Florida's state colleges offer great opportunities for minority business owners to become vendors and expand their businesses through procurement programs. Many colleges have dedicated procurement departments that facilitate purchasing and contracting services. Below is a list of Florida state colleges with procurement departments that encourage minority-owned businesses to participate in vendor opportunities.
1. Florida State College at Jacksonville (FSCJ)
Procurement Department: FSCJ’s Procurement Services Office oversees purchasing and contracts for goods and services. They encourage minority and small businesses to apply as vendors.
Vendor Information: FSCJ Procurement Services
Location: Jacksonville, FL
2. Miami Dade College
Procurement Department: Miami Dade College’s purchasing office works with local and diverse vendors. They provide resources for small, minority-owned businesses to join their procurement network.
Vendor Information: Miami Dade College Procurement
Location: Miami, FL
3. Broward College
Procurement Department: Broward College actively promotes the inclusion of minority, women-owned, and small businesses in their procurement activities.
Vendor Information: Broward College Purchasing
Location: Fort Lauderdale, FL
4. Valencia College
Procurement Department: Valencia College has a Supplier Diversity Program designed to increase the participation of minority-owned businesses in their contracting process.
Vendor Information: Valencia College Procurement
Location: Orlando, FL
5. Florida A&M University (FAMU)
Procurement Department: FAMU’s Procurement Services Department supports economic inclusion by offering opportunities for minority-owned businesses to compete for contracts.
Vendor Information: FAMU Procurement Services
Location: Tallahassee, FL
6. University of Central Florida (UCF)
Procurement Department: UCF’s Office of Procurement Services encourages diverse vendors, including minority-owned businesses, to participate in their competitive bidding process.
Vendor Information: UCF Procurement Services
Location: Orlando, FL
7. Florida International University (FIU)
Procurement Department: FIU’s procurement department seeks to foster participation from minority, women-owned, and small businesses in their procurement process.
Vendor Information: FIU Procurement Services
Location: Miami, FL
8. Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU)
Procurement Department: FGCU’s Procurement Services Department promotes diversity in their supplier pool, welcoming minority business owners.
Vendor Information: FGCU Procurement
Location: Fort Myers, FL
9. Florida Atlantic University (FAU)
Procurement Department: FAU is committed to supplier diversity, with an emphasis on supporting minority-owned businesses as part of their vendor selection process.
Vendor Information: FAU Procurement Services
Location: Boca Raton, FL
10. St. Petersburg College (SPC)
Procurement Department: SPC encourages minority and women-owned businesses to register as vendors and participate in their procurement opportunities.
Vendor Information: SPC Procurement
Location: St. Petersburg, FL
How to Get Started: Minority business owners looking to partner with state colleges in Florida should:
Register as a Vendor: Check each college’s vendor portal to begin the application process.
Understand Certification Requirements: Some colleges require businesses to have specific certifications, such as being a certified minority-owned business.
Network and Attend Supplier Diversity Events: Many colleges host supplier diversity events to connect with potential vendors.
Prepare for Bidding Opportunities: Familiarize yourself with bidding procedures and deadlines to participate in competitive contract opportunities.
By becoming a vendor with Florida state colleges, minority business owners can access a wealth of procurement opportunities, helping to expand their market reach and contribute to local economic growth.
For more resources and assistance, visit the Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce website or contact us to connect with procurement departments across the state.
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