Hi all,

Here's info about a great workshop that's coming up soon!

EXPANDING HORIZONS: A Workshop About Investing Overseas for Minority
and Women-Owned Businesses

Sponsored by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation (OPIC)

Thursday, November 15, 2007 @ 8:45 am
Crowne Plaza - Union Square
480 Sutter Street
San Francisco, California

www.trademeetings.com

Why should I attend?
As minority and women-owned small businesses grow by participating
in the global marketplace, they face unique challenges. Lack of
knowledge about government programs available to support overseas
investment, the scarcity of private sector capital to pursue
opportunities abroad, or concern over political risks in emerging
markets can prevent minority and women-owned businesses from
expanding overseas. The EXPANDING HORIZONS workshop will address
these concerns by providing participants with an understanding of
the programs and resources provided by OPIC, which is the U.S.
government agency responsible for supporting private sector
investment in developing countries.



What topics will be addressed?
-Accessing OPIC financing for your overseas project
-OPIC political risk insurance and how it can protect your business
-Opportunities available through OPIC for projects in the
franchising and the housing sectors
-OPIC's special products for small business
-Complementary programs offered through the U.S. Small Business
Administration, U.S. Commercial Service, and the Export-Import Bank
of the U.S.

Time has been reserved in the afternoon for conference participants
to arrange one-on-one meetings with Overseas Private Investment
Corporation, EX-IM Bank, Small Business Administration, Department
of Commerce Commercial Service, and the Department of Commerce
Minority Business Development Agency representatives. Once you have
registered, if you wish to schedule an appointment, please contact
OPIC's conference producer, MFM Group, Inc. at opic@....

How do I register to attend?
Please visit www.trademeetings.com to register online. The fee to
attend is $50, which includes the continental breakfast starting at
7:30 am and the luncheon. Please direct any questions about
registration to MFM Group, Inc. at opic@....

"Supporting Organizations" for this event include the Asia
Foundation; California Asia Business Council; Greater San Jose
Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; San Francisco Chamber of Commerce;
Monterey Bay International Trade Association; Centers for
International Trade Development - Bay Area, Chico, East Bay, Fresno,
Merced, Sacramento, and Silicon Valley; Bay Area World Trade Center;
City of Oakland - Office of Real Estate & International Trade; City
of San Francisco - Office of Small Business; The San Francisco
Global Trade Council; Northern California World Trade Center; and
the Renaissance Entrepreneurship Center.

Alison Germak
Public Information Officer
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Tel: 202-336-8651
Fax: 202-336-7949
Email: Alison.Germak@...
Website: www.opic.gov

Judyth Kay Gilbert "Judy"
Outreach Coordinator for Minority & Women-Owned Businesses
Overseas Private Investment Corporation
Tel: 202.336.8641
Fax: 202.336.7949
Email: jgilbert@...
Website: www.opic.gov