By Staff
Staff reports
Anyone interested in federal, minority or woman owned Certification programs may find a special seminar of particular importance.
The Women's Business Center, Inc. will be hosting a certification seminar on Wednesday, February 14th at the University of South Alabama Student Center, 307 University Blvd. N, Room 222, Mobile, Al., from 12:00 to 3:00 pm.  
The seminar is for firms and individually owned businesses interested in federal contracting and qualifying for special programs. The HUB Zone Certification, Small Disadvantaged Business Certification and the 8(a) Business Development Certification will be discussed as well as other procurement related topics.
Making presentations during the seminar session will be Susan Baxter, Economic Development Specialist for the U.S. Small Business Administration of Alabama. Also presenting will be District Office who will share the ins and outs of the federal marketplace with small businesses.
Blanca Robinson, executive director, Women's Business Council Gulf Coast, will explain the woman-owned business certification process, the advantages of being a certified woman-owned business and how to &#8220use” the certification once obtained. Also presenting will be Gerald Alfred, senior planner for Wave Transit, certifiers for Alabama Department of Transportation. He will be able to discuss current changes in the certification process, procurement opportunities and qualifying factors for becoming a disabled business enterprise or minority business enterprise.  
Scott Vowel, president of South Regions Minority Business Council, will explain the certification process for small businesses obtaining MBE status.
There is a $35 charge for this seminar. Advanced reservations are required.  For more information or to register contact the Women's Business Center at (251) 660-2725 or email at womensbusinesscenter@ceebic.org.