Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Chief of Staff Bill Baker, and Communications Director Molly Shea met today to receive updates on the ongoing work of the Department of Technical Assistance and Compliance (DTAC), led by Director Patrice “Chae” Swan.
Director Swan manages the strategic direction and daily operations of DTAC and the Mayor’s Small, Minority and Women Business Initiative. One of the roles of the Department is to work closely with other departments to expand the inclusion of local businesses in the City’s procurement process. DTAC also advocates for the enhancement of small local businesses in the City of Springfield and beyond throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. DTAC monitors City contracts to meet the City’s goals for City resident hiring, City construction projects as well as Minority, Women and Veteran Business Enterprises participation. In partnership with local agencies, DTAC also strives to provide small businesses with technical assistance.
Mayor Sarno states, “DTAC Director Chae Swan and I go way back to our days working together at the old South End Community Center and I am so proud of his work, along with Chief Development Officer Tim Sheehan, to establish the only State Supplier Diversity Office outside of Boston right here in the City of Springfield. This is a unique and innovative partnership and we encourage local businesses to position themselves by becoming certified and thereby expanding their potential and increasing their business opportunities within the Commonwealth, federal and private industry arenas.”
“My administration is committed to providing as much opportunity as possible for our local businesses so that they can tap into potential new contracts and work, which will create and enhance more of that good four-letter word, JOBS! Small businesses are often the heartbeat of our communities and our Springfield is home to many wonderful small businesses. The city continues to support our local businesses as they create jobs, boost our local economy and improve the overall quality of life for our neighborhoods. My administration is proud of our work with small businesses and constantly looks to expand access to resources for our businesses. During the worldwide COVID-19 pandemic we helped many of them survive and stabilize – now we want them to thrive!”
Mayor Sarno continued, “The MWBE Certification Springfield Office is the only third-party certifier in Western Massachusetts and we are extremely proud to offer this free opportunity for businesses to expand their capacities, access new markets, and gain valuable training. I commend DTAC Director Patrice “Chae” Swan for being an invaluable resource to our city and business community. Please, and again, to all our small business out there look into this opportunity and take advantage.”
Please the DTAC webpage for more information on the benefits of this certification and to apply for free to become a MWBE: https://www.springfield-ma.gov/finance/dtac
