Cleveland IT firm receives SBA 8(a) certification.

Ross-Tek Information Systems, Inc. a Cleveland based technology solutions firm for small and mid-market businesses received its certification and entry into the SBA 8(a) Business Development program.

On September 8, 2003, the U.S. Small Business Administration announced that Ross-Tek Information Systems, Inc. a Northeast Ohio technology solutions provider and Microsoft Certified Partner for small businesses has been certified as a participant in its 8(a) Business Development program for a nine-year period. The certification will allow Ross-Tek to receive business development assistance and to bid on contracts that are specifically for SBA 8(a) participants. Ross-Tek plans to work closely with the SBA, firmly establishing itself in the federal market and continuing to develop excellent long-term business relationships by helping its customers offer accessible solutions. "We are excited to reach this milestone and begin marketing and offering our technology services to government agencies", said Frederick Johnson, President and CIO of Ross-Tek. "We feel our in-depth experience, vendor relationship and overall success with providing Microsoft solutions to the private sector will translate into the same positive results we intend to provide to the federal arena". Microsoft has taken notice of Ross-Tek, a 6 year old firm with a staff of five employees by selecting its firm to participate in the Rapid Adoption Program, an elaborate case study for the upcoming release of Microsoft Office and Windows Small Business Server 2003. Ross-Tek along with one of its clients is featured in a video case study that will be presented at the worldwide marketing campaign scheduled to begin in mid-October. For more information about Ross-Tek, please visit http://www.rosstek.com or call 216-812-2122, or e-mail at sales@rosstek.com.

The SBA 8(a) Business Development program helps minority and other disadvantaged businesses grow by offering them support. Program participants can receive contracts that are worth up to $5 million in manufacturing and up to $3 million in anything else. Furthermore, participants can conduct limited competitive business with other SBA 8(a) companies.

For more details, visit http://www.sba.gov/8abd/.