Sacramento- It has been quite a year for small businesses doing business with the State of California. Earlier this year the Department of General Services (DGS), which oversees most of the State of California’s purchasing and contracting, reported that small businesses received more than 28 percent of the state’s business last year.  That translates to $2.7 billion of the $9.4 billion total in goods and services that the state bought. 

“This year looks even more promising,” said Rosario Marin, Secretary of the State Consumer Services Agency.  “Starting next week and continuing through the summer, we will send out teams of representatives and small business development advocates to reach out to business owners and educate them about the many opportunities to do business with the state.” 

“Governor Schwarzenegger recognizes that small business is the backbone of California's economy and  is committed to making sure that we continue to do everything we can to help create opportunities to help stimulate and grow our economy" said Will Bush, DGS Director.

In the next week alone, look for DGS small business representatives at the following outreach events in Los Angeles, San Diego and Sacramento:

March 25: The Greater Los Angeles Vendor Fair hosted by the Metropolitan Water District, County of Los Angeles, Metropolitan Transportation Authority and LA City College at the Los Angeles Convention Center

March 26: Caltrans Procurement Fair at San Diego's Balboa Park

March 26: Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's Business Networking Expo at the Double Tree Hotel in Sacramento

March 28: Women’s Procurement Fair sponsored by Women's Business Center at the PG&E Community Center in San Luis Obispo

March 28-30: The Black Expo, Sacramento Convention Center

In 2006, Governor Schwarzenegger signed an executive order that established a goal for State government to do at least 25 percent of its purchasing and contracting with small businesses.  More than 98% of California companies are defined as small businesses - businesses with less than 100 employees, and no more than an average of $10 million in revenues during the past three years. 

In 2007, DGS representatives attended more than 100 small business outreach and training events and taught more than 10,000 businesses how to do business with the state.  DGS’ massive outreach efforts for 2008 are already well under way. This year, its efforts are even more ambitious, led by Secretary Marin and Director Bush who plan to hit the road this summer to personally reach out to small businesses and create opportunity.

Please visit www.pd.dgs.ca.gov/recipro/events.htm often for event updates.

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