The JTA Office of Small Business & Community Impact is committed to fostering economic growth and enhancing the quality of life within our community. Our mission is to support small businesses and community initiatives through a variety of programs and services designed to empower entrepreneurs, create jobs, and promote sustainable development.
Key Objectives:
- Support Small Businesses: Provide resources and training, to help small businesses start, grow, and thrive.
- Community Engagement: Partner with local organizations to address community needs and enhance the overall well-being of residents.
- Economic Development: Promote initiatives that stimulate economic growth, attract investment, and create employment opportunities.
- Sustainability: Encourage environmentally sustainable practices among small businesses and community projects.
Programs and Services:
- Certification Programs: Certifying businesses for Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE), Micro LSBE, and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) to enhance their opportunities for growth and participation in public and private sector projects.
- Workforce Development: Partnering with the City of Jacksonville to provide training and development opportunities.
- Grant and Loan Programs: Providing financial assistance to eligible small businesses and community projects.
- Mentorship and Networking: Connecting entrepreneurs with experienced mentors and creating networking opportunities to foster collaboration.
- Community Projects: Supporting initiatives that improve local infrastructure, public spaces, and community services, including projects with our disability community and hosting ADA community events.
Impact
Since its inception, the JTA Office of Small Business & Community Impact has successfully supported hundreds of small businesses, created numerous job opportunities, and contributed to the overall economic and social development of the community. Our commitment to sustainability and community engagement ensures that our efforts have a lasting positive impact.
Program for Contracts
The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA), as a recipient of federal financial assistance from the Federal Transit Administration (FTA) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) of the U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT), is required to implement a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Program for contracts in accordance with 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 26. JTA is committed to fostering small business participation in contracting opportunities in accordance with 49 CFR Part 26, revised as of April 2024, as may be amended.
Certification Programs:
- Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE): It is the policy of the JTA to ensure nondiscrimination on the basis of race, color, national origin, or sex in the award and performance of any U.S. DOT-assisted contracts or in the administration of its DBE Program. The intention is to create a level playing field on which DBEs can compete fairly for contracts and subcontracts relating to the District’s construction, procurement, and professional services activities.
- Small Business Enterprise (SBE): JTA has established a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Element within its DBE Program as one of its race-neutral methods of achieving small business participation, including disadvantaged business participation, on particular contracts with subcontracting opportunities. This SBE element applies to all District Contracts and Professional Service Agreements, regardless of funding source, where race-neutral and gender-neutral methods are employed.
- Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE): The JTA LSBE Program is a public contracting initiative designed to support the development and sustainability of small and very small (micro) businesses within Northeast Florida, in the following counties: Baker, Clay, Duval, Nassau, and St. Johns.
It is the policy of the JTA to ensure nondiscrimination in the award and administration of all contracts and to create a level playing field on which SBEs can compete fairly for contracts and subcontracts relating to the JTA’s construction, procurement, and professional services activities.
Link to Each Program Requirements:
Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE)
Small Business Enterprise (SBE)
Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE)
Requirements for Certification:
- The business must be for-profit.
- Qualified owner(s)’ personal net worth must be less than $2.047 million.
- Annual gross receipts must be less than $30.72 million (three-year average).
- The qualifying owner(s) must be in control of management and daily business operations.
- Qualified applicant(s) must own 51% of the business.
- The applicant must be U.S. citizen or lawfully admitted permanent residency.
- Applicant must submit a complete application with all required supporting documentation.
Application Submission:
(Note) There is no cost to apply for certification.
- Apply for certification: https://jtafla.dbesystem.com
- All new applications are subject to approval by JTA staff.
Don’t hesitate to contact JTA’s Office of Small Business & Community Impact with questions at any time at dbe1@jtafla.com or by calling us at 904-632-5298.
Community Impact
- High School Career Day:
- Event Name: Future Leaders Career Day
- Description: Engage with high school students to inspire and inform them about career opportunities in transportation, business, and community development. Provide interactive workshops, career counseling, and networking opportunities with industry professionals.
- Goals: Educate students about potential career paths, encourage interest in the transportation sector, and provide resources for career planning.
- JTAC Meeting Partnering with Our Disabled Community:
- Event Name: Accessibility and Inclusion Forum
- Description: JTAC discuss accessibility improvements, gather feedback, and share updates on JTA’s initiatives. The event will include presentations from accessibility experts and interactive sessions to address community concerns.
- Goals: Foster an inclusive environment, improve accessibility in transportation services, and strengthen relationships with the disabled community.
- Outreach at Senior Center:
- Event Name: Senior Mobility and Wellness Fair
- Description: Organize an event at a local senior center to provide information on transportation options, health and wellness resources, and community services available to seniors. Include health screenings, mobility workshops, and social activities.
- Goals: Enhance the mobility and well-being of seniors, provide valuable resources, and promote social engagement.
- Partnership with Jacksonville Housing:
- Event Name: Community Housing and Transportation Expo
- Description: Partner with Jacksonville Housing to host an expo that connects residents with housing and transportation resources. Offer workshops on affordable housing, public transportation options, and financial literacy. Include booths from local service providers and community organizations.
- Goals: Support residents in finding affordable housing and reliable transportation, promote community resources, and foster collaboration between housing and transportation sectors.