PITTSBURGH — Large corporations working with smaller firms can make big business sense for both parties.

Small business hoping to grow through partnering and subcontracting opportunities should join the U.S. Small Business Administration (the SBA) Western Pa. District Office and experts from the JARI and the Northwest Commission PTAC (Procurement Technical Assistance Centers) June 8, for a discussion about how small business owners can find and partner with large corporations.

The chat will take place from 11 to 11:30 a.m. Tuesday. Register by contacting the SBA Western Pennsylvania District Office at (412) 395-6560,

or by email at wpainfo@sba.gov

“Partnering, whether formal or informal, is a great way for small businesses to serve as a subcontractor or prime on a project,” said SBA Western Pa. District Director Dr. Kelly Hunt. “All large companies have small business goals for government contracting that they are motivated to meet or exceed.”

The chat also will focus on key personnel to meet when networking, the importance of registering in the SBA’s Dynamic Small Business Search engine and establishing relationships with your local PTAC or economic development agency.

David Zucco, vice president of purchasing for Kongsberg Protech Systems USA , will also provide his personal perspective on the positive impacts of teaming with large corporations, as well as how to effectively network and showcase your expertise to large corporations.

“We always are looking to partner with small businesses,” explained Zucco whose firm manufactures remote weapons stations for the U.S. military. “We’ve found our small business suppliers are more attentive and we enjoy building that personal relationship and watching them grow.”

Additional panelists include SBA Business Opportunity Specialist David Pinkosky; Lenora Leasure, program manager, JARI; Robyn Young, government contracting manager, Northwest Commission PTAC. The SBA’s Janet Heyl serves as host.