Bridges to Business: How to work with City of Tampa

Tampa Mayor Jane Castor is seeking to make working with the City of Tampa smoother and more efficient for local business owners.

The initiative, called “Bridges to Business,” works to create opportunities by meeting business owners on their own turf and sharing information on how they can earn city contracts. Launched July 13th, city officials did a “vendor certification tour” on which they will certify or register businesses with the city. The first stop was the Cyrus Greene Community Center in East Tampa from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

“Bringing city services into the neighborhoods ensures local businesses have access to the tools they need to build a long-term relationship with the City,” says Castor.

During the event, staff members from the city’s purchasing department and Minority and Small Business Development Office were on hand to provide guidance on how to apply for minority, woman-owned, or small business certification. Attendees were also able to learn about upcoming and current projects they could potentially bid on. Current opportunities include new and existing construction services, professional engineering, architectural services, and goods and services such as lawn maintenance and janitorial services.

The Bridges to Business Vendor Certification Tour is free and open to business owners or their representatives. The next stop will be in August in West Tampa, location TBD. Those unable to attend an event are strongly encouraged to register at: BTBTours for future stops.