To bolster local enterprises and build a robust economic environment, the Arlington Economic Development Corporation (EDC) has unfurled a new lifeline for small businesses within its jurisdiction. The decision to initiate the Arlington Business Certification (ABC) Program aims to empower business owners with industry-recognized certifications to rail their growth trajectory and secure a mix of governmental and private sector contracts, according to the City of Arlington.
The assistant executive director of Arlington EDC, Kay Brown-Patrick, conveyed the ABC Program's primary objective, stating, per the City of Arlington, "By participating in this program, businesses add a credential and enhance their qualifications to be better positioned to secure contracts as approved vendors or suppliers for the entities such as the City of Arlington, other municipalities, counties, independent school districts and private entities that recognize these certifications." The program also has its sights set on defraying costs by offering reimbursements for certification fees up to $650, an attraction for small businesses watching their bottom lines while seeking to scale up.
Entities affiliated with the program range from the Small Business Administration to several local and regional certification agencies, each providing a suite of services tailored to various aspects of small business ownership, including Veteran Small Business certifications, Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certifications, and Women-owned Business (WBE) certifications. Business proprietors in Arlington can consider this an opportunity to navigate through an array of certifications that resonate with their business pursuits and potential markets.
In light of the invaluable contributions of small businesses to the local economy, Brown-Patrick noted, as cited by the City of Arlington, "Small businesses are an important part of our business climate here in Arlington, and we’re excited to offer another support system to help them thrive," underscoring the broader economic implications the ABC Program stands to wield, how it will foster deeper engagement across the business community, which looks forward to the kickoff event on June 12, further details on which can be perused through the ArlingtonTxEDC.com website's Business Resources section.
