This division is responsible for administrative support to The Department of Small Business Development (SBD) employees, Database Management, Contract Reporting, SBD Web Support, and Bonding & Financial Assistance Program.

Bonding and Financial Assistance Program
The program provides CSBEs with assistance in obtaining bonding and/or financial assistance in preparing and completing bond packages as well as providing funding to be used for bonding purposes and assistance such as mobilization capital and/or working capital needed for specific projects.

Bonding Assistance
Contracting with Miami-Dade County can be a tremendous growth opportunity for emerging firms.  However, the cost of doing business can often drain the limited resources of the small business owner.  Many small businesses simply do not have sufficient working capital or the credit worthiness to secure surety bonds needed for successful completion of County contracts.

Surety Bond Program
SBD assists firms in obtaining surety bonds through the Small Business Administration Bond Guarantee Program.  Through scheduled appointments, firms are given a program orientation and review of the bond application  process.  Firms also receive assistance in preparation of bond applications and in resolving complex bonding issues.  This program offers bonding opportunities to small firms that otherwise would not qualify for bonding.

CSBE Mentorship and Training Program *
This program provides on site training in the key areas of construction business management that will put firms in a favorable position to obtain surety bonds. Firms must participate in one year of training classes and one-on-one evaluations in the areas of surety bonding and bond alternatives, construction accounting, construction management, relationship marketing, funds administration, and advanced business practices.  After the successful completion of this program, firms will obtain a certification that will qualify them for surety bonds.  Classes are held once a month at The Department of Small Business Development (SBD). To be eligible for the bond programs, firms must be CSBE certified and in good standing with County Ordinances.

Financial Assistance Program
Community Small Business Enterprise (CSBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) firms often face the burden of financing projects over extended periods of time or lack the start-up capital to begin a project.  Without adequate support from financial institutions, this burden can lead to contract defaults or eventually put these firms out of business.

Small Business Contract Lending Program
CSBEs and SBEs with County contracts may be eligible to receive short term working capital loans against these contracts.  The intent of this program is to bridge the gap between submission of requisition and receipt of payment. The loans are structured as revolving lines of credit where firms can be paid up to 85% of approved invoices within 48 hours.  Loan proceeds can only be used for contract related expenses.  The contract serves as collateral for the loan and is assigned to the lending institution.  Interest rates are competitive.   Eligible firms must be CSBE or SBE-certified and in good standing with County Ordinances, and must complete a loan application.

Accounting Services Reimbursement Program
CSBE and SBE firms may be eligible to receive reimbursement for accounting or business plan services for up to $1,000.  Initial reimbursement will be limited to one reimbursement per year per CSBE/SBE.  Subsequent reimbursements for no more than two years after the initial reimbursement may be limited to $500 per year per CSBE/SBE.
In order to qualify for this program, firms

1. Must be CSBE/SBE certified
2. Must use a pre-qualified licensed
3. CPA firm in good standing.

A reimbursement application  must be completed to request this service. 

Expedited Payment Process
The Expedited Payment Process (EPP) can relieve the financial burdens that small firms often experience in the initial phase of a project by accelerating the normal payment process.  CSBEs can have their pay requisitions expedited for up to 10% of their respective contract award for work performed and/or materials delivered.  Pay requisitions that normally take 45 to 60 days to process could be paid in as little time as two weeks under this process.
To be eligible for the Expedited Payment Process, firms must be CSBE certified, must complete a Management and Technical Assistance Professional Development Training Program, and must have a current or pending contract award with the County and they must be in good standing with applicable County Ordinances.
CSBEs must also designate an authorized representative to complete the Management and Technical Assistance Program’s Professional Development and Training Modules.  However, firm representatives that have completed comparable training from outside organizations may be exempt from training requirements upon verification. The training modules include the following:

1. Introduction Overview of County Process
2. Business Management
3. Pre-Award Contracting and Responsibilities
4. Bonding and Financial Assistance Overview

All certified CSBEs who meet the basic requirements may submit a request for EPP assistance by completing a  Disbursement Authorization Form.