Maribel Feliciano, Director, Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development (OESBD)

May 2026 — Invest: spoke with Maribel Feliciano, director of the Broward County Office of Economic and Small Business Development, about Broward County’s small-business economy, the county’s procurement and workforce strategies, and the partnerships helping businesses access capital, contracts, and long-term growth. “Access to information is key because there are so many opportunities that will allow businesses to grow and expand beyond Broward County,” Feliciano said.

What is shaping the economic climate in Broward County, and what trends are driving business growth and investment across the region?

Broward County continues to show strong economic momentum. The county now has more than 2 million residents and over 81,000 employers, and it remains a small-business-driven economy. More than 89% of Broward businesses have 20 employees or fewer, so small businesses are central to the county’s growth and resilience.

That is why Broward County, through the Office of Economic and Small Business Development with the direction of the Broward County Commission, continues to build programs and services that support local entrepreneurs and help them grow. When small businesses are strong, they create jobs, expand local investment, and reinforce the broader economy.

What role does your office play in supporting growth?

The Office promotes regional economic growth by facilitating business recruitment, retention, and expansion, particularly through small business certification, technical assistance, and international trade initiatives. OESBD enhances the local economy by creating jobs, diversifying industrial mixes, and expanding the tax base through targeted incentives and procurement opportunities. Our office implements the Broward County Business Opportunity Act, which helps ensure local businesses can participate in county purchasing and procurement. Broward County agencies, including the Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, Port Everglades, Visit Lauderdale, the Convention Center, libraries, parks, and many other facilities, purchase goods, materials, and services every year.

We want to make sure Broward companies have access to those contracting opportunities. Supporting local businesses through procurement has a direct economic impact because those businesses grow, hire locally, and keep more dollars circulating in the community.

How are small businesses contributing to Broward County’s economy, and what challenges are they facing today?

Small businesses are contributing in a meaningful way by actively participating in government contracting, not only with Broward County but also with municipalities, Broward County Public Schools, hospitals, universities, and private-sector partners. They are providing essential goods and services across the local economy and helping sustain the county’s business ecosystem.

At the same time, the biggest challenge we continue to hear about is access to capital. Through listening sessions with the business community, that issue consistently comes up as a top priority. In response, Broward County has implemented a small-business micro-grant program for the past three years to address that need directly. Additionally, we work with the Small Business Administration and other partners to help educate businesses about funding opportunities available.

The other challenge is not only access to contracting opportunities, but their ability to win contracts. Businesses want to understand what opportunities are available and how to prepare for them. Our office works to share that information proactively. Each October, Broward County holds a workshop focused on upcoming contracting opportunities for the following year so businesses can prepare, build teams, and position themselves to compete. The office hosts events year-round about projects with small business participation goals and how to successfully bid on contracts. 

How is Broward County attracting new industries while also helping existing businesses expand?

Broward County works closely with the Greater Fort Lauderdale Alliance as its economic development partner to attract companies in key target sectors. Those include life sciences, technology and IT, aviation, marine industries, headquarters operations, and finance-related sectors. The goal is to bring in businesses that align with the county’s long-term strengths and create high paying quality jobs.

Our office supports existing businesses by connecting them to resources, workshops, capacity-building programs, certification assistance, and technical support. Some businesses need direct training, while others need referrals to mentors, funding assistance, or specialized service organizations. We want to help them navigate the challenges that come with scaling.

How are workforce development efforts helping connect residents to new opportunities?

We work closely with CareerSource Broward, Broward County Public Schools, universities, and other educational providers to align workforce development with the needs of growing industries. As Broward attracts businesses, it is essential that the county also strengthens its talent pipeline so companies can find the skilled workers they need locally.

That coordination is especially important in sectors such as healthcare, construction, technology, and aviation. These are all industries with strong growth potential in Broward, and each requires sustained investment in training and recruitment. The goal is to ensure students and workers are prepared with the certifications, credentials, and exposure needed to move into those careers.

CareerSource Broward also plays an important role in both business attraction and talent development. It can support eligible companies with training reimbursement and other workforce programs, while also helping students explore career options through interactive events and industry exposure. That early engagement is critical to helping the next generation make informed decisions about their future and secure jobs right here at home.

How are partnerships with cities, schools, chambers, and other organizations strengthening Broward’s economic development strategy?

Those partnerships are essential. Broward County works closely with its 31 municipalities, 19 chambers of commerce, and a broad network of entrepreneur and small-business resource organizations. Together, those groups help make sure businesses have access to the information, tools, and support they need to succeed.

Our office is active across the county on a weekly basis, meeting businesses where they are, sharing information about certification and procurement, and connecting them to programs such as the Broward Mobility Advancement Program. That initiative directs millions of dollars annually toward transportation projects and includes goals for local Broward business participation.

Broward also benefits from a strong entrepreneurial ecosystem. Organizations regularly refer businesses to one another depending on what kind of support is needed, whether that is training, capital access, mentorship, or technical guidance. That level of coordination makes the county’s support network more effective.

What other initiatives are helping broaden economic opportunity in Broward County?

One important area is the creative economy. The Film Commission is part of our office, and Broward County continues to attract film productions from around the world for movies, television series, and commercials. The county handles permitting and offers incentives, but those incentives are tied to local impact.

We want productions not only to come to Broward, but also to invest in Broward. That means using local businesses and hiring local crew members. When companies do that, they can qualify for funding support through the county’s incentive programs. It is another example of economic development being structured to support our local communities.

How are tools such as the business management system improving access and accountability for small businesses?

The business management system supports the office’s core functions. It helps businesses pursue local certifications, such as the Small Business Enterprise and County Business Enterprise programs, as well as federal certifications, such as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and Airport Concessions Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (ACDBE).

But certification is only the first step. Once businesses begin competing for and winning contracts, the system also helps monitor payments and compliance. If a project includes a small business participation goal, the system helps track whether those firms are being used and whether they are being paid on time. That accountability matters. One of the most important responsibilities our office has is making sure businesses gain access to opportunities and are paid in a timely manner once they perform the work.

Looking ahead, where do you see the greatest opportunities for continued growth and small-business development in Broward County?

Federal, state, international, and local dynamics are all changing, and with that comes both uncertainty and opportunity. Our role is to help businesses understand what those changes mean and how they can respond strategically.

That includes helping companies explore international trade opportunities, export support, and economic development incentives that can reduce operating costs for eligible firms. Access to information is key because there are so many opportunities that will allow businesses to grow and expand beyond Broward County. As the economy changes, our office will continue focusing on connecting businesses to the latest resources, incentives, and programs so they can keep moving forward successfully.

Is there anything else you would like the business community to understand about Broward County’s approach?

Broward County is committed to making sure local businesses are part of the county’s growth. At least 25% of the county’s eligible purchases are intended to go to local businesses, and the county continues to exceed that goal year after year. That reflects a clear commitment from the County Commission to support the local business community.

The message to businesses is simple: connect to the resources that are available. Broward County offers workshops, conferences, technical assistance, and access to opportunities throughout the year. Businesses that engage with those resources are better positioned to grow, compete, and expand.