Miami-Dade Expands Vendor Office Hours Across County

Strategic Procurement Department launches new Vendor Academy Access Point program to support local entrepreneurs.

Published on Feb. 18, 2026

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Miami-Dade County's Strategic Procurement Department (SPD) is expanding its Vendor Academy services by offering in-person monthly office hours at multiple locations throughout the county, including the South Dade Government Center and an incubator-based office at The HUB @ Office Logic. The new Vendor Academy Access Point program is designed to bring resources, guidance, and opportunities directly to small businesses and entrepreneurs across Miami-Dade.

Why it matters

This initiative aligns with Miami-Dade's focus on supporting small and local business growth, which has recently led to the county being recognized as the #1 county in the U.S. for small and local business growth. The expanded Vendor Academy Access Point program aims to further strengthen the local business ecosystem by providing direct support and resources to entrepreneurs and vendors.

The details

The Vendor Academy Access Point offers one-on-one support related to county procurement, vendor registration, certification, compliance, and navigating contracting opportunities. The program will operate monthly office hours at the South Dade Government Center and The HUB @ Office Logic incubator, with plans to expand to the West Dade Government Center in the future. The initiative is made possible through partnerships with local economic development organizations and will provide startups and small businesses with essential resources like office space, mentorship, and business training.

  • The Vendor Academy Access Point program will launch in 2026.
  • The office hours will be held on the last Thursday of every month from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The players

Miami-Dade County Strategic Procurement Department (SPD)

The county department responsible for overseeing procurement and contracting, and the organization behind the new Vendor Academy Access Point program.

Daniella Levine Cava

The mayor of Miami-Dade County, whose vision of creating a local economy that works for all residents aligns with this initiative.

Carladenise Edwards

The chief administrative officer of Miami-Dade County, who is helping to prioritize professional service, transparency, and accountability in county contracting.

Namita Uppal

The director and chief procurement officer of the Miami-Dade County Strategic Procurement Department.

The HUB @ Office Logic

An incubator that will host one of the Vendor Academy Access Point office locations, providing startups and small businesses with essential resources.

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What’s next

The Strategic Procurement Department plans to further expand the Vendor Academy Access Point program to the West Dade Government Center once it becomes operational, to create greater access for entrepreneurs across the county.

The takeaway

Miami-Dade County's expanded Vendor Academy Access Point program demonstrates its commitment to supporting small and local businesses, providing entrepreneurs with direct access to resources, guidance, and contracting opportunities to help grow the local economy.