The city of Tampa has launched a small business support position called the Small Business Navigator, housed by the Department of Economic Opportunity.
CT Harris now holds the position. Harris' first goal is to connect 1,000 entrepreneurs with the resources needed to establish and scale their businesses. The role seeks to help educate and connect business owners with available resources and a network in Tampa, like the Tampa Bay Wave, according to a release.
"While we have always worked hard to serve and support our small business community, and have hosted multiple events and campaigns designed to support this sector of our local economy, the new Small Business Navigator will strengthen our efforts to ensure our small businesses continue to find opportunities and success in the city of Tampa," Mayor Jane Castor said in a prepared statement.
Harris will also help qualifying businesses access certifications, like a small business or minority-owned business certification. That will also allow them to bid on specific contracts with the city of Tampa. The city said in a release this will ensure supplier diversity and promote opportunities for these business owners.
Harris has been meeting with entrepreneurs and will now get started officially. Descarte Valnor, a small business owner in Tampa, attended and spoke at the announcement conference about his recently awarded janitorial service contract for the City Center at Hanna Avenue, according to a release.
