City of Fort Worth Small Business Development Program

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Empowering Small Businesses Through Access and Opportunity

The City of Fort Worth is launching a comprehensive Small Business Development Program aimed at expanding opportunities for local entrepreneurs, particularly in procurement, certification, and access to capital. This initiative aligns with federal grant requirements and builds on existing partnerships and community feedback. Key program components include: 

New Ordinance & Resolution (Effective September 1)

  • Pivot to Best Value procurement to utilize small businesses.
  • Small Business Preference: 5% bid preference on contracts up to $100,000.
  • Small Business Goal: 30% utilization target (to start) for contracts over $100,000.
  • Economic Incentive Goal: Inclusion of small businesses in economic development projects.

Support Services

  • Procurement education and 'Doing Business with the City' workshops.
  • Prime and subcontractor matchmaking.
  • Certification assistance with regional agencies.
  • Visit the City's Purchasing Division for additional information about procurement process.  

Additional Small Business Resources 

Planned Expansions

  • RFP for Small Contractor Development Program including surety bond support and construction management training.
  • Strategic 'unbundling' of City contracts.

 

Fort Worth Chambers of Commerce: City-Funded Small Business Support and Collaboration

Three Chambers. One Goal. Stronger Small Businesses.

The three Chambers have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to collaborate, share resources, and amplify opportunities for small businesses across Fort Worth. The three Chambers each have key focus areas. 

Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce

Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce

Key Focus Areas:

  • Bonding & insurance workshops to build long-term partnerships.
  • Financial readiness through banking partnerships.
  • Workforce development in partnership with Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County.
  • Increased HUB and small business certifications.

Expanded Deliverables:

  • Deliver bonding and insurance education in collaboration with industry partners.
  • Host financial literacy workshops to strengthen capital readiness.
  • Distribute templates for small business financial reporting.
  • Track and report capital access and bonding capacity trends.
  • Build a workforce development program with Workforce Solutions for Tarrant County.
  • Host fast-track certification workshops and assist businesses with submissions.
  • Measure and report progress in SBE, HUB, and HUBZone certifications.

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Key Focus Areas:

  • Supply chain and logistics training, mentorship, and oversight.
  • Matching small businesses to City contracts via NAICS codes.

Expanded Deliverables:

  • Provide training in logistics, procurement, and inventory management.
  • Educate small businesses on legislative and technological changes in supply chain.
  • Match small businesses with city contracts under $100K based on NAICS codes.
  • Identify and track matches for contracts over $100K and expiring multi-year agreements.
  • Report quarterly on procurement matches and track outcomes in an annual review.

Fort Worth Chamber

Fort Worth Chamber

Key Focus Areas:

  • Monthly forums, workshops, and quarterly expos connecting small businesses with prime vendors.
  • City contracting promotions using the Chamber’s communication network.
  • Succession planning support for small business owners.

Expanded Deliverables:

  • Host monthly forums, seminars, and expos to foster prime-small business partnerships.
  • Launch mentor-protégé programs to expand expertise among small businesses.
  • Conduct industry-specific forums in sectors like construction, tech, and logistics.
  • Use digital and print channels to amplify city contracting opportunities.
  • Support exit planning through advisory connections with succession experts.
  • Deliver annual strategic reports measuring outreach, joint ventures, subcontracting, and mentoring outcomes.

Shared Goals

  • Increase local small business participation in City contracts.
  • Expand access to capital and mentorship.
  • Strengthen community-wide business support infrastructure.

 

 

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