Broward County Commission Regular Meeting
Director's Name: Sandy-Michael McDonald
Department: Economic and Small Business Development
Information
Requested Action
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MOTION TO APPROVE “Broward & Beyond Business Conference” (“BBBC”), tentatively scheduled for Friday, May 3, 2024, as a County-sponsored event; authorize the Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD) to solicit co-sponsorships greater than $30,000 for the BBBC; and authorize the County Administrator to execute co-sponsorship and other related sponsorship or marketing agreements for the BBBC at no cost to County, subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, and to take all other administrative and budgetary actions associated therewith.
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Why Action is Necessary
In accordance with the Broward County Advantage Marketing Program, Board approval is required to seek co-sponsorships in excess of $30,000.
What Action Accomplishes
Recognizes the conference as an annual County-sponsored event, authorizes OESBD staff to solicit co-sponsorships to support the BBBC event, and authorizes the County Administrator to execute sponsorship agreements related to BBBC.
Goal Related Icon(s)
☒County Commission
☐Go Green
☐MAP Broward
Previous Action Taken
None.
Summary Explanation/Background
THE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC AND SMALL BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT RECOMMENDS APPROVAL OF THE ABOVE MOTION.
This item supports the Board’s goal of “Ensuring economic opportunities and a sustainable economy, with an emphasis on Broward's lower and middle class.”
The Broward County Board of County Commissioners developed the County Business Enterprise (CBE) Program to increase participation of small businesses in county projects. The Business Opportunity Act was amended in May 2018 to establish a minimum goal of at least 25% CBE participation for all eligible (non-DBE/ACDBE/SBE) county procurement contracts. This event will support Broward’s small businesses, encourage certification, and provide an opportunity to learn how to do business with the county.
At its last event on June 2, 2023, the County hosted a successful BBBC event with more than 870 attendees and almost 60 exhibitors. As we consider our 7th annual event iteration, we appreciatively acknowledge the instrumental role of the County in creating a signature event providing important resources to small businesses. Our objective remains focused on further development of the small business community through ongoing support, education, and access to important resources through this conference. Additionally, the proposed 2024 BBBC allows for targeted outreach to build capacity and inform startups, entrepreneurs, and existing small businesses - certified and not certified - about the small business participation goals on county projects, and how they can grow and develop their business. The 2024 BBBC program will also feature capacity building opportunities for MAP Broward projects and a special request from OESBD seeking support from the County Attorney’s Office for a workshop on understanding the legal aspects of government contracting when doing business with Broward County. The consistent growth of BBBC has established it as a leading conference in South Florida for small businesses, and OESBD is excited to continue that trend.
If approved, this item will confirm 2024 BBBC as a County-sponsored event; and provide OESBD with the required Board authorization needed to pursue co-sponsorships in excess of $30,000 for 2024 BBBC; and authorize the County Administrator to execute co-sponsorship and marketing agreements for the 2024 BBBC event, at no cost to County and subject to review for legal sufficiency by the Office of the County Attorney, and take necessary actions to facilitate these co-sponsorships.
The event will be free of charge to all attendees.
Source of Additional Information
Maribel Feliciano, OESBD Assistant Director, (954) 357-6761
Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Impact/Cost Summary
No impact.