The City of New Orleans will hold an informational workshop for non-certified small and disadvantaged construction and construction-related businesses. The workshop will be held from 2 until 5 p.m. on June 27, 2008 at Five Happiness restaurant, 3511 South Carrollton Ave.

The workshop will provide an opportunity for small and disadvantaged businesses to learn about the City's disadvantaged business enterprise certification process. Speakers from the City's Office of Supplier Diversity and MWH will present on the certification requirements, bonding information and insurance regulations.

"This workshop provides small and disadvantaged businesses with the information needed to become certified as well as the opportunity to work directly with the City in the certification process," said Alvin Porter, Director of Supplier Diversity. "Mayor C. Ray Nagin has been clear about his commitment to ensuring that small, local firms are have the opportunity to help rebuild New Orleans."

Following the presentations, one-on-one application assistance will be available. To qualify as a disadvantaged business enterprise, interested firms must document that as least 51 percent of the ownership and control of their company has a socially and economically disadvantaged background.