FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Thursday, September 11, 2014

CONTACT: Daisy Gonzalez-Diego
Miami-Dade County Public Schools
305-995-2060

OEO ACCEPTS M/WBE CERTIFICATION FROM THE STATE OF FLORIDA AND SFMSDC

Miami-Dade County Public Schools’ (M-DCPS) Office of Economic Opportunity (OEO) announced today that it will accept Minority and Women Business Enterprises (M/WBE) certifications from the State of Florida and the Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council (SFMSDC).

“Certification is the premier stamp of approval for small and minority businesses,” said Superintendent Alberto M. Carvalho.  “I am excited that we are able to expand opportunities for local certified M/WBE firms.”

The OEO has more than 550 certified Small, Micro and M/WBE firms.  M-DCPS also has Inter-local certification agreements with the U.S. Small Business Administration and Miami-Dade County.

“Reciprocal certification and Inter-local agreements decrease the burdens on small business owners,” said Brian Williams, Economic Development Officer.  “The OEO is committed to streamlining certification and increasing opportunities for firms certified with M-DCPS.”

The OEO promotes the economic development and growth of Small, Micro and Minority businesses through contractor prequalification, compliance, community outreach initiatives, and certification of these firms.  The OEO strives to ensure that local Small, Micro and Minority businesses have the maximum opportunity to do business with the Miami-Dade County School Board and to provide equal opportunity for all segments of the contracting community.

The State of Florida’s role is to improve business and economic opportunities for Florida's minority, women, and veteran business enterprises.  The mission of the Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council is to link corporations and government agencies
with Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) to foster business development and expansion.

For more information, please visit oeo.dadeschools.net or contact the Office of Economic Opportunity at 305-995-1307.

# # #

14-DGD/055

Back to News Releases