How a California port boosted local small businesses

Last year, a major California port handed out over $54 million in work to small companies, marking a big jump in local business support. More than 44 cents of every dollar spent on certain contracts went to small or very small firms, beating the goal set three years ago. The effort included over 40 meetings and events where port workers explained how local businesses could get involved.Most ports and city agencies in the state aim to give small businesses about one-fourth of their contract money. This port did better than most, reaching nearly twice that target. Officials say the program has grown steadily since it started in 2004, and this year’s spending ranks among the program’s top results. The push to help smaller companies isn’t just about handing out money. It’s also about connecting business owners with the tools they need to compete. Some worry that big companies still find ways to sneak into these programs by teaming up with smaller ones. But so far, the port says the system is working, even if a few questions remain about fairness and long-term growth.