Small Business Development Council

The Florida Advisory Council on Small and Minority Business Development (Council) provides insight and expertise to the state regarding small and minority business development. Council members research the role the small and minority businesses in the state's economy and provide recommendations on how to improve engagement of and support for Florida's small and minority business community.

The Council was established in Florida Statute 287.0947. The Office of Supplier Diversity works with the Council to keep citizens of the State of Florida and various stakeholder groups informed on issues relating to minority enterprise procurement and other diversity issues. The Council's purpose is to advise and assist the Secretary in carrying out the Secretary's duties with respect to minority businesses and economic and business development. Membership of the Council includes practitioners, laypersons, financiers and others with business development experience who can provide invaluable insight and expertise for this state in the diversification of its markets and networking of business opportunities. Responsibilities of the Council include:

• Research and review the roles of small and minority businesses in the state's economy.
• Review the issues and emerging topics relating to small and minority business economic development.
• Study and understand financial markets' and institutions' abilities to meet small business-credit needs and determining the impact of government demands on credit for small businesses.
• Evaluate the execution of Florida Statute 287.09451, requiring a state economic development comprehensive plan, as it relates to small and minority businesses.
• Assesses the efforts by any state agency or by all state agencies collectively, to assist minority business enterprises.
• Advising the Governor, the Secretary of DMS and the Legislature on matters relating to small and minority business development that are important to the international strategic planning and activities of this state.