DC Government Exceeded $917 Million Spending Goal in FY21
Washington, DC – Today, Mayor Muriel Bowser announced that in fiscal year 2021, the District spent a record $1.1 billion with Small Business Enterprises (SBEs). In December, when the Mayor released the FY22 Small Business Opportunity Guide, also known as the Green Book, the Bowser Administration announced that preliminary spending for FY21 exceeded $1 billion, exceeding the goal of the $917 million district.
“The $1 billion goal, which was once the ceiling, has now become the floor,” said Mayor Bowser. “Our work to promote equity and create generational wealth is tied to keeping dollars and opportunities in DC. Now, as we continue with FY22, we are encouraging local businesses to make sure they are aware of the Green Paper and the opportunities that exist in DC.”
In 2015, Mayor Bowser released the FY16 Small Business Opportunity Guide with an initial SBE spending goal of $317 million. SBE is a category of certification that is part of the DC Government’s Certified Business Enterprise (CBE) program that gives preference to certified businesses when bidding on District Government contracts. The Green Book helps SBEs explore procurement opportunities available at District agencies. In FY20, this valuable resource was expanded to an online platform, greenbookdc.com.
“Although it has been an extremely challenging few years, the Mayor’s commitment to our small businesses and creating fair opportunities have helped reduce the barriers that prevent small businesses and local entrepreneurs from benefiting from government contracts and procurement,” said the Deputy Mayor for Planning. and John Falcicchio Economic Development. “And the FY22 budget doubles down on keeping DC a city where people want to live, work, visit and open businesses.”
For FY21, the Administration set the initial spending goal at $917.1 million. For FY22, Mayor Bowser announced that the SBE’s initial spending goal is $1.1 billion. This ambitious and achievable spending goal is the result of an enhanced goal-setting process adopted by the Department of Small and Local Business Development (DSLBD) after a top-down analysis based on data from past practices and budgets from agencies.
“The diversity and resilience of our SBEs are one of DC’s greatest strengths. Our goal this year, and every year, is to make sure our local small businesses continue to be successful,” said Kristi Whitfield, director of the Department of Local Small Business Development. “Contracts and acquisition opportunities can be game changers for the financial health of any business.”
The District will continue to provide the resources SBEs need to sustain and expand to their fullest potential. For more information on the District’s upcoming FY23 Green Book and spending goals, visit CBEconnect.dc.gov.
Social networks:
