“Doing Business with the City of Opalocka” was among the detailed brochures and topics presented for discussion at the Annual BUSINESS ASSISTANCE WORKSHOP, hosted by City of Opa-locka Mayor Joseph L. Kelley and the Department of Community Development on Thursday, September 23, 2010 in the 2nd Floor Conference Center of the Opalocka Municipal Complex, 780 Fisherman Street, Opa-locka, FL 33054 at 11:00 a.m.
Business owners, entrepreneurs and other interested guest were enlightened with topics on Small Business Lending, Federal, State, and Miami-Dade County Incentives, the correct procedures for conducting Business with the City of Opalocka and other valuable programs, incentives and information. Keynote Speakers were, Cheryl Cook from The South Florida Regional Planning Council; Joe Martinez of the Beacon Council; and Dr. Ezekiel Orji Finance Director from the City of Opalocka. Cook covered funding for Small Business through areas such as Energy Renovation programs, Cultural Arts, Brownfield, Revolving Loans…etc. She revealed, “Credit is not always the highest priority for the loan programs, but the project itself.”
“There is help out there,” Joe Martinez declared as he stood at the podium describing services offered by the Beacon Council. The Beacon Council is primarily in charge of bringing new job-generating investments to the community, while assisting existing businesses and corporations in their efforts to expand and relocate to Miami-Dade County by simplifying and expediting the process.
Debuting the new City of Opa-locka’s “Doing Business with Opa-locka” pamphlet, Dr. Orji encouraged local vendor participation in the award of contracts for the City’s purchases of all goods and services. He noted that the brochure will assist business owners by summarizing the City’s procurement procedures and stated that the City continues to strive to obtain maximum competition and encourage new sources of supply. Attendees were given access to forms, contact information and provided significant time for questions and answers.
Mayor Kelley stated that the purpose behind this Annual Business Workshop is to continuously introduce different agencies with the expertise and resources to help businesses develop and grow in the City of Opa-locka. He said he would like businesses to continue remaining involved. Vice Mayor “Lady” Myra Taylor, members of the Department of Community Development and other staff members were also at the workshop to extend a hand to business owners.
