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Miami-Dade County is committed to supporting its small and local businesses, which are the heart of the community. The Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) is working hard to make sure these businesses have the tools, resources and opportunities they need to succeed. Through a variety of programs and initiatives, SPD is leveling the playing field and making it easier for small and local businesses to thrive in a competitive market.
What Does SPD Do for Small Businesses?
Under the leadership of Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, who envisions creating a local economy that works for everyone, and SPD’s Director Namita Uppal, who brings a strong commitment to empowering small businesses, SPD focuses on removing the obstacles that small and local businesses often face. SPD’s main goal is to level the playing field by offering training, providing access to vital resources, and creating meaningful connections between small and local businesses, and the County.
Through these efforts, SPD is helping business owners to gain knowledge and support their need to navigate the County’s procurement system and grow sustainably over time. By removing barriers, SPD is making it easier for small and local businesses to succeed and contribute to a vibrant and thriving local economy.
Key programs include:
- Vendor Academy: A free educational platform that provides essential procurement information to the vendor community on how to do business with the County. The Vendor Academy offers online workshops, multilanguage videos, and in-person sessions to make sure businesses are ready to compete for County contracts.
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program: SPD helps businesses to become certified SBEs so they can access more contracting opportunities. SPD also provides concierge services such as one-on-one needs assessment meetings, assistance with payment and performance issues, and a mentor protégé program to help certified SBEs to grow.
- Market Matchmaker Program: A fun and free event where small and local businesses can show off their products and connect directly with customers. It is a great way to gain visibility and make new business connections.
Supporting Small and Local Businesses with Financial Resources
SPD understands that securing funding can be one of the hardest parts of running a business. That is why SPD offers financial resources and workshops to help businesses to secure the capital they need to grow. Through initiatives like the RISE Fund Assistance Workshops, small and local businesses can learn how to access grants, loans, and other funding options that will help them expand.
Increasing Visibility for Small and Local Businesses
SPD works hard to make sure small and local businesses get the attention they deserve. For example, the Annual Procurement Expo allows small and local businesses to meet with County officials and other organizations to learn about new contracting opportunities and showcase what they offer. It is a fantastic way for small and local businesses to network and make valuable connections.
SPD also celebrates National Small Business Week – with a week of activities, including workshops, networking events and award ceremonies. It is a time to recognize the hard work of small business owners and provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
Creating Stronger Partnerships for Local Growth
By partnering with other local organizations, SPD is helping to create a stronger economic network for small and local businesses. One such partnership is with the Beacon Council, which works with SPD to provide even more opportunities for small and local businesses to grow and succeed. SPD also collaborates with local hospitals, schools, and municipalities to make sure small and local businesses have access to more contracting opportunities and resources.
Making Things Easier with Technology
SPD aims to create an easy-to-navigate procurement website for small and local businesses. SPD is in the process of making its website more user-friendly, offering features like event calendars, tracking tools, and easy access to information. This will help business owners to stay updated on important events, deadlines and resources that can help them to grow.
Why This Matters
SPD’s goal is not just about helping businesses to win County contracts; it is about creating a thriving local economy where small businesses can grow and provide more jobs for our community. By focusing on training, financial resources, partnerships and technology, SPD is building a foundation for long-term prosperity that benefits everyone in Miami-Dade County.
With these efforts, Miami-Dade County is becoming a model for other regions across the country, showing that when small and local businesses succeed, everyone wins. SPD’s dedication to supporting local entrepreneurs ensures that the County’s economy will continue to grow and to create more opportunities for small and local businesses, families and neighborhoods.
In short, SPD is working to make sure small and local businesses are not just surviving—they are thriving. Whether you are a mom-and-pop shop or a growing business, SPD has the resources and programs that can help you to take your business to the next level.
