The promotion and achievements of minority owned businesses will be recognized at "Marketplace 2004", the Governor's Conference on Minority Business Development, which will be held on September 21-22, 2004 at the Ho-Chunk Casino Hotel & Convention Center in Baraboo. The purpose of the conference will be to recognize and promote the achievements of the state's minority-owned businesses. Note organizers, "Marketplace 2004 is a good opportunity for businesses to learn how to increase access to capital, and also showcase their unique products and services to government procurement officers and corporate buyers."

Important business benefits of Marketplace 2004 include:

• Financial prospecting opportunity for minority businesses with organizations such as Government Supported Lenders, Commercial Lenders, Angel Investors, and Investment Bankers
  
• Learn about preparing your business plans and ideas for grants and loan processes
  
• A comprehensive, cost-effective sales and marketing opportunity for minority vendors
  
• A networking forum for minority vendors, representatives of business and resource agencies

For more information about "Marketplace 2004" contact the Bureau of Minority Business Development, 201 W. Washington Ave., 6th floor, P.O. Box 7970, Madison, WI 53707. Phone: (608) 267-9550; Fax: (608) 287-2829; E-mail: MBD@commerce.state.wi.us

-- Shelly Harkins

The newsletter is issued electronically every other month.

Please send comments or questions to Barbro McGinn, editor.