The Fairfax County Board of Supervisors recently expanded the Fairfax County Small Business Commission (SBC) mission to aid in the development of all small businesses in our county.

The SBC was established by the Board of Supervisors 17 years ago to advise and assist the board, the county executive and county purchasing agents on matters intended to enhance the success of small, emerging and minority- and women-owned businesses in gaining access to Fairfax County contracts.

The board has expanded the SBC’s mission to include the promotion of all small businesses, not just those participating in the county purchasing sector. 

The SBC consists entirely of volunteer and uncompensated Fairfax County residents. All commissioners work in small businesses or manage their own professional practices, and can thus identify with issues affecting small businesses. The commission is supported by an official liaison from the County’s Department of Purchasing and Supply Management.

The SBC’s main focus and core mission is defined as facilitating the growth of small businesses by enabling them to connect more effectively. The SBC is a resource, a point of contact to help promote the interaction of small businesses, both with each other and with Fairfax County.

Additionally, the SBC is a source of growth opportunities and a catalyst for business development. The SBC will host a Vendor Forum on May 24, 2012, at the Fairfax County Government Center form 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Hundreds of small business owners, vendors, contractors, suppliers, and county and state agencies will participate.

The SBC advances the interests of local businesses by:
• hosting the annual Vendor’s Forum
• introducing small businesses to various procurement and engagement opportunities
• presenting workshops on issues such as networking, marketing, tax shelters, healthcare benefits, and more 

The SBC is constantly striving to develop new ways to help small businesses. Committees have been formed within the SBC to achieve this end:
• Legislative and Policy Committee
• Education and Outreach Committee
• Communications Committee
• Ombudsman Committee
• Strategic Planning Committee
• Vendor Comments Board

I encourage all small business owners to take advantage of these resources.