Building on his Small Business Set-Aside Program, Mercer County Executive Brian M. Hughes announced that a digital directory of participating businesses is now available online on Mercer County’s website.
The Mercer County New Jersey Certified Diverse Vendor Directory will include New Jersey State certified Women Business Enterprises (WBE), Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Veteran Owned/Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses (VOB/DVOB) and Small Business Enterprises (SBE).
“The online directory is an effort to support the business enterprises of women, minorities and veterans, along with small businesses,” Mr. Hughes said.
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of our local economy, and our goal is to create and identify ways to increase business traffic to certified small businesses and encourage others to become certified. This online directory, managed by our Small Business Outreach Department, is another tool to support our business community.”
In his 2023 State of the County address, County Executive Hughes recognized Job One Lawn and Landscape, a Woman and Minority-owned small business in Ewing. Owned by Jocelyn and Stan Tucker of Ewing, Job One recently won a county contract for $75,000, and are just one of Mercer County’s set-aside success stories.
How will my business benefit?
No-cost advertising. The digital directory will be accessible to all Mercer County departments and the public, and for even greater exposure for businesses listed in the directory Mercer County will share information with municipal purchasing departments within the county. All businesses will be displayed by category and will include the business’s contact information and Capability Statement.
Hands-on help. Mercer’s Small Business Outreach pros will walk you through the process to learn how to participate in the county’s formal bidding process.
Free training. Mercer partners with the Small Business Development Center at The College of New Jersey to review business plans, and obtain funding from the UCEDC.
Please note, only current certified businesses registered with The State of New Jersey SAVI Selective Assistance Vendor Information Portal will be included.
Digital directory accessible at www.mercercounty.org
Sign me up!
- Go to this link and complete the directory form: https://www.mercercounty.org/work/mercer-county-small-business-outreach-program/small-business-designation-form and submit your information
- Please submit your Capability Statement (maximum two pages max)
- If you wish to update a current Capability Statement, please resubmit
Questions? Please contact James Chambers, Coordinator of Small Business Outreach at (609) 989-6212, jchambers@mercercounty.org.
Adopted in July 2018, the Qualified Minority-, Women-, Veteran-owned Business or Small Business Set-Aside Program reserves 10 percent of the dollar value of all the county’s goods, professional services and construction contracts to be utilized for qualified businesses. Of that 10 percent, 30 percent is allocated for qualified minority businesses; 30 percent for qualified women-owned businesses; 30 percent for qualified veteran-owned businesses; and 10 percent for small businesses. The Set-Aside Program makes it easier for qualified businesses to contract with the county, as it provides access to $70 million in procurement. An estimated $7 million worth of contracts will be available to eligible businesses as part of the new program.