County Creates New Small Business Opportunities

September 2, 2025

The County of San Diego is working to increase small business participation in its procurement process, setting an ambitious goal to direct 25% of its $2. 2 billion annual contract spending toward small businesses. The Board of Supervisors recently voted to update County policies to reduce barriers and improve access for small and local businesses seeking to work with the County.

Who is affected

Small businesses in the San Diego region
Social Equity Enterprises (SEEs) serving historically underinvested communities
Non-profits and community-based organizations
County staff members who will undergo training on new policies
The broader local economy and community

What action is being taken

County policies are being updated to reduce barriers for small businesses
A new Social Equity Enterprises (SEEs) business category is being created
The County is implementing programs to help with business development, financial assistance, and proposal preparation
County contract and service needs for the next six months are being publicly posted
Staff members are undergoing training on implementing the new policies

Why it matters

Small businesses represent approximately 98% of all businesses in the region
The goal could keep about $550 million per year in the local economy
The initiative provides more opportunities for small businesses to participate in County contracts
It creates pathways for historically underinvested communities to benefit through the SEEs category
The changes make it easier for small businesses to navigate the County's procurement process

What's next

The Board's policy changes will go into effect on September 25
Yearly progress reports will be presented to the Board beginning in September 2026

Read full article from source: The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint