Norfolk, Virginia–American Express OPEN and Women Impacting Public Policy will hold its “Give Me 5” (www.giveme5.com) program here on May 16. “Give Me 5” helps business owners learn how to benefit from the Small Business Administration’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Program.

The event is free to business owners. It will take place from 9 a.m.–12 p.m. at the Hilton Norfolk Airport, located on 1500 North Military Highway

Launched in 2008, “Give Me 5” program aims to increase the number of women-owned businesses that win government contracts. It is designed to educate women business owners on how to apply for, and secure, federal procurement opportunities.

Speakers will explain the WOSB Program, and how teaming and subcontracting can help business owners bid on larger contracts. According to a 2010 American Express OPEN survey of small business contractors, business owners who employ teaming or subcontracting strategies win 50% more contracts.

Through the WOSB Program, which took effect on February 4, women business owners have a greater chance to win government contracts. Some 684,000 women-owned businesses could potentially benefit from the $27 billion in contracts set aside specifically for women. (Male-owned businesses can take part by partnering with women-owned firms.)

Featured speakers at the event include: U.S. Rep. Scott Rigell (2nd District, Virginia); Jeff Brunner, Contract and Acquisition Management Officer of the U.S. Joint Forces Command; Jack Beecher, Chief of the Small Business Programs Office, Norfolk District, Army Corps of Engineer; and Denise Rodriguez-Lopez, American Express OPEN Advisor on Teaming.

Featured local business owners include: Dona Storey, president & CEO of Quality Technical Services, Inc., and Catherine H. Giordano, president & CEO of Knowledge Information Solutions, Inc.

To register for the May 16 event, business owners should visit www.wipp.org/events/event_details.asp?id=146649.