TROY -- The Troy University Small Business Development Center and the Fort Rucker Army Career Center are sponsoring the annual Small Business Conference and Matchmaker at Fort Rucker on Dec. 5.

 This year’s theme is “Fiesta Time – Spice Up Your Market!!”

“The Matchmaker event provides an opportunity for small businesses who are searching for government contracting opportunities to meet one-on-one with government agency and prime contractor representatives who are looking for qualified suppliers,” said Judy Callin, a small business counselor in TROY’s Small Business Development Center.

Individual appointments will be scheduled in advance, she said.

Agencies invited to participate in the conference include Fort Rucker, Maxwell AFB, Eglin AFB, Anniston Army Depot, Fort Benning, General Services Administration (Federal Supply Schedule), Naval Surface Warfare Center Panama City, Department of Homeland Security, Veterans Administration, State of Alabama Purchasing Office, Troy University, and the City of Dothan.  Prime contractors and large businesses include Lockheed Martin Missiles and Fire Control, Picerne Military Housing, Sikorsky Support Services, Honeywell Technology Solutions, Alabama Power, Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama, and APAC Southeast Inc.  

In addition to the Matchmaker, the following seminars are planned. 

• Government Contracting 101 – Charles Baldwin with the Fort Rucker Contracting Office will talk about opportunities with Fort Rucker and provide tips for marketing to the government.
• Doing Business with Picerne Military Housing – Representatives from Picerne Military Housing will discuss how to become a supplier for the Fort Rucker housing project.
• Design & Construction Opportunities with the General Services Administration (GSA) – Dave Gibson with the GSA out of Atlanta will discuss opportunities for companies who want to provide design and construction services to the federal government.
• Small Business Loans with No Collateral Required – The Small Business Administration, through approved non-bank lenders, offers working capital loans to existing and established businesses with no collateral required.

There is no charge for any of the day’s events.  For more information or to schedule an appointment, small business representatives should contact Judy Callin or Monica Stephens at the Troy University Small Business Development Center in Troy at (334)670-3771 or email jcallin@troy.edu .