Miami-Dade County’s SBD and Black Affairs Advisory Board Observes Black Business Month On August 31, Miami-Dade County’s Small Business Development Office (SBD) in conjunction with the Black Affairs Advisory Board (BAAB) held the first annual vendor outreach event to celebrate Black Business Month. During the event, the Black Affairs Advisory Board took the opportunity to launch its “I Support B.O.B.” (Black Owned Businesses) campaign in an effort to empower black business owners while encouraging potential customers to build wealth within their communities. Attendees were provided information on how to obtain certification through the Small Business Development Office; contracting opportunities for vendors throughout the county, as well as resources for funding small businesses including bridge loans and workforce development. Representatives of several organizations including the Beacon Council, CareerSource South Florida, Miami-Dade College; Miami-Dade Expressway Authority; Jackson Health Systems; Miami-Dade Public Schools, PortMiami, Turner Construction; Miami-Dade Water and Sewer and the Aviation Department were on hand to provide updates on the opportunities available for small or minority businesses. As of 2015, there are approximately 1,500 firms certified with the Small Business Enterprise program in which, a total of $294 million was awarded last year to certified business owners. Most importantly, certified business owners have an opportunity to grow and improve their business since obtaining certification through the County’s SBE provides access to several other local entities. Overall, this event was significant because it provided the tools for vendors to learn, engage, and take action on opportunities within Miami Dade County, which ultimately helps their businesses to succeed. .