Mayor Joseph P. Ganim
Bridgeport, CT
For Immediate Release
June 6, 2018
For More information:
Dalmarys Matos (203) 576-7201
Dalmarys.matos@bridgeportct.gov
Press Release
Bridgeport Small & Minority Business Enterprise Unveils New Ordinance and Look
Small and Minority Businesses able to Register for Bid Discounts
Bridgeport, CT – Mayor Ganim joined the Director of the Office of Small & Minority Business Enterprise (SMBE) Fred Gee today to present a new ordinance that will better support local, minority, and women-owned businesses competing for bidding opportunities with the City of Bridgeport. SMBE also unveiled a new logo to enhance the department geared at helping local entrepreneurs build and sustain successful businesses.
“We are excited to be able to serve the Small & Minority Business community of our city because we know small businesses are the engines that drive local economies,” said Mayor Ganim. “My administration worked closely with community leaders and elected officials to amend the MBE ordinance in a way that will advance opportunities for our local and minority owned businesses and ensure their success.”
Director of SMBE Fred Gee said, “The revisions made to the Minority Business Ordinance are long overdue. The collaborative effort between city-based businesses and City Hall has been an amazing partnership we hope to strengthen. Our mission is to support local businesses through advantages in the city’s procurement process.”
Several amendments to the ordinance allow MBEs and WBEs to benefit from bid discounts as part of the City’s formal bidding process. A new City-Based Business (CBB) certification program also allows Bridgeport businesses to receive bid discounts as well as more consideration for informal purchases by the City. In order for local Bridgeport businesses to take advantage of these benefits, they must come to the SMBE Office to have their business certified as a “City-Based Business.”
City Council member Ernest Newton said, “This is a great day for Bridgeport. This will be the first time that minority companies are on an equal playing field as everyone else. Bridgeport is on the right track.”
City Council member Eneida Martinez said, “As a woman and a minority, I am thankful this day has come. I fought alongside small and minority business owners looking for support and after years of voicing concerns, it has finally happened under the Ganim administration.”
A revised Compliance Committee made up of city officials and community representatives, will ensure oversight and enforcement of the newly amended ordinance.
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