GREENVILLE, N.C. - With spring approaching, now is the time to increase your business. Government is a great place to start.

The City of Greenville and Greenville Utilities Commission Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Mix-N-Meet on Wednesday, April 4, will provide that opportunity. Scheduled from 9:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., the Mix-N-Meet will allow those in charge of purchases and contracting with the City, GUC, and ECU to interact with local minority and women business owners. These encounters will introduce attendees to the diversity of quality goods and services in the marketplace and help vendors learn how to pursue a business relationship with government.

 

"Networking is one of the simplest and most effective ways for businesses to market their goods and services." City of Greenville MWBE Coordinator Ferdinand A. Rouse said. "Events such as the Mix-N-Meet are invaluable opportunities for firms to mingle with potential business partners to learn how to participate in the bid process and cultivate those relationships that can lead to future business opportunities."

 

Several dozen local minority, and women owned firms are registered to participate in the event. The Business Opportunity Fair portion of the Mix-N-Meet will host a variety of large contractors and vendors who offer everything from office supplies and printing services to consulting and catering. For those who desire to speak to specific organizations, the Matchmaking Session will offer brief, one-on-one appointments to discuss contracting opportunities.

 

"Businesses who sign up for matchmaking typically sell only to specific buyers," Rouse said. "General contractors, architectural and engineering services providers, technology firms and the like benefit greatly from dedicated time with project managers. In the appointments, firms learn of upcoming opportunities and get an idea of how to best position themselves to take advantage while building relationships."

 

This year marks the 12th year the City of Greenville's Financial Services Department has hosted the Mix-N-Meet in support of providing quality goods and services to departments and increasing the access of firms underutilized in government procurement. This focus has expanded to local firms in recent years in support of Greenville's economic development. As such, MWBE is also hosting a training workshop on April 4 from 1:30 p.m.-3:00 p.m. at City Hall to discuss working with the North Carolina Department of Transportation and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise designation.

 

The event is free and open to the public. For more information, please contact Ferdinand A. Rouse at (252) 329-4462 or frouse@greenvillenc.gov.