SPD launches countywide office hours for entrepreneurs and vendors

Miami-Dade County’s Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) is taking another major step to strengthen the local business ecosystem with the launch of the Vendor Academy Access Point: Office Hours for Entrepreneurs and Vendors, a countywide initiative designed to bring resources, guidance and opportunities directly to small businesses.

The new program expands SPD’s existing Vendor Academy services by offering in-person monthly office hours at multiple locations throughout Miami-Dade County. In addition to regular office hours at the Stephen P. Clark Government Center, beginning in 2026, SPD will now operate a once-a-month office at the South Dade Government Center and an incubator-based office at The HUB @ Office Logic. Looking ahead, SPD plans to further expand the program to the West Dade Government Center once it becomes operational, to create greater access for entrepreneurs across the County.

The Vendor Academy Access Point offers one-on-one support related to county procurement, vendor registration, certification, compliance and navigating contracting opportunities. Whether a business is just getting started or looking to scale, participants can connect directly with Team SPD for practical, actionable assistance.

More importantly, the expansion of these countywide offices comes at no additional cost to taxpayers. The initiative is made possible through capacity building and strong partnerships with organizations committed to economic development, including Chamber South, Dade County Federal Credit Union, the Economic Development Council of South Miami-Dade, the Miami-Dade Beacon Council, the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce, Beacon Foundation’s Strive305, the U.S. Hispanic Women’s Chamber of Commerce and Virtutem Populo.

A key component of the initiative is the incubator office at The HUB @ Office Logic, which will offer essential resources for startups and small businesses. These resources include office space, mentorship, and business training, creating an environment where entrepreneurs can learn, collaborate, and build sustainable enterprises. Both the government center offices and the incubator location will feature the Vendor Academy program, ensuring local entrepreneurs have access to training programs, funding opportunities and critical business resources.

The launch of the Vendor Academy Access Point comes on the heels of Miami-Dade County being recognized as the number one county in the United States for small and local business growth. This milestone reflects the County’s continued commitment to supporting broad-based and durable economic growth.

The growth of Miami-Dade’s small and local business sector aligns with Mayor Daniella Levine Cava’s vision of creating a local economy that works for all residents. Additionally, under the leadership of Chief Administrative Officer Carladenise Edwards and SPD Director and Chief Procurement Officer Namita Uppal, the Strategic Procurement Department continues to prioritize professional service, transparency, and accountability in county contracting.

Through the Vendor Academy Access Point, Miami-Dade County is reinforcing its message to entrepreneurs across the 305: support is available, opportunity is growing, and the County is invested in their success. Business owners, aspiring entrepreneurs, and vendors are encouraged to participate on the last Thursday of every month, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., at the South Dade Government Center (10710 SW 211 Street, Cutler Bay, FL 33189) and the HUB @ Office Logic (1501 Biscayne Blvd., Suite 501, Miami, FL 33132). SPD staff will be available to answer questions, provide resources and guidance, and support business growth!