Attendees will receive information on sources of assistance, the process of registration and obtaining licensing, methods of financing, and securing contracts. Participants will be exposed to techniques on selling products and services to private industry and federal, state, and local governments.

Representatives from the United States Small Business Administration will be available to discuss SBA programs, guarantees, certification process, bonds and surety, GO Loans, and disaster loans. Likewise, the Louisiana State Contractor Licensing Department will answer questions from individuals who want to become licensed or from existing contractors.

The conference is hosted by the Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension Center, the Center for Rural and Small Business Development, Louisiana Small Business Development Centers in Baton Rouge and Lafayette, the U. S. Small Business Administration, Louisiana Procurement Technical Assistance Center and Louisiana Economic Development Corporation.