Mayor Bowser enlists Enlightened CEO for CBE Funding Announcement
Mayor Muriel Bowser and Councilmember Vincent Orange held a press conference to announce the Fiscal Year 2016 (FY16) Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) spending goal. The Bowser Administration also unveiled a new website,cbeconnect.dc.gov, that will help CBEs better navigate the local government procurement process. The FY16 expendable budget for District government agencies is $634 Million, of which at least 50 percent, or $317 Million, must be spent with CBEs.
Mayor Bowser and her team are re-envisioning the way procurement is approached. Her Administration is holding District government agencies accountable as they increase opportunities of engagement for Certified Business Enterprises (CBE’s) under this new agenda. Her team has established FY 16 CBE spending goals for District agencies. Click here to view the FY 16 CBE Opportunity Guide.
“Small businesses are the engine of our economy. As Mayor, I am committed to creating an environment where District businesses can start, thrive and grow. That includes leveraging the District’s local procurement dollars to support small businesses. We are re-envisioning the way we approach procurement by setting ambitious goals and providing tools so our small businesses can succeed and continue to create pathways to the middle class”, said Bowser.
Antwanye E. Ford, President and CEO of Enlightened, Inc., a Software Development, Cyber Security and Management Consulting, was invited to give remarks on behalf DC’s small business community. Ford applauded the Bowser administration on this tremendous effort to level the playing field for CBE’s in the District. Ford spoke on the challenges that he and fellow business owners have overcome in order to gain opportunities in the District over the years. “This is a momentous day for small businesses as we continue to grow our capacity and employ those in the District rather than allowing jobs, taxable income and capacity growing contracts to leave the District. This allows credible and highly qualified companies more opportunities to contribute to the ongoing development of this wonderful city” said Ford.