Shelby County Looks to Support Local Small Businesses

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - The Shelby County Business Task Force unveiled its new public service announcement aimed at encouraging small business owners to register online for possible contracts with the Shelby County Government.

Shelby County Mayor Joe Ford said, "Right now we have about 11% local small businesses participating in county purchases. We're hoping to get that number up to 20%."

The committee assembled by Shelby County Interim Mayor Joe Ford targets businesses with less than 50 employees on staff. Businesses like Mitchell Technology Group and Shapiro Uniforms are currently among the 11 percent doing business with the county.

John Moore, President of the Regional Chamber, says small businesses play an important role in our local economy because they provide 80% of the employment in Shelby County.

"In order for our economy to grow, one of the areas of focus has to be small businesses and the opportunity for small businesses to expand and grow their revenue," said Moore.

Members of the business development task force are in agreement that deals with county government can help business owners do just that.

Tanya Bowley of Visionary Urban Development is a small business owner who also served on Mayor Ford's task force. She's hoping to land Shelby County as a client, and said that educating local small business owners on the opportunities available to them is key.

"I think everybody that has a small business really needs to take advantage. But you can't take advantage of it, if you don't know about it, right? But that's what Mayor Ford is doing, making sure the county is communicating this information," said Bowley.

If you're a local business owner and would like to register with Shelby County, visit shelbycountytn.gov .