Minority, Women & Small Business Enterprise Program Enhancements

About the Program

Category: Community and Economic Development (Best in Category)

Year: 2019

In 2016, Leon County partnered with the City of Tallahassee to create a consolidated countywide Minority, Women & Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) program under the Tallahassee-Leon County Office of Economic Vitality (OEV). Minority- and woman-owned small businesses contribute significantly toward ensuring a healthy and diverse local economy. With the formation of the OEV in 2016, the County and City took an important first step to better support and encourage the growth of minority- and woman-owned small businesses to promote parity of MWBSE firms’ participation in local procurement opportunities. Over the last three years, the Division has implemented a suite of program enhancements, goals, and strategies aimed to sustain the competitiveness and economic viability of MWSBEs. As a result, OEV has strengthened its presence as a resource for MWSBEs in our community by expanding opportunities to participate in local government procurement, streamlining certification and contract monitoring, and maximizing participation in trainings and workshops to broaden their business expertise and opportunities in the private sector.