Submitted by Hillsborough County:
The 2012 Republican National Convention (RNC) organizers are looking for Hillsborough County small businesses to supply goods and services needed for next summer’s GOP convention in nearly 50 categories, from balloons to gift baskets to tour services.
Hillsborough County small businesses may register for the RNC’s Small Business Network, by applying and meeting the qualifications of Hillsborough County's Minority/Small Business Enterprise (MBE/SBE) Programs.
In order to help Hillsborough County’s small and minority-owned businesses with the application process, the County’s SBIC will offer three open houses to assist with the application process. The following open houses will all be held at the SBIC, 7402 N, 56th St., Building 400, Suite 425 in Tampa.
- Saturday, Dec. 10, 10 a.m. – Noon
- Monday, Dec. 12, 10 a.m. – Noon
- Thursday, Dec. 15, 3 p.m. – 5 p.m.
Not every business that submits an application will be eligible for the program. Additionally, acceptance into the RNC’s Small Business Network does not imply a promise of procurement. Not all businesses in the program will be awarded business by the RNC or other groups affiliated with the convention. Log on to the RNC Small Business Network Handbook for a list of goods and services outlined for use during the convention.
Businesses that do not qualify for the RNC’s Small Business Network via an MBE/SBE program may apply to be included in the online version of the RNC’s business directory, by clicking here: http://2012tampa.com/small-business-network/. These businesses will not be eligible to participate in the other aspects of the Small Business Network.
Business owners with questions about the Hillsborough County MBE/SBE Program should contact the Small Business Information Center at (813) 914-4028. For questions concerning the RNC's Small Business Network, contact the 2012 Tampa Bay Host Committee.
