Sponsored by: Partners in Contracting Corporation, The Regions Women’s Initiative and the Northwest Indiana Small Business Development Center.

What is Certification Boot Camp? It is a hands on program to assist existing businesses in the completion of the applications for State of Indiana Minority or Women Owned Businesses Certifications and the U.S. Small Business Administration 8 (a) and SDB Certifications. The program is designed to assist the business owner to develop and organize all of the information and to complete all of the forms necessary for these applications.

How long does it take to complete Boot Camp? Participants will need to commit to at least three-three hour morning sessions scheduled over six weeks. Participants will also need to spend additional time collecting information about their business. The amount of time will vary based on how organized your business records are.

SBA 8 (a) Applicants – Participants will need additional sessions to develop a business plan that is required by the application.

How much does it cost? The cost of Boot Camp is $ 50.00 which includes all materials and refreshments.

Where will it be held? At the conference room at the offices of the Hammond Development Corporation and Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce, 5246 Hohman Avenue, Hammond, IN (Downtown Hammond). Site telephone number (219) 853.6399 x8.

How to register: Contact the Partners in Contracting Corporation (PICC) office at 219 916.5660 or via e-mail at mkkaczka@piccorp.org, or fill out the online form by clicking here . Please provide the following information when you contact PICC – your company name, email, phone number, product or service, length of time in business, business form of ownership, and certifications you will be applying for. Deadline for registration is Friday, February 22, 2008.

Who is the Boot Camp instructor? The instructor for the Boot Camp is Ms. Judith E.A. Perkinson of The Calumet Group. Ms. Perkinson is a Certified WBE and SBA SDB with 20 years of experience owning and operating her own business. She also has successfully landed government contracts.