Congressman Brian Higgins, ’85, in conjunction with the Buffalo State College Small Business Development Center (SBDC), will present “Expanding Your Market: A Small-Business Outreach Event” on Wednesday, August 17, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the Campbell Student Union Fireside Lounge.

Registration is at 8:30 a.m.

“There are a number of resources available to help businesses grow and create jobs and this event is aimed at providing local business owners with the tools to help make that happen,” said Congressman Higgins.

The first half of the event will feature special presentations from local business owners Melissa Balbach of LS&S LLC and Rick Smith from Rigidized Metals. Following the formal program, select agencies will be on hand to provide information and one-on-one consulting opportunities: Buffalo State College SBDC, Canisius College Women’s Business Center, Erie County Industrial Development Agency, Jamestown Community College Small Business Development Center, NYS Empire State Development, NYS Small Business Development Center, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Small Business Association, UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership, and World Trade Center Buffalo-Niagara

Event speakers and partner organizations will be able to provide expert advice and information on:

-Attracting and retaining international customers
-Opportunities for international partners
-Free-market research and trade statistics
-Targeting emerging and high-growth markets
-E-Commerce social media marketing
-Energy savings programs for small businesses
-Entrepreneurial opportunities for military veterans
-Procurement opportunities for small businesses

To register, e-mail smallbus@buffalostate.edu or call the SBDC at (716) 878-4030.