Mayor Jane Castor launched Bridges to Business' in 2019 to help increase minority firm participation
WHAT: City of Tampa Equal Business Opportunity (EBO) and Purchasing staff will provide in-
person, one-on-one assistance to help minority-owned business owners navigate the City's certification and vendor registration process.
WHEN: May 13, 2021 from 2pm to 5pm
WHERE: Barksdale Older Active Adult Center, 1801 North Lincoln Avenue, Tampa
DETAILS:
Local business owners who are interested in learning how to do business with the City of Tampa are invited to participate in a Bridges to Business vendor certification initiative aimed at increasing minority firm participation. The event is scheduled to take place on May 13 from 2pm to 5pm at the Barksdale Older Active Adult Center.
This is the first time since the global pandemic began that City staff will resume hosting in-person vendor certification tours. Mayor Jane Castor launched Bridges to Business in July 2019 to connect City Hall directly to businesses in the neighborhoods they serve. The initiative shifted to a virtual format during the health crisis to continue meeting the needs of the small, women and minority-owned business community while observing CDC guidelines.
Business owners can receive one-on-one assistance from Equal Business Opportunity staff to complete certification applications on-site during Bridges to Business. Members of the City's Purchasing, and Contract Administration departments will also be on hand to help navigate business owners through the bid process and to share information on upcoming contract opportunities. In addition to City staff, representatives from several small business development organizations are planning to provide participants with access to resources such as financing.
The City is actively looking to certify firms specializing in building maintenance, construction services, public works and other related services prior to its subcontractor networking event in June 2021 where firms will have a chance to compete for contracting opportunities with prime contractors.
In addition to in-person availability, attendees will also have the option to participate virtually. Bridges to Business is a free service. All participants are strongly encouraged to register due to space limitations.
Register at: tampagov.net/BTBTour
Photos available here. CODE WORD: mediapic
For more information contact:
City of Tampa
Marketing and Communications Department
813 274-8262 Office
media@tampa.gov
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