Office of Equal Opportunity

Vendor Office Hours: Certification 101
2023-10-04 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-11-01 10:00 - 11:00 (America/Chicago) | Webex, MO, United States
The Office of Equal Opportunity (OEO) offers this event the first Wednesday of every month. The Certification 101 presents everything you need to know about applying and renewing a certification.

Following a quick 7-10 minute presentation, you will have the opportunity to ask our staff questions you have regarding certification and other resources.

Annual Reverse Vendor Fair
2023-10-12 08:30 - 14:00 | Great Overland Staton, 200 NW Railroad, Topeka, KS, United States
This opportunity is open to all State of Kansas certified M/W/DBE businesses until August 1st. After August 1, pending funding the application opens to self-designated, non-certified M/W/DBE businesses.
*All application approvals are based on first come, first served.
* The application for attendance is open until funding is depleted.
* Applications are limited to one (1) attendant per business.

Click Here to Register: https://forms.gle/DvaogkcZsDq1mQE27

Vendor Office Hours: Certification 201
2023-10-18 10:00 - 11:00 | Webex, MO, United States
Certification 201 Presentation

Government Contracting 101
2023-10-18 10:00 - 11:30 | State Fair College, 3201 W. 16th Street, Sedalia, MO, 65301
In this introductory 1.5-hour class on government contracting, we cover how to navigate, research, and connect to the government marketplace. Attendees will leave with useful tools and next steps to compete for government contracts on the federal, state, or local level.
After attending this class, any business may sign up for APEX Accelerator Services. Missouri APEX free services include:
– Strategic Approaches
– Marketing to Government Agencies
– Researching Past & Current Bid Opportunities
– Bid Prep, Review, Submittal & Post
– Registrations
– Small Business Certifications
– Federal, State & Local
– Education Resources
– Other Guidance as Needed

To register for the no-cost class on the Sedalia campus, go to https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/24751. To register for the no-cost class at the Camdenton Chamber of Commerce, go to https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/24752.

OEO Virtual Networking Event
2023-10-25 10:00 - 11:00 | Webex, MO, United States
The Office of Equal Opportunity is hosting a new, monthly virtual networking opportunity for our certified vendors. Through feedback from you, we have structured this event to attempt to better meet your needs. This event is open to all vendors interested in connecting with fellow M/WBE/SDVE small businesses to share experiences, learn from one another, and build valuable relationships.
We’ve heard from our certified vendors who are looking to join networking events catered to small business owners to learn from each other while building valuable relationships along the way.
This virtual space is designed to increase conversation and participation. Having a good connection and working microphone is important. Using your camera during the meeting is highly encouraged.
As we learn and grow together, we welcome feedback for how OEO can improve these events. Please email us at oeo@oa.mo.gov for a virtual invitation.

Springfield Business Expo
2023-10-26 | Springfield Expo Center, 635 E St Louis St, Springfield, MO, 65806, United States
Featuring over 250 area businesses, the trade show is the perfect place for networking, recruiting, B2B & B2C sales, and putting your business ahead of the competition. There’s something truly worthwhile for everyone at the Springfield Business Expo!

September 1, 2023: Deadline to Reserve Vendor Booth

September 8, 2023: Deadline to Reserve Directory Ad Space

For more information please visit: Springfield Business Expo | Showcasing the best businesses of Springfield, MO (sgfbusinessexpo.com)

Government Contracting 101
2023-10-26 13:00 - 16:00 | Camdenton Chamber of Commerce, 739 W. US Hwy. 54, Camdenton, MO, 65020
In this introductory 1.5-hour class on government contracting, we cover how to navigate, research, and connect to the government marketplace. Attendees will leave with useful tools and next steps to compete for government contracts on the federal, state, or local level.
After attending this class, any business may sign up for APEX Accelerator Services. Missouri APEX free services include:

Strategic Approaches
Marketing to Government Agencies
Researching Past & Current Bid Opportunities
Bid Prep, Review, Submittal & Post
Registrations
Small Business Certifications – Federal, State & Local
Education Resources
Other Guidance as Needed

To register for the no-cost class at the Camdenton Chamber of Commerce, go to https://missouri.ecenterdirect.com/events/24752.

Grant Prep Boot Camp Workshop
2023-10-27 09:00 - 12:00 | Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, KS, 64110
At this IN PERSON workshop, you will learn how to research, prepare, write and apply for grants.
At the end of this workshop, you will be able to target and learn how to organize grants to further your mission.
Don’t worry if you don’t have access to the various fancy (and expensive) grant databases. We will show you how to: Access grant information – for free! Filter through 990 returns Uncover names, and Get around the “invite only” issue when determining fit. We will also work on systematizing the process of grants, so you don’t have to redo every time.
Instructor: Sarah Shipley. Sarah is an award-winning consultant with 20+ years of experience in marketing, communications and public relations. In 2017, she was named a Top Connector in KC by the Kauffman Foundation and is the former Chairperson of the Kansas City Startup Foundation.

Boots to Business Reboot
2023-11-01 08:30 - 14:30 | Springfield, MO
Boots to Business Reboot is an entrepreneurial education and training program offered by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). The course provides an overview of entrepreneurship and applicable business ownership fundamentals. Veterans of all eras, Active-Duty Service members (including National Guard and Reserve), and spouses are eligible to participate.
During Reboot, participants are introduced to the skills, knowledge, and resources they need to launch a business, including steps for developing business concepts, how to develop a business plan, and information on SBA resources available to help. The program is facilitated by subject matter experts from the SBA and their extensive network of skilled business advisors.

For more information, visit here: Reboot | In Person (Springfield, MO) | U.S. Small Business Administration (sba.gov)

Evergy's 1st Annual Supplier Diversity Summit
2023-11-01 09:30 - 16:00 | Evergy Energy Center, One KC Place, Kansas City, MO, 64105
Register for Evergy’s Supplier Diversity Summit, their 1st annual event for small, local, and diverse businesses in our territory, to discuss inclusive prosperity, upcoming supplier opportunities, networking, and access to supplier growth and development opportunities!
Also in attendance will be their vast network of community partners. This diverse range of speakers and panelists will share their expertise on supplier diversity, fostering collaboration, and driving innovation, alongside discussing their partnership offerings and opportunities.
Learn more about Evergy’s Supplier Diversity program at evergy.com/supplierdiversity
For further inquiry email: supplier.diversity@evergy.com
Visit this link to reserve a spot: Evergy’s 1st Annual Supplier Diversity Summit Tickets, Wed, Nov 1, 2023 at 9:30 AM | Eventbrite

McCownGordon's Supplier Diversity Symposium
2023-11-01 15:30 - 17:30 | McCownGordon Construction, 850 Main Street, Kansas City, KS, 64105
The intent of this program is to establish a platform to promote and support Certified Business Enterprise trade partners.
PROJECTS OF DISCUSSION:
KANSAS CITY, MO

Barney Allis Plaza Parking Garage
UMKC Dental School
Emmanuel Youth Center
Mattie Rhodes Center
Hickman Mills School District
Waldo Mixed Use
Meadowlake Multi Family

LEE’S SUMMIT, MO

Metropolitan Community College Longview

KANSAS CITY, KS

Kansas City Kansas Community College

St. Louis Biz Expo & Business Growth Conference
2023-11-08 10:00 - 17:00 | St. Charles Convention Center, 1 Convention Center Blvd, St. Charles, MO, 63303, United States
Do you have a product and/or service you want to share with thousands of businesses? Exhibit your business at the St. Louis Business Expo & Business Growth Conference on November 8.
With an average 1,000+ attendees looking for new vendor solutions at each event, your Company will get massive brand exposure & the opportunity to make on-the-spot sales.
Exhibiting at the Expo is more than just advertising – it is active marketing directly to Company Decision-Makers who are specifically shopping for products & services just like yours.

For More Information Visit Here: St. Louis Business Expo (stlouisbusinessexpo.com)

43rd Annual Diversity Job Fair
2023-11-08 11:00 - 15:00 | North County Recreation Complex, 2577 Redman Avenue, St. Louis, MO, 63136
The 43rd Annual Diversity Job Fair St. Louis will allow jobseekers an opportunity to meet face to face with employers that have job opportunities available. This community wide job fair is designed to assist the public with all of their employment needs. This event is open to the general public and is absolutely FREE for all job-seekers to attend.
Employers Register Here:
https://events.eventzilla.net/e/43rd-annual-diversity-job-fair-stl-2138572429
At the job fair your company will have a great opportunity to meet and interview with recent high school grads, college grads, and career professionals looking for a change or an advancement opportunity. In 2022 more than 1700 highly qualified and diverse job-seekers attended, and more than 100 reputable companies participated such as, Spectrum, U.S. Postal Service, PEG Staffing & Recruiting, St. Louis County Government, Department of Mental Health, Sansone Group, Boeing, Accenture Federal, AT&T, Urban League of St. Louis, Tarlton, Linxup, St. Louis City & County Justice Services, Hazelwood Police Department, Hazelwood School District and MORE!
WHAT TYPES OF POSITIONS EMPLOYERS ARE HIRING FOR?
Office Administration, Engineering, Architects, Clerical, Healthcare, Information Technology & Software, Business Administration, Hospitality, Community Development, Education, Finance & Accounting, Sales & Marketing, Customer Service, Retail Management, Grocery Store Operations, Optical Care, Collections & Billing, Insurance, Financial Advising, Credit Card Services, Account Management, Call Center Reps, Human Resources, Mortgage, Banking, Web Design, Local Route Sales, Transportation, Warehouse & more!
For more information Visit Here:43rd Annual Diversity Job Fair -St. Louis Tickets, Wed, Nov 8, 2023 at 11:00 AM | Eventbrite

Vendor Office Hours: Certification 201
2023-11-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2023-12-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-01-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-02-21 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-20 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-04-17 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-15 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-19 10:00 - 11:00 | Webex, MO, United States

2023 Supplier Diversity All Access Event: Kansas City, MO
2023-12-11 09:00 - 15:00 | Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City, KS, 64110
The Kansas City Prospect Business Association and the Missouri Office of Equal Opportunity are excited to present the Supplier Diversity 2023 All-Access Event being held on Monday, December 11 2023.
This is a FREE event designed to encourage networking and learning by bringing providers to one location to allow you to ACCESS information and resources to help your business grow and find success.
Join us from 9:00am to 3:00pm at the Kauffman Foundation Conference Center, 4801 Rockhill Road, Kansas City Missouri, 64110. Use the QR code in the attached flyer to register for additional workshops at the event on topics you would like to learn more about.
Please contact our office at 573-751-8130 with any questions.

Virtual Networking Event
2024-01-31 10:00 - 11:00 | Webex, MO, United States

Vendor Office Hours: Certification 101
2024-02-07 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-03-06 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-04-03 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-05-01 10:00 - 11:00, 2024-06-05 10:00 - 11:00 | Webex, MO, United States

Vendor Office Hours: Vendor FAQs
2026-04-29 10:00 - 11:00 | Webex, MO, United States
