(Washington, DC) On Tuesday, February 13, 2007 the Washington, DC Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) partnered with the US State Department to host a meeting of international business development professionals. The purpose of the meeting was to familiarize international business development policy makers with how the District of Columbia government supports small business through DSLBD programs. Attending were representatives from every corner of the globe: China, Australia, Pakistan, Swaziland and Egypt were just a few of the countries represented. From city Mayors to CEOs to economists, the international visitors all came to the District to find out more about DSLBD policy and the LSDBE program.

The visitors were greeted by Interim Director Erik Moses and given an overview of DSLBD policies and services that support certified local small businesses by Assistant Director (Office of Training and Education) Samira Cook. For some of the guests, it was a first look at what they hope to have in their countries; for others, it was a chance to get assistance with their own programs. The event allowed both hosts and guests to exchange ideas, facts, and suggestions on best practices for small business development.