Politics & Government
City Of West Palm Beach Exceeds 2020 Small Business Participation Goal
The OEO welcomes small-, minority-, and women-owned businesses to be active participants in the City's procurement process.
January 13, 2021
The City of West Palm Beach Small Business Program, facilitated by the Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO), has exceeded the 15% goal established for participation of Small Business Enterprises (SBEs) in its competed procurements by 3% in Fiscal Year 2019/20. The total amount of city payments to SBEs was $12,896,966—or 18% of total dollars expended.
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The City’s OEO, formerly known as Office of Equal Opportunity, facilitates the City’s Small Business Program. The OEO was established by Mayor Keith A. James to ensure fair business practices in the city. The OEO is responsible for coordinating and facilitating programs that foster workforce development, business development, and professional education and training.
The Small Business Program is one of two supplier diversity programs offered by the City to encourage businesses to bid for contracts to provide goods and services. The SBE criteria identifies small businesses as those with gross revenues that do not exceed $5 million in goods and services or $9 million in construction over three years.
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“Small businesses are the lifeblood of the local economy,” said West Palm Beach Mayor Keith A. James. “As we work toward a vision of a ‘community of opportunity for all’ whereby anyone can achieve their dreams in our city, I am pleased that the City of West Palm Beach is expanding its partnerships with the business community and creating even more opportunities for small businesses.”
The OEO welcomes small-, minority-, and women-owned businesses to be active participants in the City’s procurement process. The OEO educates and informs all businesses of how to work with the City. The office also tracks the compliance of City departments and Prime Contractors on their inclusivity, diversity and accessibility of procurement solicitation.
To learn about the City’s Small Business Program, click here! To contact the Office of Economic Opportunity, please call (561) 822-1273 (TTY: 800-955-8771).
This press release was produced by the City of West Palm Beach. The views expressed are the author's own.
