A seminar designed to help area business owners and potential business owners who are interested in seeking government contracts or looking for financing options is scheduled for July 21 in Ozark. The Troy University Small Business Development Center and the Ozark Technology Center and the Ozark Chamber of Commerce will conduct, “Financing and Government Contracting Assistance for Small Businesses,” from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. at Enterprise/Ozark Community College-Aviation Campus in the Sasser Cafetorium Conference Room. SBA loan officers will discuss the various loan programs offered by the SBA and how to participate.

“The major concern for today’s small business owners is access to capital and credit,” said Janet Kervin, Director of the Small Business Development Center. “The SBA’s loan guaranty programs provide a key source of financing for viable small businesses that have potential, but cannot qualify for loans from traditional sources without the SBA guarantee.” Financing programs provided by SBA vary according to a borrower’s financial need and are a valuable tool for banks to use in assisting their customers.

The program will also cover assistance provided to businesses interested in government contracting. “The federal government is the largest buyer in the world and small businesses are often at a disadvantage when trying to win federal contracts,” according to Judy Callin of the Troy University SBDC. “But the SBA can help to overcome these barriers.”

To register call the Troy University SBDC at (334) 670-3771 or the Ozark Technology Center at (334) 774-4952. There is no charge for this seminar. Seating is limited and will be available on a first-come basis.

The program will feature representatives from the U.S. Small Business Administration District Office in Birmingham discussing financing options and government contracting assistance provided by the SBA.