November 18, 2005

BIRMINGHAM, AL — The University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Small Business Development Center (SBDC) will host a “Disadvantaged Minority- and Women-Owned Business Conference” 7:45 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., Wednesday, November 30, at the UAB Hill University Center Alumni Auditorium and Great Hall, 1400 University Boulevard. The keynote speaker for the conference is Alabama Governor Bob Riley.

The conference is sponsored by the UAB SBDC, UAB School of Business, UAB Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Support Services, Service Corps of Retired Executives (SCORE) and Alabama Department of Transportation. Cost is $25 per participant. For more information, or to make reservations, call the SBDC at (205) 934-6760.

Participants can attend a number of business seminars, including DBE Certification, Marketing Supplier Services and Construction Project Management. Presenters include representatives from UAB, Alabama Department of Transportation, Mayer Electric Supply and Hoar Construction.

The conference also will feature networking opportunities and a business fair. Small business owners will have an opportunity to meet representatives from the Alabama Road Builders Association, Birmingham Airport Authority, City of Birmingham, UAB, Jefferson County Purchasing Department and Anniston Army Depot. A buffet luncheon also is planned from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., where Riley will speak.

The UAB SBDC is a member of the Alabama Small Business Development Consortium, which enhances economic growth in Alabama by providing entrepreneurial assistance to small business owners through 11 SBDC offices. The consortium is supported by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA).