Procurement and Small Businesses: A big win for the local economy

Supporting Small BusinessesPhoenixSouthern ArizonaCentral ArizonaNorthern Arizona

Mar 19

There are several ways that local businesses can expand their customer bases, from networking to targeted marketing to tapping into influencers and beyond. The procurement process is another option with a high potential for return that is a little less understood.

Through the procurement process, smaller businesses can score contracts with larger companies and government agencies, both of which create opportunities for increased revenue that stays in Arizona. This impact on the local economy can’t be overstated.

Additionally, when supply chains are shortened for businesses engaging with local businesses, and transportation costs are reduced, a more sustainable business model emerges.

Helping Businesses Grow Through Diversifying and Localizing Supply Chains

2024 was a year of impact for Local First Arizona, for local businesses and for procurement engagement. Over the course of the year, Local First attended more than a half-dozen procurement-related events hosted by businesses such as SRP, Aviation, the City of Mesa and the Arizona Department of Transportation, among others.

“We did some amazing work spearheading our procurement and contracting efforts to increase local ownership,” said Turquoise Erby-Bell, Local First Arizona’s small business resource manager. “Local First Arizona is committed to helping businesses diversify and localize their supply chains by providing assistance with vendor registration, guidance on business certifications, and access to networking and contract opportunities.”

In addition, Local First Arizona, as part of its technical support for women and minority-owned businesses, provided training and procurement certification for about 30 locally owned enterprises.

Expanding Opportunities in the Year Ahead

Throughout the past year, Local First Arizona also helped local businesses navigate Arizona’s statewide vendor registration portals, supported them through the certification process and connected them with procurement-related events and opportunities across the state. In the year ahead, those efforts will only be expanded to include additional partnership and collaboration initiatives, as well as hosting procurement-focused workshops.

From vendor registration support to specialty certifications and procurement training, Local First Arizona is doing what it can to connect local businesses with every growth-related opportunity available, strengthening the local economy along the way.