Minority-owned businesses are crucial to the economic growth and diversity of our communities. Across Jacksonville, Florida, and the nation, certified minority businesses have unique opportunities to secure contracts, grow their operations, and contribute to major projects. Below is a comprehensive guide to the available opportunities with local entities, state organizations, and federal programs.
Jacksonville Area Opportunities
Jacksonville International Airport (JAX)
Business Opportunities: JAX offers certified minority businesses the chance to participate in concession contracts, construction projects, and professional services.
Contact: Visit the JAX Business Opportunities page for current opportunities.
JEA (Jacksonville Electric Authority)
Supplier Diversity Program: JEA is committed to ensuring that minority-owned, women-owned, and small businesses have opportunities to compete for their contracts.
Contact: Visit the JEA Supplier Diversity page for more details on open bids and certifications.
Duval County Public Schools
Vendor and Supplier Opportunities: DCPS encourages minority-owned businesses to participate in construction, professional services, and supply contracts.
Contact: Check out Duval County Public Schools Supplier Portal for procurement information.
Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA)
DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) Program: JTA provides opportunities in transportation infrastructure projects for certified DBEs.
Contact: Learn more and apply through the JTA Business Opportunities page.
Statewide Opportunities in Florida
Florida Department of Transportation (FDOT)
DBE Program: FDOT offers certified minority businesses the opportunity to bid on transportation contracts, including road construction, maintenance, and other projects.
Contact: Explore FDOT’s DBE Program for eligibility and upcoming projects.
All Florida College Systems (Community and State Colleges)
Procurement and Vendor Programs: Each college within the Florida College System offers procurement opportunities for minority-owned businesses. This includes facility services, technology solutions, and more.
Contact: Visit the Florida College System’s Procurement Portal for details on how to register as a vendor and upcoming bids.
State of Florida Supplier Diversity Program
Certification and Contracts: The Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD) offers a streamlined process for minority-owned, women-owned, and veteran-owned businesses to compete for state contracts.
Contact: Visit OSD’s website to learn more about becoming a certified business and bidding on contracts.
National Opportunities
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA)
8(a) Business Development Program: The SBA offers the 8(a) program to provide minority-owned businesses with mentorship, financial assistance, and contracting opportunities with federal agencies.
Contact: Visit the SBA 8(a) Program page for details.
National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
Certification and Networking: NMSDC provides national certification for minority-owned businesses, along with access to corporate procurement opportunities and business development resources.
Contact: Learn more about becoming a certified minority business through the NMSDC.
General Services Administration (GSA)
Small and Disadvantaged Business Opportunities: GSA provides minority-owned businesses with access to federal government contracts for products, services, and technology solutions.
Contact: Explore the GSA Small Business Programs to find current opportunities.
How to Get Certified
To access these opportunities, it's important to obtain the proper certifications:
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Certification
Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Certification
8(a) Business Certification
Each program has its own requirements, but certification opens the door to a wide range of contracts and resources.
Key Steps to Certification:
Research Requirements: Start by reviewing the certification guidelines for the agency or entity you’re targeting (local, state, or federal).
Complete Applications: Gather necessary documents such as proof of minority ownership, business structure, and financial information.
Submit and Track: Apply through the appropriate certification portals, and monitor your application status.
Take advantage of these opportunities and let’s continue building a strong, diverse business community here in Jacksonville, across Florida, and nationwide! Empower your business with the resources and support needed to thrive.
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