Norton Announces Small Business Fair with Record Number of Registrants

WASHINGTON, D.C. – A record number of D.C. residents and business owners have pre-registered for Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's (D-DC) 2014 Small Business Fair, which will take place on Thursday, June 5, 2014, from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center (801 Mount Vernon Place NW). The event is free of charge, open only to D.C. residents and D.C. small businesses, and seating is first-come, first-served. Advance registration is filled, with 230 registrants, but day-of registration will be available, beginning at 8:00 a.m. The Norton fair helps District small businesses and residents start, develop and grow small businesses in a recovering economy.

"I am simply thrilled at the extraordinary interest in our Small Business Fair this year," said Norton. "We have built on the success of last year's terrific turnout and the free, informational and networking resources are drawing even more D.C. residents and small business owners. Fortunately, we are at the Convention Center and can take late registrants on the morning of the fair."

The fair begins at 9:00 a.m. with a one-hour plenary session featuring the announcement of the 2014 D.C. Small Business of the Year by Norton, and featuring remarks from this year's winner on what he did to achieve small business success in the District. Remarks will also be offered by Small Business Administration (SBA) District Director Antonio Bass. He will discuss specific ways the SBA can help D.C. residents and small business owners grow their businesses using SBA resources and programs.

From 10:00 a.m. until 3:30 p.m., several workshops will take place. The workshops will provide guidance on writing a small business plan, winning a federal contract, starting a small business, insuring a small business, securing tax credits that are available through the Affordable Care Act, and understanding the E-Verify program.

From 11:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m., participants will also receive one-on-one advice and counseling from bank loan officers, government small business procurement specialists, and SBA specialists on initiating the loan application process, writing a winning business plan, optimizing marketing strategies, and hiring practices.

Throughout the entire day, a networking lounge will be open for all participants. From 11:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m., Unity Health Care will be on hand to provide HIV testing.

Published: June 3, 2014