Local Preference and Small Business Participation

Local Preference and Small Business Participation in the Program

The importance of the wellbeing of residents and the local economy is evidenced in the inclusion of economic development and benefits as a goal of the surtax program. The County Commission meeting established a local preference program goal of 30% on all eligible surtax projects to increase participation of small businesses who are prime contractors and/or subcontractors in county projects22. It is anticipated that $56M or more will be available annually for Broward County certified small businesses with an estimated $1.6B in competitive procurement opportunities over 30 years. The County uses a race- and gender-neutral County Business Enterprise (CBE) program. CBE eligibility requirements are: • The firm must be independently owned • The firm must have a continuing operating presence in Broward County for at least one year prior to applying • The vendor must have a Broward Business Tax Receipt and be located in and doing business in Broward County • Each owner must not have a personal net worth exceeding $1,320,000 • The firm shall, when combined with any and all affiliates, have less than $5 million in average annual gross receipts calculated over the previous three (3) calendar years, except firms in construction, which must have less than $9 million in average annual gross receipts (calculated over the previous three years) or commodity suppliers which must have no more than 25 permanent full-time employees but are not subject to gross receipts limitations • Completion of a site visit by Office of Economic and Small Business

Development staff to the applicant firm's business location.

Figure 18. 30% for 30 Years for Broward County Certified Businesses.

Broward County’s Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD)’s primary function is supporting the business community and promoting countywide economic development. Broward County depends on the success of small businesses, which represent over 89% of its total businesses according to the 2018 US Census Business Patterns. To assure revenues generated from the transportation surtax stay in local communities and benefit local businesses, the Broward County Board of County Commissioners (Board) established a 30% small business participation goal for certified County Business Enterprise (CBE) firms for all eligible projects funded by the surtax for a 30-year period.

OESBD continues to engage with and educate our business community to highlight the opportunities generated from the surtax, which is projected to generate an average revenue of over $300 million a year, every year, for the remainder of the 30 years! This program attracts new businesses and grows capacity of existing firms. OESBD reviews economic models, employment projections, economic growth, and other benefits of surtax investments. To date, OESBD has hosted and participating in the following initiatives: • “Get Certified” campaign to encourage firms to do business with Broward

County government • 30% for 30 Years branding campaign to showcase opportunities available for eligible surtax-funded projects • Virtual Surtax Information Events scheduled for the remainder of the 2020 • Radio and print advertisements to encourage the participation of local firms on

County and municipal projects • Designated staff to provide technical assistance, monitor projects and ensure compliance with the 30% for 30 Years program requirements • Staff will conduct extensive community outreach with small businesses, municipalities, and partners in Broward County highlighting new opportunities and projects • Local and Regional advertising to target specific industries and new businesses, and to grow capacity of existing firms to participate on eligible projects