Minority-owned businesses need to stay informed about recent legislation that impacts their growth, opportunities, and operations. From local Jacksonville ordinances to state and federal policies, these legislative changes shape the landscape for minority entrepreneurs. Below is a breakdown of recent laws and initiatives at the local, state, and federal levels that minority business owners should be aware of.
1. Local Jacksonville and Duval County Legislation
Jacksonville Ordinance Code (Chapter 126: Equal Opportunity and Contract Compliance)
Overview: Jacksonville has implemented local ordinances to support minority-owned businesses through its Equal Opportunity and Contract Compliance Program. Chapter 126 of the City’s Ordinance Code sets forth guidelines to increase the participation of Minority-Owned Business Enterprises (MBE) in city contracting.
Key Provisions:
Establishes goals for minority-owned businesses in public contracts.
Promotes the inclusion of disadvantaged businesses in Jacksonville’s procurement process.
Sets guidelines for vendor certification and diversity reporting.
Recent Updates: In 2023, amendments to the ordinance introduced stricter compliance monitoring, requiring city departments to report on their efforts to engage minority vendors.
Impact on Businesses: Minority business owners in Jacksonville can now benefit from enhanced reporting requirements and oversight, ensuring more accountability in awarding contracts to diverse suppliers.
Jacksonville Small and Emerging Business (JSEB) Program
Overview: The JSEB Program is designed to assist local small and minority-owned businesses in becoming competitive in the marketplace.
Recent Changes:
In 2023, the JSEB program increased its financial assistance to help minority businesses with bonding, insurance, and other pre-qualification requirements.
Additional resources are provided for minority entrepreneurs to access procurement training and business education.
Impact on Businesses: These enhancements give minority business owners better access to city contracts, financial aid, and educational tools to help them scale their operations.
2. State of Florida Legislation
Florida House Bill 1079 (Public Procurement of Services and Construction)
Overview: Passed in 2023, HB 1079 reformed public procurement laws in Florida to promote fairness and transparency in government contracting, with specific measures benefiting minority-owned businesses.
Key Provisions:
Establishes new standards for procurement practices, particularly for construction contracts and professional services.
Mandates state agencies to set minimum participation goals for minority-owned businesses in state-funded projects.
Requires that all state entities engage in certified minority business outreach when bidding for services and construction contracts.
Impact on Businesses: Minority business owners in Florida will have increased access to state contracts, particularly in construction and public works. The bill also mandates active outreach, meaning that state agencies will seek out minority vendors for more opportunities.
Florida Senate Bill 106 (Small Business Support Program)
Overview: SB 106, passed in 2023, established a state-funded Small Business Support Program, which allocates resources to minority and women-owned businesses.
Key Provisions:
Provides financial assistance, including grants and low-interest loans to minority businesses affected by economic downturns or natural disasters.
Expands the Florida Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network’s services to target underserved communities and minority entrepreneurs.
Creates mentorship programs for minority business owners in key sectors like construction, IT, and professional services.
Impact on Businesses: This bill makes it easier for minority businesses to access capital, especially in the wake of disruptions such as hurricanes or pandemics. The mentorship and financial assistance will help businesses in underserved communities thrive.
Florida Executive Order on Supplier Diversity (2022)
Overview: In late 2022, the Governor of Florida signed an executive order to enhance supplier diversity efforts at the state level.
Key Provisions:
Establishes new guidelines for state agencies to increase procurement opportunities for minority-owned businesses.
Requires the state to publish annual reports on the diversity of its vendor pool and expenditures with minority-owned businesses.
Enhances the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification process, allowing for more efficient vendor approvals.
Impact on Businesses: Minority businesses in Florida will see more visibility and access to state-level contracts, as agencies are now under pressure to meet diversity goals.
3. Federal Legislation
Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA)
Overview: Signed into law in 2021, this federal legislation provides billions of dollars in funding for infrastructure projects, with set-aside funds for minority and disadvantaged businesses.
Key Provisions:
Allocates funding for transportation, broadband, and energy infrastructure improvements, with specific opportunities for minority-owned construction and technology firms.
Includes provisions for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) participation in federally funded infrastructure projects.
Establishes programs to help minority-owned businesses access training, mentorship, and financial resources to take on infrastructure-related projects.
Impact on Businesses: Minority-owned businesses in sectors such as construction, engineering, technology, and consulting can benefit from billions in infrastructure spending through federal and state contracts.
Small Business Administration (SBA) 8(a) Business Development Program Updates
Overview: The SBA 8(a) program provides minority-owned businesses with access to government contracts. Recent changes in 2023 have expanded opportunities for minority businesses.
Key Provisions:
Streamlines the application and recertification process for minority businesses looking to join the 8(a) program.
Expands the range of contracts available to 8(a) participants, including federal contracts for defense, healthcare, IT, and professional services.
Enhances the mentor-protégé program, offering additional resources and support for minority businesses in 8(a).
Impact on Businesses: Minority businesses certified under the 8(a) program will now have better access to lucrative federal contracts, as well as mentorship opportunities from established firms.
Federal CROWN Act (Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair Act)
Overview: Passed in 2023, this act prohibits discrimination based on hair texture or styles commonly associated with race, such as braids or afros, in employment and contracting.
Key Provisions:
Prohibits workplace and educational discrimination based on natural hairstyles.
Extends protections to minority business owners who may face discrimination in contract negotiations or employment practices.
Impact on Businesses: Minority business owners, particularly Black entrepreneurs, are protected from hair-based discrimination, ensuring fair treatment in both contracting and employment opportunities.
Conclusion
By staying informed about these recent legislative changes at the local, state, and federal levels, minority business owners in Jacksonville, Duval County, and throughout Florida can take full advantage of new opportunities and protections. The Jacksonville Black Chamber of Commerce provides resources and support to help navigate these changes and access business growth initiatives.
For more information or assistance with certifications and bid opportunities, reach out to the Chamber today!
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