How to Be a Certified Small Business in Florida
A certified small business in Florida is eligible to gain favored status in selling goods and services to the state and its agencies. This can be a tremendous advantage to any small business. However, not all small businesses qualify. Yours must be minority-owned and operated with benefits to owners of a minority group as defined by the law.
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Instructions
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Submit all required documents Register as a vendor at My Florida Marketplace, the Florida State portal (see References). In addition to being a Certified Small Business, you must also be registered as a vendor to receive state contracts.
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Register online Furnish all additional documentation as required in Florida administrative code Rule 60A-9.005 (see References). Materials must be furnished to: Department of Management Services, Division of Purchasing, Office of Supplier Diversity, 4050 Esplanade Way, Tallahassee, Florida 32399-0950.
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Florida is very accomodating and helpful Prepare to discuss and document any aspect of your business operation, including how funds are generated and paid to owners. Florida is concerned that minority owners receive the benefits of the payments to the company you own.
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Tips & Warnings
PublicSpend (see Resources) lists the basic qualifications for certification and includes many resources for business owners.
Florida Administrative Rule 60A-9.005 lists the entire packet of information the board will need to certify your application. You may wish to telephone the Office of Supplier Diversity at 850-487-0915 since changes to the procedure may have been implemented. For instance, Form MBE 7500 is no longer required, yet it is still listed online as a necessary item.
You must demonstrate that you are a minority business by assuring the board you are not just a conduit for another entity or group of owners. You will have to demonstrate actual ownership by personal receipts or even payroll activity. Be prepared to offer records.
References
Resources
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