ADRIANE GARCIA
Acting Purchasing Manager
Your Small Biz Update
From Clark County Purchasing
December 1, 2020
Greetings!

What a year! It has been a pleasure to interact with our small business community in 2020, despite having to make COVID-related adjustments to the SBOP schedule. We know that small suppliers like you are working hard to close out this calendar year while planning as best you can to weather the pandemic. As you strategize, be sure to remember that building and nurturing relationships is an essential part of growing a business.

On December 7th you will have a prime opportunity to connect online with fellow small business owners and purchasing representatives during BDAC's 2020 SBOP Alumni and Friends Mixer. You can attend this virtual event from the safety of your own home or office. You will find details and the registration link in this issue of the Small Biz Update along with some important factors to consider as you plan ahead for 2021. Last but not least, time is running out to apply for Clark County's Small Business Retrofit Grant. You will find the application link below.

Here's wishing you, your team, and family, all the joy this season can bring.

Happy Holidays!

Adriane Garcia, MPA, CPPB

Acting Purchasing Manager
Clark County Purchasing and Contracts
Planning Ahead for 2021
Challenging Task as the Pandemic Continues
Planning for the business year ahead may be especially challenging in light of the COVID pandemic. As confirmed in Nevada’s 2020 Economic Forum, COVID-related public health concerns and economic uncertainty are expected to last well into next year. No one knows precisely what will happen, which means it will take a great deal of creativity to ensure that business plans are flexible, include extensive health and safety measures, and harness the power of technology to enhance productivity, sales, marketing, and internal employee communications. 

This year has required countless small businesses to reinvent and pivot in order to increase the odds of surviving COVID-related closures. The good news is that many feel they have transitioned well and are optimistic about what lies ahead. A recent survey shows that while 64% of small businesses did worse in 2020 than in 2019, 83% expect to perform better in 2021. Some even plan to add employees. There have also been reports of small businesses successfully improving sales by expanding online activity.

Business analysts recommend that organizations continue to expect rapid change as we work our way through the health crisis. The best bet is to be prepared for a "new normal" as business trends that took hold this year are likely to continue. Inc.com recently suggested important trends to keep in mind when planning next steps, factoring in the new work-from-home culture, physical business locations, business travel trends, and digital transformation. Entrepreneur.com offers helpful pointers on how to build a 2021 business strategy in the face of uncertainty.  

While COVID-related budget cuts have forced most government entities including Clark County to reduce spending, local, state, and federal government entities must continue to operate. Those organizations will at least need to purchase some basic, essential goods and services in order to meet the needs of constituents and communities in 2021. To stay up to date on available contract opportunities at multiple government agencies including the County, local suppliers are encouraged to visit the Nevada Government eMarketplace (NGEM) website.

If you have questions about doing business with Clark County please be sure to let us know. Email countypurchasing@ClarkCountyNV.gov or call (702) 455-2897.

Still Time to Apply for Clark County's Retrofit Grant
Help to Cover COVID-Related Safety Expenses
The Small Business Protective Retrofit Grant reimburses up to $5,000 for costs associated with COVID-19 related safety measures such as facility modifications, personal protective equipment, screening tools, and more. Approved applications will be funded on a first-come, first-served basis until program funds are depleted or December 13, 2020, whichever comes first.


Business Building Events
BDAC 2020 SBOP Alumni & Friends Mixer
Special Thanks to Nevada Women's Business Center
for providing the online platform for this virtual event.
Are You Missing Important Updates from SBOP?
If your business contact information has changed since you first signed up for a Clark County small business training program or newsletter, please provide your new information using the "Update Profile" link below. Never miss out on new updates that can help you grow your business!
Selling to government?
Simplify the process.
The Nevada Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) and Procurement Outreach Program (POP) provide free services to simplify the process of selling goods and services to government. These programs from the Nevada Governor's Office of Economic Development provide services free of charge.


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