Stimulus for small businesses topic of free seminar

How can your business get a piece of the economic stimulus pie?

Find out Wednesday when the Virginia Asian Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with the U.S. Small Business Administration, hosts "Unlocking America's Economy."

The free networking event will be held from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at the Tuckahoe Public Library at 1901 Starling Drive in Henrico County.

Several speakers will talk about opportunities available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. That legislation is aimed at jump-starting the economy by funneling grants and contracts to businesses and nonprofit organizations across America.

For instance, environmental advocate J.R. Tolbert of Environment Virginia, a statewide environmental advocacy organization based in Richmond, will discuss green job opportunities.

Other speakers will discuss unlocking credit to small businesses, getting subcontracts with firms that receive stimulus money, and helping Virginians get back on their feet, among other topics.

The speakers include Craig Burns, Virginia's deputy secretary of finance; Ronald Bew, district director of the Small Business Administration; James Williams and John Fedkenheuer of the SBA; and Iqbal Lakhani, vice president of the Asian-owned United Central Bank in Henrico.

Seating is limited. To register, e-mail Margaret Tchen at aabac@ aabac.org or call (804) 798-3975.

-- Iris Taylor