Supplier Diversity Digest: A newsletter from the Office of Supplier Diversity
February 2019
Getting to Know You
It’s hard to believe, but the second month of 2019 is here! As you approach this new year refreshed and focused, we encourage you to reintroduce yourself to the Office of Supplier Diversity (OSD). Here are five easy ways we can get to know each other better this year:
  1. Review OSD’s Fiscal Year 2017-18 Annual Report. This hot off the press report provides an overview of OSD activities, including official certification and recertification numbers. 
  2. Meet us in-person at one (or more!) of our regional Supplier Diversity Exchanges. These free events are jam-packed with networking opportunities, including one-on-one appointments with local, federal, and state buyers.
  3. Update your business profile in MyFloridaMarketPlace. The State of Florida delivers bid opportunities based on commodity codes to your email inbox. Make sure your email address, business address, and commodity codes are accurate in the Vendor Information Portal so you don’t miss these opportunities.
  4. Can’t make one of our Supplier Diversity Exchange events? Meet us as we participate in business-related events across the state. Bookmark and check this event listing often as it is constantly updated.
  5. Give us a call at 850-487-0915. We’d be happy to help you!
Get Involved: SBDC Day Ambassador Program
 On March 20, 2019, America’s Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) will celebrate the 3 rd annual SBDC Day. SBDC Day is a celebration of the success and impact SBDCs have across the nation. If you’re a small business owner and you’ve utilized SBDC services, the celebration is a great time to share successes, your experience, and how SBDC has impacted you. If you’d like to show support and receive #SBDCDay assets, you can become a SBDC Day Ambassador.

As an Ambassador, small businesses must share information on Twitter and share an article on their blog or website. In return, SBDC Day Ambassadors will be recognized on the SBDC Day webpage , in collateral and email communications.

The deadline for the Ambassador Program is March 1, 2019. Full program details and the steps to become an ambassador are posted on the SBDC Day webpage . If you’re interested in supporting your local SBDC, contact them directly for opportunities.
Provided by the Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development (FACSMBD)

During the December 2018 meeting, the Council welcomed Chasity Ash, Lead Small Business Technical Analyst, Office of Small Business Utilization/GSA. Ms. Ash presented an overview on GSA and how small businesses can contract with the Federal Government. Chasity also shared and clarified common misconceptions when it comes to federal government contracting.
 
At the end of 2018, the following members were elected as Council officers for calendar year 2019:
  • Jay Narang, Chair
  • Deborah Thompson, Vice Chair; Legislative Committee Chair
  • Janet Harris-Lange, Secretary; Research and Emerging Trends Committee Chair
  • Marianna Lugaro, Strategic and State Comprehensive Planning Committee Chair
Veterans Florida has developed a program to help transition veterans into the agriculture industry, one of Florida’s largest economic sectors. The Veterans Florida’s Veteran Agriculture Selection Program (VASP) is a nine-month comprehensive internship program that will give veterans the knowledge and skills they need to have sustainable careers in agriculture. Applications for cohort 2 of VASP are due March 31. Learn more about this comprehensive learning experience and submit your application here .
Small Business Snippets
MyFloridaMarketPlace Webinar
If you're interested in learning more about the resources offered through MyFloridaMarketPlace, how to register/maintain your account in the Vendor Information Portal (VIP), how to find business opportunities with the State of Florida, and how to respond to electronic quotes (eQuotes), register now for this webinar:
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The content of this newsletter is intended to serve as informational only. It should not be construed as business advice or an endorsement of any particular organization by the Office of Supplier Diversity or the Florida Department of Management Services.