development Center, Great Falls Development Authority, and War Shield Development. Updated information is posted at Small Business Expo central, http://drop.io./Expo2008GreatFalls. The Small Business Development Center is funded in part through a cooperative agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.

Montana Community Finance Corporation in Helena has already jumped at the honor of sponsoring the Small Business Expo 2008 and other sponsorship opportunities are available.

Contact Alyssa Patton with Great Falls Development Authority at 771-9029 for details.