Hundreds of local, small business owners met at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at Orlando International Airport and learned how to access future business contracts at Orlando International Airport. The 6th annual “How to do Business with GOAA” event, gave participants direct access to GOAA personnel in various disciplines including construction, security, concessions, legal and purchasing.
The Authority’s small business development team coordinated the event which addressed a number of topics including legal certifications and how contracts are awarded, while at the same time giving small business owners the opportunity to network and explore business opportunities.
“The Authority continues to be a strong supporter of programs that encourage the inclusion of minorities, women, local and small business in all areas of airport contracting. Our position is that it is good business to be fair and reflect the diversity of our community,” said Cesar E. Calvet, Chairman of the Board of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority (GOAA).
“In light of the challenging economic environment, we recognize the importance of small business to the economic vitality of Central Florida and our entire region. This is why we encourage and embrace programs to reach out to the local business community”, says Phil Brown, Executive Director of the Greater Orlando Aviation Authority.
A highlight of the event was a “speed dating” session that allowed business owners to meet face-to-face with various community and airport vendors and learn firsthand what it will take for them to possibly land future business opportunities.
The Authority has in place four programs designed to support small, minority and women owned businesses: Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE), Local Business Development (LDB) and Minority/Women Enterprise (MWBE). These are federally and non-federally funded programs.
