October 22, 2021 - 

The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), in collaboration with regulated utility companies, will host a virtual expo for small and diverse businesses to connect with and learn about utility companies, public agencies, and prime contractors procurement practices, and future contracting opportunities.

WHAT: CPUC/Joint Utilities Virtual Small/Diverse Business Expo

WHEN: Wednesday, October 27, 2021, 8 a.m. - noon

WHERE: Virtual via Whova platform at https://whova.com/portal/webapp/cjuvs_202110/

WHY: The virtual expo will feature exhibitors representing buyers from utility companies, public agencies, prime contractors, and other energy companies looking to connect with participants to build business relationships. Resource centers will be present to provide guidance on how to build a successful business and access capital. The expo will also have a panel discussion and a presentation to provide useful information on best practices on how to win contracts.

The event is free and open to the public.

The CPUC participates in small and diverse business events throughout the state to help connect businesses to utility companies and government procurement representatives. Through its business programs, the CPUC educates businesses on the benefits of becoming certified as a small business and/or woman, minority, disabled veteran, and/or LGBT-owned business.

California agencies are under Executive Order to conduct 25 percent of their procurement and contracts with small businesses and are required by the Military & Veterans Code Section 999 to procure at least three percent from disabled veteran business enterprises. These programs complement the CPUC’s Supplier Diversity Program, which encourages participating utilities to increase procurement levels with woman, minority, disabled veteran, and LGBT-owned business enterprises.

For more information on the CPUC’s business programs, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov/smbus and www.cpuc.ca.gov/supplierdiversity.

The CPUC regulates services and utilities, protects consumers, safeguards the environment, and assures Californians’ access to safe and reliable utility infrastructure and services. For more information on the CPUC, please visit www.cpuc.ca.gov.

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