GSBA and Starbucks have partnered to create the first-ever LGBT Business Matchmaker event in the northwest. This event will connect small business owners and corporate and government entities in order to explore opportunities to do business together.

There is no cost to attend, but attendees must register by March 20, 2017. Small business owners may attend the entire Matchmaker event or just the workshop and luncheon. Click here to register: http://tinyurl.com/j3te4aw

THE AGENDA

8:30am – 9:00am | Registration and Starbucks Coffee Experience

9:00am – 12:00pm | Hands-on Certification Workshop

This workshop is designed for small businesses who are LGBT certified or want to explore becoming an LGBT, woman-owned, or minority-owned certified business enterprise. It will be focused on how to write a capability statement and how to do a successful pitch to a corporate and/or government entity, and will include time to practice writing a capability statement and having a sampling of those statements critiqued. Led by James Hing, Manager of Global Sourcing and Supplier Relations, Supplier Diversity for Starbucks.

12:00pm – 1:30pm | Luncheon and Panel Discussion

A discussion with LGBT certified business owners and corporate procurement officers about the opportunities certification provides to small businesses.

1:30pm – 3:30pm | Matchmaker Appointments

Pre-scheduled appointments between corporate and/or government entities and small businesses.