A Message From the Director

OBO Director Marsha E. Murray

Greetings!

We have made it to the end of 2020, a year like no other!

While this year has brought many challenges, I think it’s important to celebrate any wins you have experienced this year, big or small. More importantly, my hope is that you look forward with the optimism and confidence that you will weather whatever comes your way, and remember that the Office of Business Opportunity (OBO) continues to serve as a resource for your business.

We do have some exciting new programming planned for 2021 that we believe will enhance your business development. We have listened to your requests and have made note of common pain points you have highlighted in the process of growing your business.

Resoundingly, local businesses have requested assistance with navigating the City’s procurement processes, in particular, step-by-step assistance with submitting bids/proposals. In response, starting in January, OBO is hosting Procurement Basics for Contractors, a 6-week online training course “designed to enhance the competitive contracting skills of new or existing contractors who sell goods, services and construction services to government agencies or large corporate customers.”

In addition, we will roll out an on-demand procurement assistance portal, accessible online 24/7, to demystify and provide guidance with navigating procurement processes. These tools will be especially helpful as businesses seek to diversify and expand their customer base to include governmental entities, as well as the private sector.

Lastly, as usual, I encourage you to stay healthy and safe, and to continue to prioritize the health and safety of your employees and customers.

I want to wish everyone a happy holiday and a healthy and prosperous new year!