Business Opportunities

The Community Venues project provides Orlando with a historic chance to connect residents with jobs and local businesses with contracts to build these Venues.  

The City of Orlando has committed to a Blueprint that will serve as a framework and model for inclusiveness and community building throughout the various levels of contracting.  Special emphasis will be made to ensure that maximum opportunities are afforded to local, small and disadvantaged businesses, as well as minorities and women, in the areas of job creation and training, business development and the procurement of goods, professional and construction services in association with the construction of the new Venues.

For Amway Center business opportunities visit: www.orlandoeventscenter.com

For Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts Center business opportunities visit: www.drphillipscenter.org

For Florida Citrus Bowl business opportunities visit: http://www.cityoforlando.net/venues

 

Frequently Asked Questions

Q:        How do I find out about Venues related employment and job training?

A:        Job seekers should Visit the Community Venues BLUEPRINT Employment Office at 1200 West South Street, Orlando (office hours 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday). The office can also be reached by calling 407.246-3721.

Q:        How can my business get information regarding potential contracting opportunities that will be available as part of the CV projects?

A:        Each Venue Partner will post information regarding meetings and contracting opportunities on their individual websites as well as notices on the City of Orlando’s website. For additional details regarding business opportunities and contracting, please visit: www.AmwayCenter.com; www.drphillipscenter.org; and www.Cityoforlando.net/venues for additional information as it becomes available.

 Q:        How is the City helping to ensure the participation of local, small and MWBE businesses?

A:        The City has developed a comprehensive plan with specific strategies designed to provide information, remove barriers and assist in timely information that each Venue Partner has agreed to.  A copy of the “Blueprint for Using Community Venues to Create a Sustainable Economic Impact” and other related materials may be accessed at: www.cityoforlando.net/venues

Q:        What are the procurement timelines for the Event Center, Performing Arts Center and the Citrus Bowl?

A:        Venue related procurement will be driven by each of the individual Venue Partners.  Please refer to the “Project Schedule” section of this FAQ for information.

Q:        What do I need to do to make sure that my business is considered when they start selecting sub-contractors?  

A:        Each Venue partner is responsible for the construction timing of their respective Venues.  It is anticipated that the first opportunity for construction subcontractors will be for the Amway Center, please visit the Orlando Magic’s website at: www.orlandoeventscenter.com, Information regarding the Performing Arts Center’s can obtained from their website located at: www.drphillipscenter.org.

 

M/WBE Certification

Q:        How do I become certified with the City of Orlando? How long does the process take and do I need to wait for my certification to compete for venue work?

A:        Certification with the City of Orlando typically takes 4 to 6 weeks, so if you are not currently certified, please apply as soon as possible.  You may go to: www.cityoforlando.net/admin/mbe/index.html to review the City’s requirements and for a copy of the certification applications.  Please note that you are not precluded from bidding on a venue project as an MBE while you are undergoing certification review.   If for some reason you are not recommended for certification, the Venue project manager may still use your firm but it will not receive credit for MBE participation by your firm.

 Q:        I was previously certified as an MWBE but my certification has expired, do I need to go through the process for recertification?

A:        Yes.

Q:        I have my M/WBE certification from Orange County.  Do I need to go through the City’s M/WBE certification process as well?

A:        The City will grant provisional certification to all currently certified Orange County firms, provided they have not been previously denied by the City or any other certifying agency. Please contact the City of Orlando’s M/WBE department to see if your firm qualifies for this status.

Frequently Asked Questions

 

What do you mean by “community venues”?

A venue is a place where people gather to learn, be entertained and make memories. It’s more than a building … it’s the area surrounding the building that makes it part of a neighborhood. Every city has public facilities. First-class cities go one step further with venues that build community pride and help define the region. While Orlando has world renowned visitor attractions, we are one of the only cities in the southeast that has not invested in modern, competitive arts, entertainment and sports venues. To catch up with other regions we need a new arena/events center, performing arts center and renovated Citrus Bowl.

 

Why are these projects important to me?

While people have different interests and needs, these venues would benefit residents across the entire Metro Orlando region.

Stronger Community – Revitalizing neighborhoods like Parramore is a primary objective for the City of Orlando. From designing buildings that compliment the surrounding areas, to encouraging new retail growth, to connecting neighborhoods … these venues are the biggest opportunity in decades to push that process forward.

Educational opportunities for our Children – Most people remember field trips or cultural experiences from their schooldays. A new performing arts center would give kids new experiences they would carry with them for a lifetime.

A Better Quality of Life – Life is about more than work, it’s about experiencing new things and meeting new people. These Venues would offer residents new places to come together and enjoy events currently bypassing Orlando such as U2 and Rolling Stones concerts and popular Broadway productions.

A Stronger Local Economy – Getting a bite to eat after a concert or shopping before the start of a play … these Venues would draw new customers to Orlando businesses. Also, a better quality of life can help “seal the deal” with corporations looking to relocate their offices and these venues would provide the local tourism industry with new experiences to market to visitors.

 

How are the transportation needs for the new Venues being addressed?

Ensuring convenient access to parking while meeting the transportation needs to and from the new Community Venues is a top priority of the City and each Venue partner.  Our goal has been to create a seamless system that incorporates multiple options and choices, an improved road network, a pedestrian-friendly culture, parking that is easy to access, and mass transit options. Through the development of a Community Venues Master Plan, the City has planned for more than double the current parking availability for both the events center and performing arts center.