(Washington, DC) - In order to better serve the Washington area’s Latino business community, the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSBLD) and the Greater Washington Hispanic Chamber of Commerce have partnered to conduct the first-ever Spanish-translated Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) Certification Workshops. Both Spanish and English speakers are welcome to participate, as workshops will be given in English and translated live into Spanish.

Participation in a CBE Pre-certification Workshop is a mandatory requirement to apply for the CBE program, which gives local businesses preference in the District government procurement process. The bi-weekly workshops provide previously uncertified business representatives with detailed instructions on how to complete CBE applications, and help applicants avoid submitting incomplete applications (which DSLBD does not accept).

There will be three opportunities to participate in the Spanish-translated CBE Pre-Certification Workshop in 2009. They will take place on January 15, May 21, and September 17 from 6 pm to 8 pm in the Citywide Conference Center, Room 1107N, One Judiciary Square, 441 4th Street, NW. You must register and reserve your spot by contacting Katina Bolden at katina.bolden@dc.gov or (202) 727-2241.

Visit dslbd.dc.gov or call (202) 727-3900 to learn more about the CBE certification program, business opportunities, greening your business, free training courses, capacity building, commercial revitalization, and the many other programs and assistance the agency offers local businesses. DSLBD is charged with fostering economic growth and the development of emerging District-based business enterprises through programs and opportunities, agency and public/private contract compliance, advocacy, and supportive legislation.