2nd Annual DBE Small Business Networking Symposium

Login to Onboard Tampa Bay

Reset Password

Please Enter Username or Email

Create a free account

Job Seeker
Contractor

December 10, 2024 | 9 AM to 4 PM
Higgins Hall | 5225 N. Himes Ave.,Tampa
Thank you to all attendees, speakers and presenters!

This event brought together DBEs (Disadvantaged Business Enterprises), Small Businesses, Prime Contractors, Community Partners, and Government Agencies in FDOT’s District Seven (7). The in-person event took place at Higgins Hall located at 5225 N Himes Ave., Tampa 33614. It’s was an opportunity for businesses to connect, learn industry best practices, and grow their business network. Attendees met one-on-one with Prime Contractors, and learnt about future & current FDOT contract opportunities.

Event Photos

Schedule-At-A-Glance

9:00 aM-9:15 aM

Opening Remarks from FDOT Leadership

Hear messages from the Florida Department of Transportation’s leadership:

David Gwynn, District Secretary, District 7
Francis Lewis, Director of Transportation Operations, District 7
Terry Watson, State DBE Program Coordinator

9:15 aM-10:15 aM

How To Do Business with government

Gain insights from Florida Department of Transportation, City of Tampa and Hillsborough County. These agencies shared insight and provided information about the procedures that address the process by which commodities and contractual services are procured.

11:00 AM-11:45 AM

How to Become DBE Certified

Learn how to become certified as a Disadvantages Business Enterprise (DBE) with FDOT and how to access procurement and contracting opportunities.

11:00 AM-11:45 AM

Financing & Business Services

This workshop discussed various lending options for small business owners.

11:00 PM-11:45 PM

Accounting & Tax Preparation

Learn about various accounting methods, record keeping, complying with IRS regulations, understanding financial statements, budgeting and cash flow management.

12:15 pM-1:45 PM

Estimating & Bidding

A general review of estimating and bidding is the focus of this session. The session also included a live bid day simulation exercise.

12:15 pM-1:45 PM

Introduction To Bonding

This workshop covered the significant aspects of construction bonding, insurance, and surety bond assistance.

12:15 pM-1:45 PM

Legal & Contracts

This workshop explored contract language, filing of claims, the Miller Act, liens, arbitration, mediation, & effective ways to handle workplace & contract disputes.

2:00 PM-2:30 PM

FDOT current & future projects

Hear from Francis Lewis, Director of Transportation Operations, and Zachary Stringer, Project Manager/Westshore Interchange Reconstruction about FDOT District 7’s current and future projects/contract opportunities.

11:00 PM-11:45 PM

Prime Time Business Networking!

The contractor-to-contractor networking activity allowed attendees shared ideas and identified opportunities for collaboration. This provided a platform to connect with contractors, architects, suppliers, and developers to foster new partnerships and explore opportunities.