The Federal and Provincial Governments have partnered to provide this “How to Sell to Government” stream to the Reaching New Markets seminar. It will focus on doing business with both levels of government. This stream includes how each government makes purchasing decisions, and a brief overview of the various policies, regulations and trade agreements which determine how government buyers procure their goods, services and construction requirements. The stream also covers how to access bid opportunities through MERXTM and the Alberta Purchasing Connection, electronic tendering systems.

This stream will help small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) gain information on military procurement opportunities at Department of National Defence bases, and other government sectors in Alberta and across Canada. As well, they tools will allow businesses to access the contracts offered by governments as part of the economic stimulus packages across the country and province.

Agenda:

1. Public Works and Government Services Canada, Office of Small and Medium Enterprises:
   • Presentation on “Doing Business with the Government of Canada”
   • Live demonstration of MERX^TM web site
   • Q & A
2. Government of Alberta, Vendor Development:
   • Presentation on “Selling to the Alberta Government”
   • Live demonstration Alberta Purchasing Connection web site
   • Q & A

Chelle Busch

A double-graduate of the Northern Alberta Institute of Technology, Chelle Busch has been with the Government of Alberta for 8 years. She worked as the Technical Services Coordinator with the Public Affairs Bureau for 7 years, and is now heading up the Vendor Development Office with Service Alberta.

During her time with the Public Affairs Bureau, Chelle’s experience included information technology support and purchasing, organizing and executing the technical aspects of new conferences for Ministers and the Premier, as well a technical training.

Now, in her role as Vendor Development Coordinator, she is responsible for establishing the Vendor Development Office, fostering vendor awareness with respect to guidelines and processes for a better understanding of how to sell to the Alberta government, and, in an effort to promote rural growth, reaching out to vendors in smaller Alberta communities to bring awareness about opportunities in Alberta’s public sector.

Usha Joshi

Usha Joshi has management experience in several Federal departments where she has successfully contracted with private sector suppliers to support delivery of services to Canadians, particularly with professionals providing organizational development services and services for the design and construction of federal facilities. In her current role she develops through a number of stakeholders, the outreach program to help small and medium-sized businesses understand the federal procurement process and to navigate the system.