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Board helps veteran-owned and micro-businesses
LOS ANGELES (Oct. 6, 2020) – The Board of Education approved a resolution today to provide micro-businesses and veteran-owned small businesses greater opportunity to compete for contracts and to provide goods or services to Los Angeles Unified.
Recommended by the Small Business Advisory committee to increase the pool of small businesses that want to contract with Los Angeles Unified, the resolution expands the slight bid preference for disabled veteran businesses to all veterans. A similar bid preference would be established for micro-businesses with fewer than five employees including the owner and annual assets valued at less than $250,000. Participation goals are also set.
“Now, micro-businesses and those owned by veterans will have a greater opportunity to do business with Los Angeles Unified,” Board Member Dr. George J. McKenna, III, said. “More competitive, these businesses will create more jobs, and pour more money back into our communities.”
“Supporting small business will bring growth and provide job opportunities to the communities we serve,” Superintendent Austin Beutner said.
Board Member Dr. McKenna sponsored this resolution, which was co-sponsored by the remaining board members.
“Getting everyone in the room makes a difference,” Board Member Mónica García said. “Los Angeles Unified has done better in being inclusive; this is a step toward that. Los Angeles Unified must continue to invest in all communities and small business opportunities.
“Supporting the Small Business Advisory Council and the Micro-Business Program can only help maximize the number of qualified contractors that bid for projects, provide better employment opportunities for all veterans and allow the District the ability to complete school construction and modernization projects on time,” Board Member Scott M. Schmerelson said. “It is a win-win for the District. We will continue to support economic growth as we modernize and provide the best school facilities for our students.”
“Our local businesses not only help stimulate our economy, but they also provide employment opportunities in our communities,” Board Member Nick Melvoin said. “We are proud to support their resilience by maximizing partnerships with small businesses, micro-businesses, and veteran-owned businesses for our construction, commodities, goods, and other District needs.”
“With our $7 billion budget, Los Angeles Unified has the power to use our purchasing for good,” Board Member Kelly Gonez said. “I’m proud to cosponsor this resolution to support microbusinesses and veteran businesses and work in partnerships with them on behalf of our students and families.”
Chief Facilities Executive Mark Hovatter said: “Today’s Board resolution reaffirms our commitment to small businesses by setting a new standard; pioneering a new Micro Business Enterprise and Veterans Business Enterprise program, and solidifying our partnership with our Small Business Advisory Council.”
William Osgood agreed. “As chair of the Los Angeles Unified Small Business Advisory Council, I welcome and appreciate the Board’s formal acknowledgment of the Small Business Advisory Council.”
Osgood added, “We look forward to continuing to assist the District in implementing its expanded vision for the small and veteran business community by working closely with the Facilities Services Division and the Procurement Service Division.”