Free workshops slated on how to do business with state government

Learn the basic rules of doing business with the government at three free workshops in North Idaho in early March.

The workshops will be held at:

* Bonners Ferry, March 6, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Best Western Kootenai River Inn, 7169 Plaza St.;

* Priest River, March 7, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Priest River Council Chambers, 552 High St.; and

* Hayden, March 8, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Holiday Inn Express, 151 W. Orchard St.

The program will feature presenters from the Idaho Transportation Department, the Idaho Department of Commerce, the U.S. Small Business Administration and the U.S. Forest Service.

Presenters will discuss bidding with the state of Idaho and requirements for bidding as a federal contractor, as well as understanding the U.S. Department of Transportation's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program, the SBA's 8(a) Business Development and HUBZone Certification Programs and other business certifications.

Participants also will learn where to go for assistance and how to access such free services like bid-matching and help with writing proposals.

For more information about the workshops, call DBE support services coordinator Liz Healas at (208) 334-8567 or email her at [email protected]. A registration flier may be downloaded at http://www.itd.idaho.gov/civil/pdf/N.