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Under Florida law, e-mail addresses are public records. If you do not want your e-mail address released in response to a public records request, do not send electronic mail to this entity. Instead, contact this office by phone or in writing.

The Office of Small Business Assistance is responsible for monitoring conditions affecting small businesses within the marketplace that can provide goods and services to Palm Beach County, thus creating an environment that encourages the growth and development of small businesses in Palm Beach County.

The Mission of the Office of Small Business Assistance (OSBA) is to provide county departments and local businesses with excellent customer service, professional assistance and technical responsiveness to promote the economic growth, expansion and increased productivity of small business enterprises in Palm Beach County in accordance with established compliance policies and guidelines.

HAZEL OXENDINE - Director

Since the inception of the County's SBE program in 2003, contract awards have steadily increased. Although we haven't hit the 15% goal yet, I am encouraged by the steady increase in SBE contracting participation and I am working towards achieving the County's goals.

My primary goal is to increase contract awards to Palm Beach County S/M/WBEs and increase the number of S/M/WBEs certified to do business with Palm Beach County. My plan for accomplishment is to increase the County's SBE database of qualified vendors by enhancing public awareness of the County's program through select advertising, renewed strategic partnerships and enhanced training. Since I started working here three years ago, we have changed the focus of the OSBA. We have entered into an Inter-local Certification agreement with the School District and the City of West Palm Beach, created a centralized reporting system, reviewed and enhanced the County Code, trained the staff for small business development and hired additional professionals to work with small businesses and county employees.

With the continued support of the County Commission and County Administration S/M/WBEs in Palm Beach County will thrive!

ALLEN GRAY - Manager

As the Manager, my responsibilities include working with the various departments to implement the county's small business ordinance to ensure that our small businesses are afforded an equal opportunity to participate in the county's procurement process. This includes a periodic review and evaluation of the policies and procedures of the program and to make adjustments when needed in order to better serve the small business community.

I am also responsible for ensuring that our office provides excellent customer service to our small business clients. Our Small Business Development Specialists are knowledgeable and well trained to properly address the needs of small businesses.

Pamela Hart - Program Coordinator

As Program Coordinator, my primary focus is to increase the number of local small businesses that do business with Palm Beach County. To accomplish this goal, I facilitate training workshops, conduct presentations, showcase OSBA at outreach events, consult with businesses on navigating through County requirements in order to have greater access to opportunities, and make referrals of businesses to resources for financial and technical assistance. I am also the editor of the Business Pulse newsletter.

Patricia Wilhelm
Small Business Development Specialist II

As a Small Business Development Specialist, I assist clients in completing certification applications and provide overall information regarding the process, as well as determine individual company eligibility for the SBE program.

I also provide guidance to potential and existing business owners who wish to enhance their business opportunities. Let me know how I may assist you.

Tanoy Williams
Small Business Development Specialist II

As Small Business Development Specialist, my primary role is to ensure that Contractors and Consultants meet their Small Business Enterprise (SBE) commitments on awarded contracts and that their subcontractors/sub-consultants are paid in a timely manner.

Through compliance and development, I help the Office of Small Business Assistance team in effectuating the goal of the Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners which is to make sure that all county certified SBE's are given an opportunity to fairly compete in the county's procurement process.

Not only do I monitor for compliance, but I also provide small business development assistance for established and start up small businesses. Additionally, I explain how to do business with Palm Beach County through the procurement process and explain how the SBE requirements are applied to county contracts.

Tonya Davis-Johnson
Small Business Development Specialist II

It is both an honor and pleasure to promote the Palm Beach County Office of Small Business Assistance (OSBA). Recognizing that many new and existing business owners are not aware of the services and opportunities provided by the OSBA, as Small Business Development Specialist with a sole focus on Outreach, it is my job to place you, our customers, in the know. My plan for accomplishment is the creation of outreach events for the OSBA and participation in established tri-county outreach events. I will saturate the market and local communities with information regarding the programs and services offered by the OSBA. I am available to speak to your organization, new and existing businesses, as well as individuals who are interested in taking advantage of all of our services. I also provide small business development assistance which includes business start up and recommendation of new and existing businesses for technical training and financial assistance.

Please feel free to contact me if you desire additional information about the programs and services offered by the Office of Small Business Assistance. I look forward to an opportunity to share with you, what the OSBA can do for you!

Vicki Hobbs
Small Business Development Specialist I

As a Small Business Development Specialist, my primary responsibility is evaluating applications for Small Business certification. I frequently meet with business owners to explain the requirements before they submit a certification application.

I also meet with Palm Beach County entrepreneurs who are interested in starting a small business. I help them understand the different legal structures and licensing requirements, as well as the paperwork required to maintain a successful business.

• 2008 Business Matchmaker Save the Date
• Interlocal Agreement Press Release

• Bids and Business Workshop for 2008
• Cornerstone Certification Program
• Making Every Dollar Count Workshop
• Retirement Planning Workshop for 2008
• The Turner School of Construction Management Registration Form
• Wells Fargo Workshop