Bluefield State College - September News Releases

Business Resource and Opportunity Program Focuses on "Advanced Technology" During Workshop at BSC, November 9

(BLUEFIELD)–Competitive opportunities for small businesses interested in research will be explained and examined during a half-day conference for business owners and college personnel, November 9, 2001 in the Tierney Conference Center, Dickason Hall, Bluefield State College.

The workshop, presented through the collaborative efforts of a dozen regional business resource agencies is designed to assist business owners interested in exploring the technological potential available through the Small Business Innovation Research Program (SBIR) and the Small Business Technology Transfer Program (STTR). During the program, participants will receive an overview of the SBIR/STTR program, and will learn how small research and development firms and entrepreneurs can apply for funding to take their projects from the laboratory to the marketplace.

Tom Nornhold, an official with Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology, will present the session, "SBIR/STTR Opportunities," followed by a focus upon "Funding for Technical Proposal Development through West Virginia's Promise Program," directed by Lisa Raines, an official with the WV Development Office's Small Business Development Center Program.

"This collaboration represents a truly regional approach to working with small, medium or larger businesses," noted Dr. Felica Blanks, Interim Director of Institutional Development and Advancement at BSC. "More than 10 different agencies at federal, state, regional and local levels are involved and we hope to provide information on contracting opportunities that will be of use to both Virginia and West Virginia businesses."

The Procurement Technical Assistance Center Program (PTAC) at Southwest Virginia Community College, a co-sponsor of the workshop, is positioned to help businesses participating in the event. "Serving the western and southwestern portion of Virginia, the PTAC promotes the development of community and economic development partnerships by providing technical, business training and consulting services to companies entering or participating in the government contracting marketplace," noted Glenda Calver, Director/PTAC Center for Economic Development at SVCC. "Since January 2000, the PTAC has assisted area businesses in acquiring more than $23 million in contract awards and executed training conferences with over 1500 attendees."

The session begins with an 8:30 a.m. registration. The program concludes with a 12:15 p.m. lunch. Registration fee is $20 per participant and includes lunch. Registration checks should be made payable to "RCAC," and mailed to Regional Contracting Assistance Center, Inc., 1116 Smith St., Suite 202, Charleston, WV 25301. On-line registration may be completed at: http://www.rcacwv.com" under the link "Workshops and Conferences." Payment arrangements should be made prior to the workshop.

The workshop is sponsored by Bluefield State College, the Procurement Technical Assistance Center in conjunction with Southwest Virginia Community College and the Defense Logistics Agency, Southwest Virginia Community College's Small Business Development Center, the Regional Contracting Assistance Center, Inc., the West Virginia Small Business Development Center, the Virginia Regional Minority Supplier Development Council, Virginia's Center for Innovative Technology, the Industrial Development Authority of Tazewell County, the Industrial Development Authority of Mercer County, the Tazewell Area Chamber of Commerce, Greater Bluefield Chamber of Commerce, Richlands Area Chamber of Commerce, and the Princeton/Mercer County Chamber of Commerce.

Additional information may be obtained by calling (304) 327-4109 or (540) 964-7334.