The resources associated with the SMB FastTrack program at PACK EXPO Las Vegas (Sept. 23–25, 2013; Las Vegas Convention Center) continue to expand.

 

Experts from the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will staff the SMB FastTrack Networking Center (Booth #S-7787), lending their counsel to attendees from small- and medium-sized manufacturers (SMBs) on topics such as loan and grant opportunities, importing and exporting, the contracting of resources, and compliance with evolving regulations. In addition, business counselors from the SCORE Association, a SBA-supported nonprofit association of volunteer business counselors, will deliver a series of presentations addressing the challenges and opportunities SMBs face.

 

“The Small Business Administration and SCORE provide a wealth of resources specifically to help small businesses grow,” says Charles D. Yuska, president & CEO, PMMI, The Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies and the owner and producer of PACK EXPO Las Vegas. “Their purpose aligns perfectly with the SMB FastTrack program. We’re excited about the contributions both of these organizations will make to the program.”

 

The SMB FastTrack program offers a way for attendees from small- and medium-sized manufacturers to quickly and efficiently connect with the technology and insights they need to advance their businesses. Participating attendees have access to special pre-show planning materials that identify SMB FastTrack exhibitors – suppliers that offer special financing, discounts or additional services to SMBs – and also meet with them and network with peers on-site at the SMB FastTrack Networking center.

 

C-level executives participating in the SMB FastTrack Platinum program have access to other amenities, including PMMI’s Personal Equipment & Technology Sourcing Service (available through September 20th) to locate specific solutions and the FastTrack Platinum Lounge, an off-the-floor area where they can recharge and meet privately with exhibitors.

 

“Connecting small business owners with various tools to meet their needs is what SBA is all about,” says Edward Cadena, SBA's Nevada District Director. “PACK EXPO Las Vegas will provide a great avenue to connect small manufacturers with our resources and the guidance of experienced SCORE volunteers, giving them the ammunition they need to succeed. Knowledge is power — and profitable!“

 

To learn more about the SMB FastTrack program, including qualification requirements, visit www.packexpo.com/fasttrack.

 

All participants in the SMB FastTrack must be attendees of PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2013. To register for the show, visit www.packexpo.com. A discounted registration fee of $30 applies until September 9, when it increases to $60.

 

About PMMI

PMMI, the Association for Packaging and Processing Technologies, is a trade association representing over 600 packaging and processing supply chain companies that provide a full range of packaging and processing machinery, materials, components and containers. PMMI actively brings buyers and sellers together through programs and events such as The PACK EXPO family of trade shows, packexpo.com, PMT Magazine, PACK EXPO Show Daily, networking events and educational programs.

 

PMMI organizes the PACK EXPO trade shows: PACK EXPO International, PACK EXPO Las Vegas, PACK EXPO East, EXPO PACK Mexico and EXPO PACK Guadalajara, connecting participants in the packaging and processing supply chain with their customers around the world. Coming Up: PACK EXPO Las Vegas 2013 , Sept. 23–25, 2013 (Las Vegas Convention Center); EXPO PACK México 2014 , June 17-20, 2014 (Mexico City, Mexico); PACK EXPO International 2014, Nov. 2-5, 2014 (McCormick Place, Chicago); Pharma EXPO, co-located with PACK EXPO International 2014, presented jointly with the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE); PACK EXPO East, debuting Feb. 2–4, 2015 (Pennsylvania Convention Center, Philadelphia); EXPO PACK Guadalajara 2015, March 18-20, 2015 (Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico).

 

Learn more about PMMI and the PACK EXPO trade shows at PMMI.org and Packexpo.com.