We assist organizations of any size that are committed to high-quality teaching and training, to register and become licensed, as educational institutions.  These registrations result in certification with the Florida Commission for Independent Education in Tallahassee, and often qualify the organizations concerned for various state or federal funding packages.

Our clients are typically too busy, understaffed, or too “red-tape averse”, to manage this kind of project of completing application forms, and bundles of documentation required by the Department of Education. They may have started, only to find that their process has stalled, and they cannot meet the time constraints required to fill the application.

They therefore ask us to assist and to implement all stages of the process. Sometimes we do this until the license is granted. Sometimes our clients ask us to continue to support their project beyond registration, to the granting of licenses and finalization of funding.

If this is a problem that your organization is encountering, please call us as 813-598-9180, or email details to hilton[@]hiltonrossmunro.com

If you want to do business with State or Government entities, you want to register as a minority or woman-owned business with the State (e.g. of Florida).

If you want to do business with private companies, you want to register with the organizations that certify your business status with private enterprise. You will therefore want to certify your company with an organization like the Florida Minority Supplier Development Council or the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council.

How do you, as a new business owner, make your way through a stream of spam, advertising all types of certifications and “sure thing routes to riches”… if you pay up!

1) Understand what you do, and your value proposition. Why would anyone want your product and/or service? Read more »

1. Take credit cards when dealing with any government agency. If you have not checked the box that says “we take purchase cards” or “we take credit cards” you are automatically disqualified from many searches.

If you have any registrations that might not have this information, make a list and go back and adjust them. Sometimes it is a hassle to get back into your CCR or other registrations, but it has to be done. If you have forgotten your password, follow the on-line procedure until you get it, or call the 1-800 number for help. But do it!

2.Don’t be bullied into paying anything for a DUNS number. You need it, and you are legally entitled to it for free.

You live in a world where everyone will take your money if they can. A DUNS number is free. You are not at any disadvantage if you do not pay Dun and Bradstreet money. D&B  will try to hard-sell or persuade you that one of their packages is right for you… this is okay. It is the rightful job of sales people. You and your sales people want customers to spend money with your company too. Read more »

Few people understand how hard it is for purchasing and supply chain people to meet enough vendors. They “shop for a living” but it’s not that easy to meet their objectives of getting the best and most innovative deals for their companies, and to build a strong base of reliable, high-quality and diverse suppliers.

Many of us have to sell our business products and services, and it sounds much easier to have the power to authorize purchases. However, purchasing people usually work within tight regulations and under management scrutiny. It is also much harder than it sounds find and develop suppliers to build a fair, transparent, competitive process. Read more »

The International Business Summit is an event that is in its fourth year.  It is not really a single event – it actually runs year round – but it is based on two concepts:

1) Differentness is an economic resource, once people learn how to leverage it.

Our local economy can benefit from the many valuable opportunities that lie in our diverse community. IBS provides an on-going networking and a face-to-face forum for strengthening understanding between different demographics. This can fast-track entrepreneurship, build collaboration, facilitate innovation and consolidate trust. It is a way in which smaller businesses meet each other, and connect with larger companies.  IBS offers a route by which larger companies can to build strong, local and diverse vendor bases, and discover many previously-hidden economic resources, talented people, customers and business partners in their community.

2) Bi-national communities are an economic resource in a global world.

Business people with international needs or business initiatives can benefit from IBS’ connections to new business ideas and prospects. The nine bi-national Chambers and Trade Associations find business support and mentorship for local partners, and are deeply connected to sources of cultural, training and economic resources.

The route to the “flat world” of the 21st Century begins with our own neighbors, who have the knowledge and ability to guide, support or promote our region, as we become employers, employees, suppliers, customers, outsource resources or other types of partners in the worldwide business community. Read more »

Registered small, women and minority owned businesses should consider opportunities with the Hillsborough Area Regional Transit Authority. Their Diversity Advocate, Janice Cook, is deeply committed to her mission, and very effective and responsive. (This is not always the case with diversity advocates, so remember to appreciate the excellent people in this field!)

HART’s process for working with small business is good.

Projected work for the upcoming period includes:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Background Checks
• Marketing, Advertising and Public Relations Services (create and produce)
• General Construction Services for Transit Infrastructure and Park and Ride
• DOT Physical – drug screening
• Ybor bay 5 door modification Read more »

The Florida Minority Supplier Development Council  (www.fmsdc.org) serves the North, West, Central and Space Coast regions of Florida.

This organization registers minority owned businesses, and also works with large corporations to establish supplier diversity programs that save them significant costs all along their value chain.

Hilton Ross-Munro helps businesses to register with FMSDC if they do not have the time or skilled (wo)manpower to do the paperwork. Read more »