Small businesses in San Diego could soon have an advantage when biding on city contracts. The city council will decide today whether to adopt a program designed to give smaller companies a competitive edge.
The Small Local Business Enterprise program would try to level the playing field between small San Diego companies and larger organizations that might be able to offer their services for less money. But Councilman Tony Young says giving preference to smaller, local companies would mean putting more San Diegans to work. He says he’s not worried about the program dissuading larger businesses from pursuing city contracts.
“Many of the larger businesses have done very well in the city. In fact, compared to some of the smaller businesses, maybe too well,” he says.
In a report, the council’s Independent Budget Analyst says the program may cost the city money. But the report says the cost has to be weighed against the benefits small, local businesses will get from the program. If approved the program would take effect this summer.
