DATE: March 12, 2015
MEDIA CONTACT: Jasmine Jones, Office of Economic and Small Business Development
PHONE: 954-357-6400
BROWARD COUNTY, FL - This month, the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) will launch the 2015 Business Development Workshop Series, the annual FREE program focused on developing, creating capacity and providing resources to small businesses. For 2015, OESBD will present a four-part series of key topic areas and in addition, provide more targeted trainings and technical assistance to support different county agencies and departments. OESBD will also increase its participation in activities and events presented by community outreach partners, present new business development trainings for clients on various topics and provide training for County employees to better support the development of small business. The series kick-off workshop "Ask the Director" will be held on Thursday, March 19th from 6 to 8 PM in the Commission Chamber, Room 422 at the Broward County Governmental Center, 115 S. Andrews Ave., Fort Lauderdale.
The goal of the "Ask the Director" workshop is to support local business owners in accessing opportunities with Broward County government contracts. This unique opportunity allows attendees to interact with Broward County agency directors, while learning more about the County's efforts to assist the local small business community. "Building a Stellar Team and Prime Vendor EXPO", the second series workshop, will feature a panel discussion of prime and sub-contractors offering insight and tips on approaching and working with large firms and an exhibit area of prime contractors seeking eligible subcontractors for upcoming projects and sharing their prequalification process.
The third workshop will be the "Certified Agency Buyers (CAB) - Reverse Trade Show" where business owners can network with the Broward County staff directly responsible for procuring goods and services for their respective agencies. The series will culminate with the "FY16 Capital Projects and Contracting Opportunities" workshop to share activities planned from October 2015 to September 2016 that may translate into potential County work for attendees.
"As the economy continues to stabilize, we've begun to shift the focus of the workshop series to better meet the needs of the business community," said OESBD Director Sandy-Michael E. McDonald. "OESBD remains fully committed to providing resources that will enable our businesses to flourish, while having a positive impact on the local economy."
The workshop series is free and open to the public; pre-registration is strongly recommended. To register online, visit Eventbrite.com. For additional information on the 2015 Business Development workshop series, contact the Office of Economic and Small Business Development at 954-357-6400, econdevinfo@broward.org , or visit Broward.org/EconDev. Individuals requiring accommodations in order to participate in a workshop must make a request prior to the scheduled workshop.
2015 Business Development Workshop Series Schedule
Thursday, March 19, 2015 - 6 to 8 PM
Broward County Governmental Center*
115 S. Andrews Ave., Commission Chamber, Room 422
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Featured Topic: Ask the Director - Network with Broward County Agency Directors
Saturday, April 25, 2015 - 10:30 AM - Noon
West Regional Library
8601 W. Broward Blvd.
Plantation, FL 33324
Featured Topic: Building a Stellar Team - Prime Selection Process and Sub Success Stories
Saturday, August 1, 2015 - 10:30 AM - Noon
South Regional / Broward College Library
7300 Pines Blvd.
Pembroke Pines, FL 33024
Featured Topic: Certified Agency Buyers (CAB) - Reverse Trade Show
Thursday, October 15, 2015 - 2 to 4 PM
Broward County Governmental Center*
115 S. Andrews Ave., Commission Chamber, Room 422
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301
Featured Topic: FY 16 Capital Projects and Contracting Opportunities
*Attendees are invited to bring GovGarage (GG) parking tickets for validation.
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 954-357-6400 for more information or visit Broward.org/EconDev.