The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council is hosting its annual supplier diversity and small business development conference – the Business Opportunity Exchange – on April 25th and 26th at the World Headquarters of the Coca-Cola Company in Atlanta. The BOE is the largest and oldest conference of its kind in the Southeast, bringing together small business owners, corporate procurement executives, supplier diversity experts and other stakeholders for two power-packed days of workshops, networking, keynotes and activities. The GMSDC is pleased to announce that Mr. Robb Wong, the Associate Administrator, Office of Government Contracting and Business Development at the US Small Business Administration, will deliver the keynote address on April 25th.

The theme for the 2017 BOE is Own The Moment, as the Council challenges its constituents to rise to a new level of preparedness to seize every opportunity the market presents. Mr. Wong brings a very timely message from one of the small business community’s most ardent champions, the SBA. In his role, Mr. Wong advocates throughout the federal government on behalf of small business owners wanting to do business as federal contractors and subcontractors. He also helps to set small business contracting policy and hold federal agencies accountable to reach their small business contracting goals. The SBA assists small businesses from the startup stage through their full life cycle through programs and initiatives focused on access to capital, surety bonds, small business counseling, and federal contracting programs. Hundreds of millions of dollars flow into the small business ecosystem as a result of SBA programs.

The SBA has been an essential element of the GMSDC’s efforts to facilitate win-win business partnerships in the state of Georgia. Stacey Key, the President and CEO of the GMSDC, recognizes the significance of the SBA’s impact on small business development across the state. “We have enjoyed a marvelous relationship with the SBA for many years, and are so grateful for the support and engagement of both the Regional Administration and the national organization,” says Key. “SBA programs are a big reason why the economy of our state is experiencing a steady cycle of growth and expansion. We are excited about welcoming Associate Administrator Wong to Georgia and look forward to continuing our long and prosperous partnership.

The BOE will introduce innovative new program elements this year that are designed to enhance the experience for attendees and support the sharing of best practices and the establishment of mutually beneficial business partnerships all across the state of Georgia. For more information or to register, visit gmsdc.org.