Small Business and Supplier Diversity Program Launches New Workshop Series
The Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) State Purchasing Division (SPD) Small Business and Supplier Diversity Program (SBSD) has launched a new Georgia Procurement Workshops regional training series, in partnership support consultant, MH Miles Company. The workshop series is designed to connect small businesses to opportunities throughout the state.
This statewide outreach effort is designed to strategically position Georgia operating small businesses to engage more effectively with procurement opportunities across state agencies, colleges, and universities. Training focuses on demystifying the state procurement process, promoting Georgia small business certification, connecting businesses with buyers statewide, and increasing participation in contracts under $25,000.
The first workshop launched on Tuesday, November 18, 2025, at Clayton State University. Registration was completely sold out with over 200 registrants. Govantez Lowndes, area director of the University of Georgia Small Business Development Center at Clayton State University, opened the workshop with a warm welcome. The SBSD team Mary Chapman, Julian Bailey, Crystal Langley, and Lanique Bradley, delivered information on Georgia’s procurement process and systems, as well as the Georgia Business Certification and access to supplier training and resources.
Participants heard presentations from our strategic partner, MH Miles on why mastering marketing is key in leveraging small businesses and how to utilize AI to maximize efficiency. Speaker guest, Nicola Roberts, vice president of senior business at JPMorgan Chase, presented financial resources, explaining how to gain access to capital through small business loans.
Small Business Liaisons Bennetta Butler, Marcia Primus, Vanessa Walker, Lauren Barlow, and Gregory Woodlief, were also in attendance to connect with Georgia-based small businesses and showcase bid opportunities while equipping them with the information needed to pursue those opportunities effectively. Our certifying partners Small Business Administration Georgia District Office, Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, also attended to connect with suppliers interested in becoming certified.
In addition to training sessions, Georgia Procurement Workshops feature interactive networking opportunities with state and local government agencies, and event participants. On January 27, 2026, the SBSD program will host their next Georgia Procurement Workshop at Valdosta State University. To learn more about the DOAS SPD SBSD Program and the Georgia Procurement Workshops visit https://doas.ga.gov/state-purchasing/small-business-and-supplier-diversity.