On Thursday, November 9, the Georgia Department of Administrative Services (GOAS) – in partnership with Macon-Bibb’s Office of Small Business Affairs (OSBA) – hosted “A Business State of Mind,” a forum for small and minority businesses. 

About 50 business representatives from landscaping to mental health practitioners attended the event at City Hall. They had an opportunity to learn how they can better do business with the State of Georgia, and learn about topics such as registering for Georgia’s eProcurement System, searching for state bids and contracts, and so much more. 

“OSBA has been intentional in cultivating a relationship with the State,” said Executive Director Charise Stephens. “That hard work is paying off with a renewed collaborative spirit that will bode well for small businesses in Macon-Bibb.” 

Georgia’s Small Business and Supplier Diversity Manager Julian Bailey and Small Business and Diversity Specialist Crystal Brown, as well as Macon-Bibb County Procurement Department Director Laura Hardwick and Office of Small Business Affairs Director Charise Stephens were speakers at the forum. 

   Macon-Bibb’s Procurement Department was also on hand with vendor applications to help the businesses bid on work with the consolidated government.