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Small businesses are getting prepared now for the 2020 DNC

Posted at 6:50 PM, Apr 29, 2019
and last updated 2019-04-29 19:50:39-04

Want to cash in on the 2020 Democratic National Convention? Well the committee may need your business' help in putting on the big event.

It's more than a year away, but if you're a small business that wants to get involved, now's the time to start planning.

13 years ago when Shannon Jefferson started her janitorial service, Gibraltar Industries, she never imagined she'd have the chance to help out at an event as large as the DNC.

"One opportunity can change everything about a small business," Jefferson said.

She hopes the 2020 DNC will be that opportunity for her business, which specializes in cleaning construction sites.

"We have the whole world's attention right now and I just think that's incredible and really, really exciting," she said.

Now she wants to be ready.

The Milwaukee Office of Small Business Development shared information with business owners Monday to help get their logistics in place for the DNC.

Director Nikki Purvis says they expect opportunities for everyone -- legal services, restaurants, creative arts, even hair stylists and makeup artists.

"We really want to make sure that we have a good list of local firms so that we don't have to fly people in to provide those services," Purvis said.

She encourages all who are interested to register their business on their Supplier Portal online, as they wait to learn about the DNC's needs.

"The more you can prepare yourself now when those opportunities are made available, you'll be ahead of the game," she said.

It's exactly what Jefferson is going to do, so she doesn't miss out on this once in a lifetime opportunity.

"I think this is a way for us to build our small businesses, which is only going to build our state overall," Jefferson said.

If you'd like to get your small business involved with the DNC, you can register here.