For minority-owned businesses, certifications and training can open doors to new opportunities, especially in government contracting, procurement, and private sector partnerships. These programs help businesses stand out as qualified vendors, build capacity, and gain access to exclusive resources. Below is a list of certification training programs and workshops currently available in Jacksonville and across Florida.
1. Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) Certification Program
Overview: The Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) program is designed to provide training, development, and financial assistance to small, minority-owned businesses in Jacksonville.
Certification: JSEB certification is required to access the city’s small business set-aside contracts.
Training & Workshops:
Business Development Training: Covers topics like contract bidding, bonding, and financial management.
Construction and Professional Services Workshops: Industry-specific training designed to help minority businesses compete in Jacksonville city contracts.
Financial Assistance Workshops: Information on obtaining loans, insurance, and bonding.
How to Enroll: Visit the JSEB Program Website for upcoming training dates.
2. Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) Certification Program
Overview: FSMSDC is the leading certifying agency for minority business enterprises (MBEs) in Florida, providing training, certification, and networking opportunities.
Certification: MBEs certified through FSMSDC gain access to corporate and government contracts, networking events, and capacity-building programs.
Training & Workshops:
Pre-Certification Workshops: Held online and in-person to guide business owners through the MBE certification process.
Access to Capital Workshops: Focused on helping minority businesses obtain funding, including loans, grants, and venture capital.
Supplier Diversity Training: Teaches MBEs how to partner with large corporations and governmental agencies.
How to Enroll: Check the FSMSDC Events Page for upcoming workshops and webinars.
3. Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) at UNF
Overview: SBDC provides small business owners in Jacksonville and across the state with one-on-one business consulting, training, and workshops to help grow and scale businesses.
Certification Support: Assists minority-owned businesses in applying for local, state, and federal certifications such as 8(a), MBE, WBE (Women Business Enterprise), and DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise).
Training & Workshops:
Government Contracting Certification Workshops: Offers in-depth information on how to apply for SBA 8(a), DBE, and other key certifications.
Small Business Certifications: Workshops on state and federal certifications, including how to leverage them for business growth.
Financial and Marketing Workshops: Business development topics including budgeting, marketing strategies, and financial management.
How to Enroll: Check the UNF SBDC Events Page for a list of upcoming certification workshops.
4. Women’s Business Center at Florida First Coast
Overview: The Women’s Business Center at Florida First Coast helps women and minority entrepreneurs with training, mentorship, and certification assistance.
Certification: Assists women and minority business owners in becoming certified for Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certifications.
Training & Workshops:
Certification Assistance Workshop: Offers step-by-step guidance for the WOSB, MBE, and other certifications.
Business Growth Training: Designed to help minority business owners understand how to leverage their certifications for government contracting and corporate procurement.
Mentoring Programs: Pair minority entrepreneurs with experienced business leaders for personalized guidance.
How to Enroll: Visit the Women’s Business Center Website for upcoming workshops.
5. JAXPORT Minority Business Certification and Training
Overview: The Jacksonville Port Authority (JAXPORT) offers certification and procurement training for minority-owned businesses seeking to work with the port authority.
Certification: JAXPORT partners with the Florida Unified Certification Program (UCP) to certify businesses as DBEs, opening doors to transportation, construction, and logistics contracts.
Training & Workshops:
Vendor Training Sessions: Provides detailed information on JAXPORT's procurement process, including how minority businesses can become certified vendors.
Port Construction and Engineering Training: Designed for construction, engineering, and maintenance businesses looking to partner with JAXPORT.
Networking Events: Minority business owners are invited to supplier diversity events, where they can network with procurement officers.
How to Enroll: Visit the JAXPORT Supplier Portal for certification and training opportunities.
6. SBA 8(a) Business Development Program Certification
Overview: The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program provides minority-owned businesses with access to government contracting opportunities, training, and mentorship.
Certification: SBA 8(a) certification is a highly sought-after federal certification, enabling small, disadvantaged businesses to compete for government contracts.
Training & Workshops:
SBA 8(a) Certification Workshops: These sessions guide business owners through the process of applying for and maintaining their 8(a) status.
Government Contracting Training: Helps minority businesses learn how to win federal contracts.
Mentor-Protégé Program: Pairs 8(a) certified businesses with larger, experienced companies to provide guidance and support.
How to Enroll: Visit the SBA Website to find workshops and resources in Jacksonville and across Florida.
7. Florida Department of Management Services (DMS) – Supplier Diversity Certification
Overview: DMS offers certification through its Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD), helping minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses gain access to state contracts.
Certification: Statewide Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) and Women Business Enterprise (WBE) certification for state government procurement.
Training & Workshops:
Certification Process Webinars: Step-by-step webinars on how to apply for certification and utilize it for state contracts.
Supplier Diversity Day Events: Networking and training events that connect minority business owners with procurement officers from state agencies.
Bid Preparation Workshops: Focuses on helping minority businesses prepare successful bids for state contracts.
How to Enroll: Visit the Florida Office of Supplier Diversity Website for upcoming webinars and workshops.
8. U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) DBE Certification Training
Overview: The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) offers the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) certification to minority-owned businesses that operate in construction, transit, and airport services.
Certification: DBE certification is essential for minority businesses looking to work on federally funded transportation projects.
Training & Workshops:
DBE Certification Webinars: Guides businesses through the DBE application process, including federal and state certifications.
Transportation Contracting Workshops: Offers tips and strategies for minority businesses looking to bid on transportation-related projects.
DOT Networking Events: Opportunities to meet with key decision-makers at the federal, state, and local levels.
How to Enroll: Visit the U.S. DOT DBE Website for upcoming training sessions.
Conclusion
Becoming certified can significantly expand opportunities for minority-owned businesses by granting access to exclusive contracts, funding, and mentorship programs. These certification training programs and workshops available in Jacksonville and throughout Florida are essential tools for businesses looking to grow and succeed.
For more information on certifications and training opportunities, reach out to the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce, which provides additional resources and support for local minority-owned businesses.
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