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Josephs: expanding opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses

HARRISBURG, Sept. 18 – State Rep. Babette Josephs, D-Phila., today hosted the second in a series of three programs for aspiring minority and women entrepreneurs.

The program, organized by the Kutztown Small Business Development Center, was held at the Dixon University Center in Harrisburg. Josephs, who is chairwoman of the House State Government Committee, said the purpose of the event was to encourage the connection between women- and minority-owned businesses and the state. The State Government Committee oversees the state Department of General Services, which deals with state contracts.

The programs provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to:

celebrate and recognize the achievements of successful women and minority entrepreneurs;
share the secrets of their success in leveraging their Commonwealth, federal and local business certifications to make their businesses more successful;
network with each other and with representatives of key certification agencies; and
learn of updates to the Commonwealth's program of supporting minority- and women-owned businesses, accessing state contracts, and opportunities in the new gaming industry.

"While ownership of businesses by women and minorities is increasing, it's still uncommon for them to have contracts with the state," Josephs said. "These programs help women and minority entrepreneurs learn from each other about successful business strategies, and provide more information about opportunities to develop business transactions with the Commonwealth."

The first program was held at the Wharton School in Philadelphia in March. The third event will take place Nov. 2 in Pittsburgh and will be organized by the Duquesne Small Business Development Center.