County Creates New Small Business Opportunities

Media
4 days ago
2 min read

Small businesses in the region – take note. The County wants to buy more services and supplies from you. A lot more.

The County set a goal to direct 25% of its $2.2 billion annual contract spending toward small businesses.

To reach that goal, the Board of Supervisors voted Tuesday to update the County’s policies to reduce barriers, increase access and make it easier for small and local businesses to successfully work with the County.

Tuesday’s Board action:

Raised the small local business preference from 5% to 15%, meaning a proposed bid price will be evaluated as if it were up to 15% cheaper, helping them better compete with larger companies
Expanded the use of simpler methods, such as Requests for Qualifications (RFQ) instead of Requests for Proposals. RFQs typically take about half the time to complete, speeding up the process
Formally recognized disadvantage business enterprises
Expanded the definition of small businesses from those with state certifications to include:
- Nonprofits
- Veteran-owned and disabled veteran-owned businesses
- Businesses with other small business certificates
- Businesses that are not yet State certified but meet the state certification definition

A new business category was also added called Social Equity Enterprises (SEEs). These are organizations that try to advance equity by addressing economic, social and environmental disparities. They operate in or benefit historically underinvested communities.

Small businesses are often called the backbone of the local economy. The state estimates about 123,000 small businesses operate in our region, accounting for about 98% of all businesses.

Reaching the County goal to direct 25% of the $2.2 billion annual contract spending to small businesses would boost the overall local economy by potentially keeping about $550 million per year in the region.

The County had already taken steps to improve its procurement system. Staff members asked more than 400 people and 22 organizations involved in non-profits, small businesses, economic development and business support for feedback.

As a result, the County is implementing several programs for small businesses, non-profits and community-based organizations interested in doing business with the County. The programs will help with:

Technical assistance to navigate the County’s BuyNet system and procurement

Bonding and/or insurance requirements
Bookkeeping assistance

The County also began publicly posting the County’s contract and service needs for the next six months to help with small business response times.

Staff members will now undergo training on how to implement the new Board policies. As part of Tuesday’s Board action, staff will also receive clearer guidance on how to select products and vendors that are environmentally responsible.

The Board’s policy changes will go into effect on Sept. 25. Yearly progress reports will go before the Board beginning in September 2026.

For details on how to do business with the County, visit Purchasing and Contracting.