THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL.
This item supports the Board’s values of 1) ensuring economic opportunities for Broward’s diverse population and businesses, through retention of existing Broward County businesses and the potential to grow business capacity through mentoring relationships, resulting in retained and increased employment across industries. The program will also utilize policies and strategies to create employment opportunities and support for economically disadvantaged members of the community, highlighting the importance of equality of opportunity as an essential principle of economic development. The program prominently markets Broward County as a brand, while increasing public understanding with the goal to consistently and effectively market and brand Broward County programs and services, encouraging through effective collaboration the further development of Broward County’s business-friendly identity in a manner that resonates locally and globally.
As part of Broward County’s commitment to promoting and maximizing access to contracting opportunities for its County Business Enterprises (CBEs), Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBEs), the County, through its Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) has drafted a small business development Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program (MPP), proposed as “TEAM UP Broward”. This Pilot Program will target the participation and growth of Protégés in the Construction and Professional Services sectors. Firms that fall under the Contract/Business Services, Commodities, and Concessions categories can be added based on the County’s direction for future full-scale program implementation.
Activities to date have included presentation of the MPP program plan to the Small Business Development Advisory Board (SBDAB), and receipt of SBDAB approval of the MPP program proposal. The proposal has also been reviewed by County Administration. OESBD contacted community organizations through preliminary marketing efforts for the recruitment of potential mentors and protégés. An informational workshop was held to inform the greater business community and receive any feedback. As referenced in the Program Rollout Timelines (Exhibit 2), OESBD plans to commence the application process November 13, 2017, and officially start the program March 5, 2018. The application period will be open for six weeks. The application review period, including final selection of the Mentor-Protégé teams, will last 60 days. The pilot program will have a duration of 12 months. Mentor candidates will be limited to seven experienced firms that are productive in their respective areas of work or service. OESBD may approve up to two Protégés to each Mentor, as available or appropriate, and to the extent acceptable to the Mentor. The Pilot Program Protégé candidates will be currently certified by OESBD in its small business programs; however, the program may expand to include other non-certified small businesses.
The “TEAM UP Broward” Mentor-Protégé Pilot Program will encourage relationships between established businesses, local certified small businesses, and community partners. It will provide an opportunity for eligible Protégés to receive developmental assistance in business operations and/or technical areas from experienced Mentors and local service providers. Mentors and other partners will coach participating Protégés to enhance its small business core capabilities to compete and perform as contractors and/or subcontractors on procurement programs with Broward County and beyond. Implementation of this program, as a service of OESBD, will allow the community to benefit from stronger business relationships. By investing in their businesses by actively participating in this program, small business owners will be afforded opportunities for growth, expansion and/or increased market share within their industry; will become more proficient in their respective area of work; and will be able to broaden their potential to access an increased volume of work and improved long term stability.
|