The unprecedented stimulus package approved by Congress earlier this year will be presenting business opportunities in both the public and private sector. However, figuring out how to take advantage of these opportunities can be challenging, especially for small businesses.

A workshop was held on September 2 at the Los Angeles Airport Renaissance Marriott to help small business owners understand how they can compete for stimulus dollars. The Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce and Santa Monica College???s Small Business Development Center were among the workshop sponsors.

Marty Keller, the Director of the Office of Small Business Advocate and the Governor???s Office of Planning and Research, pointed out that the State of California is set up to receive $85 billion in stimulus money. Programs and projects will receive $55 billion and $30 billion will go towards tax relief. Thus far, only $2.7 billion has been allocated for 380 federal/state/municipal projects in Los Angeles, Long Beach, and the Orange County area. The balance of the funding will be distributed over the next two years and is divided into 10 general categories such as health and human services, education, labor transportation, and water and the environment.

via Santa Monica Mirror.