Freehold – The Board of Chosen Freeholders invites small business owners to learn how to do business with Monmouth County government.
 
“We encourage local business owners to do business with the county and we have information available on the county’s Web site to get them started,” Freeholder Deputy Director Robert D. Clifton said. “This initiative is a follow-up to a successful seminar that has connected the county with the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the New Jersey Association of County Purchasing Officials to provide information specifically for small business owners.”
 
Information about how to become a county vendor of goods and services and obtain the required NJ Business Registration Certificate is available at www.visitmonmouth.com/purchasing.
 
“Those who missed the seminar and want to do business with the county should contact the Purchasing Department right away to get started,” Freeholder Barbara J. McMorrow said. “Whether you are offering goods or services, the process is straightforward and the county’s purchasing staff is available to guide business owners through the sign-up process.”
 
The Board of Chosen Freeholders hosted a “How to do business with local government” seminar on Friday, Aug. 29, to help businesses get started. At the seminar, Gerri C. Popkin, Monmouth County’s purchasing agent, provided instructions on county purchasing guidelines and requirements. The SBA’s Jackeline Mejias-Fuertes, assistant director of the Small Business Development Center at Brookdale Community College, provided information about current SBA programs and federal government purchasing procedures. More than 40 people attended.
 
Similar seminars were held in Somerset and Cumberland counties this month. Another session will be held on Sep. 10 in Passaic County. The SBA has additional information about the session and may be contacted by telephone at (973) 645-2434.
 
Also speaking at the Monmouth County session was Richard Zilg, assistant director of the New Jersey district office of the Small Business Association, who discussed various federal small business assistance programs, including federal small business loan opportunities.
 
“Throughout the state, the seminars are being conducted by Certified County Purchasing Officials and representatives from the SBA,” said Michael Pappas, SBA Regional Administrator. “Attendees will learn about doing business with local governments, as well as the programs offered by the SBA and how to do business with the federal government.”

 
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