February Feature:
5 Ways to grow your business with the 2009 Stimulus Package:

Follow these steps to identify new business opportunities:
1) Register with public-sector purchasing websites to become eligible for local and federal opportunities:

• Central Contractor Registration (http://www.ccr.gov/ [1])
• Federal Procurement (http://www.gsa.gov/ [2])
• Illinois State Procurement (http://www.purchase.state.il.us/ [3])

2) Review open and past contracts to see how your product or service offerings could correlate with public sector needs

3) Contact your State and US representatives to introduce yourself and find out about target projects, areas, and markets:

• Illinois State Public Officials (http://www.elections.il.gov/ [4])

4) Identify strategic partners such as current government contractors and registered small, minority, and woman-owned business to combine services and gain an advantage on competitive proposals:

• Directory of registered small and MBE/WBE business (http://www.sell2.illinois.gov/ [5])

5) Become certified through the state and local entities if you are a woman-owned or minority-owned business to become one of these strategic partners.

Preferred Partner:

How does a small business ensure their technology runs smoothly 24/7?

Harmony Technologies makes small and medium size business feel as though they have an onsite IT department at a fraction of the cost.

From monitoring servers to managing critical updates and backups, Harmony Technologies manage all your hardware and software with a balance of onsite and offsite support from their Chicago loop location.

Their clients benefit from their expertise and high-level of service, and appreciate a lower cost of their IT management team.

To learn more, contact Peter Landau at peter [at] harmonytechnologies.com

Harmony Technologies, Inc.
53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1303, Chicago, IL 60604
(312)234-0256
www.harmonytechnologies.com [6]

Lunch for a Lincoln ($5): La Cocina

While we cannot indulge in mid-day margaritas, we get our south of the border kick from the local restaurant chain, La Cocina. For less than $5, fill up on a couple of fresh tacos (the chile relleno taco is a favorite) and wash it down with a fruity Jaritto’s soda. 3 Loop locations: M-F (7am - 5pm)

AltaStaff – a boutique staffing agency | 53 W. Jackson Blvd, Suite 1028, Chicago, IL 60604 | 312-408-9990
www.altastaff.com [8]

Next Issue: Become a networking guru | Spotlight on Charity | Desk Bling | Another Affordable Eatery

Send us your ideas [8] for future newsletter topics.