The 2003 SBA's National Entrepreneurial Conference & Expo (NECE) will take place on September 17-19, 2003, at the Washington Hilton & Towers

SBA's National Entrepreneurial Conference & Expo includes key components of National Small Business Week and Annual Procurement Conference.

Business Sessions and Panel Discussions

NECE "Business Sessions" and "Panel Discussions" are designed to provide attendees with useful, practical and tangible advice related to small business ownership along with insight on some of the most pressing issues of the day for entrepreneurs.

Attendees will benefit from the unique perspective and valuable insight shared by our impressive line-up of speakers. Also, during the "Business Sessions" on Thursday September 18th and the "Panel Discussions, Empowering America's Entrepreneurs" on Friday September 19th, attendees will have an opportunity to engage panelists during the question and answer part of the program.

Business Matchmaking

The Business Matchmaking program, a partnership between the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and HP, "matches" small companies with federal, state, and local government agencies and large corporations that have actual contract opportunities for products and services. The program's goal is to stimulate jobs and growth for small business by taking advantage of these opportunities that are normally relegated to distinct geographical areas. Business Matchmaking combines education and counseling by expert small business advisors and topical experts with networking and "matchmaking" in actual face-to- face businesses with essential information, databases and communications opportunities so as to initiate and expand selling relationships with large companies and government agencies through the Business Matchmaking programs.

Expo

• This year's conference will feature over 175 exhibitors: international, federal, state, corporate, and small businesses.
• The emphasis will be on selecting exhibitors that will conduct business with small businesses.