The 18th Annual Business and Procurement Conference provides an opportunity for small business communities to network with larger companies and government agencies aimed at growing their businesses. Southern University Agricultural Research and Extension (SUAREC) has partnered with the MBDA to host this year’s conference along with Southern University Law Center, and the Louisiana Small Business Development Center (LSBDC) at Southern University.

The small business community, especially minority business enterprises, woman-owned small businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, 8(a) certified firms, HUBZone certified firms, and Veteran-Owned (including Service-Disabled Veteran owned) is invited to attend this event. The 2023 Conference will be unique in that many of the sessions and contracting opportunities made available are a result of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. The $1.2 trillion appropriated in this bill is available to small business through procurement opportunities in federal, state, local, and even private businesses. Businesses don’t want to miss this opportunity to market their services and products to the various buyers. Nor do they want to miss this opportunity to network with other businesses in their industries for potential partnerships and other collaborations.