Maricopa County spends more than $750 million annually on goods, services, and construction in support of county residents. More than 95% of Arizona’s businesses have fewer than 100 employees. These small businesses are the backbone of the economic engine. Sounds like a great opportunity for partnership! Last week the Board of Supervisors approved a new Small Business Advocacy Program that recognizes the value of small and local business on our economy. The program will ensure small and local businesses get a larger share of county business.
Administered by the Office of Procurement Services, this new program introduces greater flexibility for county departments issuing quotes on the open market which are under $100,000 to also consider the benefit of buying locally and keeping tax dollars in the local economy.
“Part of what makes Maricopa County’s economy so successful are the thriving small businesses that provide recreation, goods, and services,” said Board of Supervisors Chairman Bill Gates, District 3. “By awarding more County contracts to our own local small businesses we show them the support they deserve so they can continue contributing to our economy and making Maricopa County feel like home”.
Businesses will certify in the county’s E-procurement platform, Periscope S2G, that they meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Independently owned and operated, not dominant in the field, in operation more than a year
- Locations only in Maricopa County OR locations inside and outside of Maricopa County so long as County location accounts for at least 50% of sales or 50% of employees
- Fewer than 100 employees and no more than $4 million in annual gross receipts in its last fiscal year
- Current on all County taxes and in good standing with AZDOR and all other regulatory agencies within the state of Arizona
“Small businesses are the heartbeat of Maricopa County’s economy and I believe the action taken by our Board of Supervisors will directly enhance opportunities for small and local businesses and have good, long-term results for our economy,” added Kevin Tyne, Director of the Office of Procurement Services.
The primary goal of this new program is to help small and local businesses position themselves to provide Maricopa County departments with commodities and services not covered by existing contracts with a one-time estimated cost of less than $100,000.
For more information, contact Small Business Advocate, Crystal Medina at Crystal.Medina@Maricopa.gov