Richmond, VA - The City of Richmond's Office of Minority Business Development is launching Government Contracting Made Simple, a free four-week training series aimed at helping small and minority-owned businesses better understand and engage in the government contracting process.

The sessions will be held Tuesday evenings-July 15, July 22, July 29, and August 5-from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., at the Richmond Public Library - Main Branch Auditorium, located at 101 E. Franklin Street, Richmond, VA 23219. Participants are encouraged to attend all four sessions for the full benefit of the program.

The interactive series will guide participants through key elements of government procurement, including:

1. Reading bid solicitations -bid review.
2. Conducting interviews with government buyers
3. Understanding the GCMS strategy
4. Implementing the GCMS strategy
5. Writing competitive proposals

"This series is designed to bridge the gap between opportunity and access," said Patricia Foster, Director of the Office of Minority Business Development. "Our goal is to equip Richmond's small and minority-owned businesses with the knowledge and confidence needed to succeed in the government contracting arena."

The initiative is presented in partnership with Building Blocks for Success, Level III, and the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency. Registration is required. To register please click here or contact debbie.jackson2@rva.gov or lisette.johnson@rva.gov.