Connecting Certified Firms with Contracting Opportunities
The Office of Economic Vitality’s Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Division is committed to providing business development support to certified small business enterprises.
We provide certification assistance to vendors interested in doing business with the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Government, and Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency; identify and communicate contracting opportunities for certified SBEs, resulting in increased procurement participation; and enhance business relationships through business-to-business (B2B) networking, training, and other engagement events.
What the SBE Division Does
- Certification Assistance: We guide vendors through certification with the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Government, and Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency, determine eligibility, and maintain the record of certified businesses.
- Contracting Opportunities: We identify and communicate contracting opportunities for certified SBEs, driving increased participation in local procurement.
- Business Engagement: We strengthen business relationships through business-to-business networking, training, and community engagement events held throughout the year.
Certification
The SBE Division is responsible for providing certification assistance, determining eligibility for certifications, maintaining records of certified businesses, establishing professional relationships with the owners of SBE businesses, and ensuring vendors are trained and ready to do business with the City of Tallahassee, Leon County Government, and Blueprint Intergovernmental Agency.
Consolidated Policy
The certification of small businesses, the assignment of uniform aspirational goals to bids and Requests for Proposals (RFPs), and the scoring of RFPs are all administered by the OEV SBE Division, with the Consolidated Small Business Enterprise Policy as guidance. The Division also leverages the competitive advantage of its policy to encourage business expansion and job creation through mentor-protégé relationships, partnerships, and the employment of externs and apprentices on projects.