Georgia Business Certification workshop coming to Valdosta

Published 1:10 pm Monday, March 11, 2024

By Staff reports

DeWayne Johnson, Southern Georgia Black Chambers president and chief executive officer, Heather Craft, Valdosta State University purchasing officer, Julian Bailey, Georgia Department of Administrative Services – Small Business and Supplier Diversity manager, Crystal Brown, Small Business and Supplier Diversity specialist, and Marion Ramsey, Southern Georgia Black Chambers vice president of operations, during meeting.

VALDOSTA – In a significant stride towards fostering small business growth, Julian Bailey from the Georgia Department of Administrative Services is set to lead a workshop on the new Georgia Business Certification Program.

The Southern Georgia Black Chambers coordinated with the department and will host the event 5:30-7 p.m. March 20, at the Willis L. Miller Library in Valdosta. The location address is 2906 Julia Drive.

Marion Ramsey, vice president of operations at SGBC, expressed enthusiasm, saying, “This workshop aligns with our mission to support underserved minority businesses. It’s a crucial opportunity for our community to understand and leverage the benefits of the Georgia Business Certification.”

The new certification program, initiated on Jan. 1, 2024, aims to simplify the bid opportunity process for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses statewide. Kemp’s endorsement of House Bill 128 in April 2023 catalyzed this initiative.

“We’re excited to collaborate with the Georgia Department of Administrative Services for the second consecutive year,” Ramsey added. “Last year’s event was insightful, and we anticipate an even more enriching experience this time.”

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As found in a 2023 report published by the Georgia Department of Administrative Services, small businesses often face challenges in meeting state requirements, identifying bid opportunities, and being bid-ready. The Department of Administrative Services addresses these issues, aiming to make state procurement more accessible to small businesses, with a focus on minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses.

According to organizers, attendees will learn how certification distinguishes their businesses, providing visibility in the state’s supplier database. This certification increases attractiveness for subcontracting partnerships with prime contractors holding state contracts.

Valdosta State University Procurement Office will be in attendance as well in order to provide information related to small business opportunities at VSU through the Georgia Business Certification Program.

The workshop is open to the public. All small business owners are encouraged to register at www.sgablackchambers.org/events. 

For further event information, contact SGBC VP of Events & Programs Kimberly Grisson-Dixon, at kgdixon@sgablackchambers.org.

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