SBA representatives from Guam and Hawaii yesterday briefed over 50 participants at the Aqua Resort Club about doing business with the federal government and the services offered by the agency.
The speakers from SBA were Laurence R. Orr, procurement center representative in Hawaii and Guam; Jack Corbett, business development specialist; and Kennet Q. Lujan, Guam branch manager.
Ada said there is a federal preference for veterans and women who want to run a business enterprise.
He noted that there is a certain percentage of federal contracting goals that are set aside for disabled veterans and women.
There are also a percentage set aside for small disadvantaged business and those who are in a “historically under-utilized business zone” or HUBzone, Ada said.
“You cannot wait for the money to come to you,” he added. “You have to prepare to get it and that’s why we’re doing this workshop.”
He added, “Women and veterans, I think, are under-represented in the business community. That may be the reason they were placed under a special category.”
Ada said the Department of Commerce sponsored the workshop to ensure that the local business community will take advantage of the services offered by SBA.
Military and Veteran Affairs Office Executive Secretary Ruth Coleman said the business opportunities for veterans are “tremendous.”
However, she added, there is no SBA center on island where people can go and seek assistance.
Guam has an SBA office.
