New Jersey Office of Information Technology, in conjunction with the Department of the Treasury, the New Jersey Commerce and Economic Growth Commission, and the Small Business Development Center, will again host a series of seminars designed to educate IT (information technology) businesses on how to obtain state contracts.

The series, titled "Partnering With You: A Doorway to State IT Contracts," seeks to simplify the procurement process, providing a step-by-step guide and offering insights into upcoming contractual opportunities. The series will discuss how to register as a small business enterprise, referral opportunities, understanding the components of small business ownership, the supporting services of the Small Business Development Centers, explanations of the bidders’ mailing list, types of state purchase awards, requests for proposals, bid evaluations, purchase order and contract awards, vendor payments, an overview of T-0817 contracts, mini/micro contracts, cataloging services, the current technology needs of the state, and how best to bid for those contracts.

The seminars are free. For details, visit www.nj.gov/Business.html; or call Ava Johnson at (609) 633-9115.

A nursing opportunities open house will be held Sept. 21, 1:30-5 p.m., at the Monmouth County Care Centers John L. Montgomery Division, 115 Dutch Lane Road, Freehold Township. The event is designed to give those in the nursing profession an opportunity to explore employment with the Monmouth County Department of Human Services and Health facilities. All registered nurses, licensed practical nurses, certified nurse’s aides, and recreational therapists are invited to attend. For details, call Judy Richtmyer at (732) 938-5250, ext. 224.

The Brick Township Chamber of Commerce invites the business community to a Business After Hours event Sept. 14, 5:30-7:30 p.m., hosted by Manasquan Savings Bank at 167 Newtons Corner Road in Howell. Attendees are encouraged to bring business cards as well as their promotional materials for display. The cost for members is $7 per person or $10 for two tickets; $15 each for nonmembers. Call (732) 477-4949 to register.