Supplier Development Exchanges connect small businesses with government procurement representatives through presentations, training sessions, networking opportunities, and one-on-one interactions. Representatives, including those from the Small Business Administration, Small Business Development Center, school districts, public utilities, and others, share how small businesses can learn about and get involved in procurement opportunities. Below is how each audience can prepare.

Procurement Representatives

Prepare to answer general questions about how to do business with your organization, including topics on:

How businesses can work with your agency.
Accessing upcoming purchasing needs or solicitations.
How businesses can connect with other businesses for sub-contractor work.
Being friendly and patient with attendees who are most likely unfamiliar with your purchasing processes.

Be ready to answer some of the following questions from business owners:

Who in your agency should I talk to about procurement opportunities?
How long does it take to start doing business with your agency?
What is the process of qualifying to do business with your agency?
Does your agency buy my goods/services?
Where can I send any materials about my business?

Small Businesses

There are important steps you can take before and during the Supplier Development Exchange to increase your networking success.

Prepare your elevator speech so you are ready to give a quick overview of your business.
Refine your capabilities statement and target it for specific agencies, if necessary.
Learn about participating agencies.
Disconnect and silence your phone so you can focus.
Exchange business cards and network with other business owners and agencies.

Please email OSDEvents@dms.fl.gov if you have questions.