DATE: July 2, 2014
MEDIA CONTACT: Jasmine Maignan Jones, Community Relations and Outreach Manager
Office of Economic and Small Business Development
PHONE: 954-357-8076
EMAIL: jasjones@broward.org
BROWARD COUNTY, Fla. - Do you own a business with a presence within Broward County? Does your business offer goods or services that Broward County may need? Is your business a registered vendor with Broward County? If you answered yes to one or more of these questions, then the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) encourages you to consider applying for certification in our local small business programs, Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) or Small Business Enterprise (SBE). Program eligibility requirements, application and other resources can be found online, by visiting Broward.org/EconDev and clicking SMALL BUSINESS CERTIFICATION under “Small Business.”
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners developed the CBE program to increase participation of small businesses in County projects as both prime contractors and subcontractors. The SBE program was similarly created to allow local small businesses to receive first consideration for contracts under $250,000. Both local programs are race and gender neutral and apply to businesses with a continuing operating presence in Broward County of at least one year. Participation in these programs ensures a level playing field and translates into real opportunities for businesses that become certified.
OESBD is seeking to certify firms in business categories that the County historically utilizes in order to meet the requirements of the programs. Special efforts are being made to locate firms that provide goods and services in business categories where few firms are currently certified. This includes - but is not limited to - such goods and services as:
• Background Screenings
• Café and Vending Services
• Deceased Persons Services (Removal/Transportation/Cremation)
• Diving Services
• Electric Sign Repair and Maintenance
• Employee Benefit Consulting Services
• Fire Alarm System
• Food (Frozen and Perishable) / Food Vouchers / Gift Cards
• Lawn Fertilizing and Insect Control
• Locksmith Services
• Pressure Cleaner
• Private Investigative / Security Services
• Public Relations Agency
• Rodent Control Services
• Title Search Services
There are numerous Broward County procurement opportunities which your particular business may be eligible to access. During fiscal year 2013, Broward County’s procurement expenditures totaled $663.9 million — 42 percent, or $275 million, of which was spent with businesses operating within the County.
If you are interested in seeking CBE or SBE certification for your business, please contact the OESBD Community Relations and Outreach Section at 954-357-6500. For more information on the Office of Economic and Small Business Development visit Broward.org/EconDev.
About Economic and Small Business Development
The mission of the Office of Economic and Small Business Development is to enhance Broward County's economy and contribute to an improved quality of life for all residents. Areas of focus include value-added job creation, business expansion and retention, small business growth, business development, international trade development, export readiness and entrepreneurial training and development. Services are delivered by the agency and through partnerships with state, local and private sector organizations. The Office of Economic and Small Business Development promotes equal access to Broward County procurement opportunities for small business enterprises in local and federal small business programs, and helps position small businesses and aspiring entrepreneurs to take advantage of opportunities, and grow their businesses beyond Broward. Call 954-357-6155 for more information or visit Broward.org/EconDev.