NEW ORLEANS — The City of New Orleans is excited to announce the Citywide Set-Aside Opportunities Tour: Touring the Districts, an initiative designed to engage and inform the small business community about the newly established Set-Aside Program. These meetings will provide critical details on the program and how local businesses can take advantage of new City contracting opportunities.
The City will host 1-2 meetings in each district, ensuring that all interested businesses have a chance to attend. Participants can join in-person or virtually via Zoom. Meetings will take place on the following dates:
District E:
Location: N.O. East Public Library (5641 Read Blvd)
Date: Tuesday, Feb. 25
Time: 12 p.m.
District C:
Location: Algiers Public Library (3014 Holiday Dr.)
Date: Saturday, Mar.8
Time: 11:30 a.m.
District B:
Location: RTA Business Center (2817 Canal St)
Date: Monday, Mar.10
Time: 5 p.m.
District D:
Location: Dillard University – George’s Aud. (2601 Gentilly Blvd)
Date: Wednesday, Mar.12
Time: 5 p.m.
District C:
Location: NORD Treme Center (900 N. Villere St)
Date: Monday, Mar.17.
Time: 3 p.m.
District A:
Location: Robert E. Smith Library (6301 Canal Blvd)
Date: Thursday, Mar. 20
Time: 5 p.m.
District E:
Location: NORD Desire Center (3250 Industry St)
Date: Tuesday, Mar.25.
Time: 3 p.m.
Virtual:
ALL of the above sessions will also have a virtual attendance option at that date and time.
Guests can participate in virtual meetings via zoom by visiting this link.
The Set-Aside Program allows the City of New Orleans to allocate up to 25% of its contracts for goods, services, and construction work to socially and economically disadvantaged business enterprises (DBEs). This initiative provides certified DBEs with exclusive opportunities to compete for designated contracts, ensuring they are not competing against larger prime contractors.
The goal of the Set-Aside Program is to foster long-term economic growth for small businesses in New Orleans. By leveling the playing field, the City aims to support local businesses and drive sustainable economic impact throughout the community.
To participate in the Set-Aside Program, businesses must be certified DBEs and register through the City’s supplier portal, BRASS. This portal allows vendors to receive solicitations, upload invoices, set up direct deposit, and track payments.
Small businesses are encouraged to attend an upcoming meeting to learn more about how they can benefit from the Set-Aside Program. This is a unique opportunity to gain insight into City contracting processes and secure new opportunities for business growth.
Additional Information and Resources
Set-Aside Program Website: Learn More
SLDBE Certification Information: Apply Here
BRASS Supplier Portal Registration: Register Now
Doing Business with the City: More Information
For more information about the Set-Aside Program, including eligibility requirements and application details, please visit https://nola.gov.
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