Norton to Recognize D.C. Native's Small Business as Small Business of the Year at Fair

Norton to Recognize D.C. Native's Small Business as Small Business of the Year at Her Access to Capital Fair, Tuesday

April 25, 2011

WASHINGTON, DC -- Walter "Merrill" Smith, small minority business owner and native Washingtonian, and his company, Metropolitan Fire Sprinkler, will be named the "D.C. Small Business of the Year" during the opening plenary session ofCongresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton's (D-DC) Access to Capital Fair from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at the Washington Convention Center, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW on Tuesday, April 26. Metropolitan Fire Sprinkler won one of the largest small business contracts to date at the new Department of Homeland Security (DHS) headquarters construction project underway in Ward 8. On-site registration for the Fair is still possible from 8:00 a.m. - 9:30 a.m., but the Fair is open only to D.C. residents and businesses.

"I first met Mr. Smith at the DHS construction site with his hardhat on, working alongside his employees," said Norton. "His emphasis on quality and hard work has resulted in a track record that apparently stood out in the competition for the sprinkler system contract for the huge, secure Coast Guard headquarters. Mr. Smith's success on the DHS project should encourage other minority-owned businesses to understand that they can compete for and win federal contracts at the St. Elizabeths DHS construction project." Smith will speak at the opening session about his life, how he built his business, and how he has been able to successfully compete for projects, including St. Elizabeths, the National Naval Medical Center, Gaylord National Harbor, and the Washington Nationals Baseball Stadium.

In keeping with the purpose of the Fair, to help local businesses get access to capital and government business opportunities, attendees can apply for business loans on the spot and also will receive one-on-one advice and technical assistance from federal government contracting officers, such as the General Services Administration, bank loan officers, and Small Business Administration (SBA) specialists.

In addition to Smith, speakers at the morning plenary session will include: BB&T Bank Vice President Scott Perry, who will discuss BB&T loan solutions that can help grow small businesses; SBA District Director Bridget Bean, who will provide information on contracting, financing, technical assistance, and the Women's Business Center; and Department of Small; and Local Business Development Acting Director Antonio Hunter, who will discuss how to develop District-based business enterprises using contract compliance, advocacy, and supportive legislation. Two workshops will follow, from 11:00 a.m. to 11:45 p.m. and from 12:45 p.m. to 1:45 p.m., covering topics including:

o How to Obtain Federal Contracts

o Ways to Protect Your Small Business

o Obtaining District Government Contracts

o How to Market Your Small Business to Lenders

o Computer Software to Help Businesses Attain Success

o Proposal Development and Production

o Communication, Marketing, and Branding

o Avenues to Finance Your Business

WHO: Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, U.S. Small Business Administration, D.C. Department of Contracting and Procurement, and Small Business Association officials

WHAT: Access to Capital Small Business Fair

WHEN: Tuesday, April 26, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Washington Convention Center, Room 150, 801 Mount Vernon Place, NW