Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce and its Business Diversity Council are hosting a two-part workshop to guide business owners through the application process to acquire minority-owned business certifications through the South Carolina Department of Transportation, the National Veteran Business Development Council and the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

Such certifications are helpful when bidding for government contracts as many city, state and federal agencies are required to award a percentage of contracts to minority-owned businesses. Some large companies, like BMW, have similar practices.

The first workshop will be held Sept. 6 and will continue with part two on Sept. 20 in the Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce boardroom. Both will run from 8:30 a.m. to noon. The workshop does not include assistance paying certification application fees, if applicable.

The workshops are open to any business owners who may qualify for one of the certifications. Membership with Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce is not required to attend. Businesses must be for-profit and at least 51 percent owned and controlled by socially or economically disadvantaged individuals. Most minority classes and all women are considered socially disadvantaged. Complete eligibility requirements for each certification can be found at scdot.org, nvbdc.org and wbenc.org.

Representatives from SCDOT, NVBDC, WBENC will be present at both workshops along with Bonnie O’Guin, owner of BOLO Promos and Apparel. O’Guin is a chamber investor who has a minority-owned business certification. Additionally, Louise Connell, the supplier diversity manager with BMW will attend on Sept. 6.

Businesses interested in attending should email amanda.blomquist@visitmyrtlebeach.com.

Thursday, September 06, 2018 8:30 AM - 12:00 Noon EST

Myrtle Beach Area Chamber of Commerce Boardroom
1200 N Oak St. 
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
(The boardroom is located on the second floor.)