The Rose State College Small Business Development Center and the Oklahoma Bid Assistance Network are cosponsoring a free conference geared toward active duty military, spouses and veteran entrepreneurs or those who are thinking about starting a business.

The conference will be 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14 at the Rose State College Professional Education Center, 1720 Hudiburg Drive in Midwest City.

Major General Myles Deering, the Oklahoma Adjutant General who commands various elements of the Oklahoma National Guard, will deliver the keynote speech. Deering commanded the rescue effort during Hurricane Katrina and also led the state’s Guard during their tour of duty in Iraq.

A continental breakfast and lunch will be served.

The conference will have two tracks: START and GROW, both designed to enhance the viability of the small business potential. The conference will present an overview of the business life cycle, including startups, growing a business, reinventing a business, and exiting a business.

Topics will include how to start a business; converting military experience to entrepreneurism; contracting basics; selling to the federal government; maximizing VA benefits for business; transferring one’s business to a new assignment; as well as a host of other thought-provoking topics.

To attend, register online at http://goo.gl/zmNwIO. For more information, call Sandy Stephens at (405) 733-7488 or [email protected]; or Judy Warren at (405) 717-4741 or [email protected].