Durham County Government

Join us and City of Durham as we celebrate Durham Minority Enterprise Development Week October 14-18. The theme for 2024 is "Solidifying Your Next!" This year's theme is all about empowering business owners to navigate their journey with confidence. Whether you're an established leader or just beginning your journey, Durham MED Week offers a wealth of opportunities to network, gain insights, and advance your business.  Register now for this FREE lineup of engaging workshops, networking events, and a lunch and learn, you’ll have the chance to connect, learn, and propel your career and business to new heights.  For more information and to register for these FREE events visit: https://lnkd.in/dq_xZQMx

Yesterday, Durham County held a successful Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) Vendor Meet and Greet event providing a space for connections between over 140 HUB-certified businesses and representatives from more than 20 county departments. The event, held during Black Business Month, provided a platform for HUBs to share their expertise and offerings with department representatives, opening doors for future partnerships. The vibrant atmosphere encouraged networking among HUB businesses, promoting collaboration and growth within the local minority and women-owned business community.  The HUB Meet and Greet was coordinated by the Office of Supplier Diversity, in collaboration with Durham County Leadership Academy, the County’s internal professional development initiative. The Leadership Academy team’s focus is on building strategies to increase MWBE program participation across the county.  MWBEs in Durham, interested in obtaining HUB certification, are invited to apply for the Certify & Succeed Program, a collaborative effort of Durham County Economic Development and community partner Infinity Bridges. The program assists businesses with the HUB certification process through one-on-one appointments offering support. More information on the program can be found here: https://lnkd.in/eiWe4mfS. For additional details about yesterday's HUB Vendor Meet and Greet and upcoming events from the Office of Supplier Diversity visit: https://lnkd.in/ey7Rtzyc

Happy National Intern Day! Today, we celebrate our talented interns here at Durham County Government. Our interns are an integral part of the DCo team, working diligently across various Durham County Government departments to help staff serve our community. Thank you for choosing to spend your summer with us and for all the amazing work you do! We are proud to support the next generation of leaders and innovators! #NationalInternDay #DCo #DurhamCounty

At Wednesday’s Durham County Department of Social Services Board meeting, Shatana Rouse was awarded the inaugural DSS Employee of the Year! Rouse is a Senior Processing Unit Supervisor for the DSS Customer Information Center and has been with Durham County since 2003. Rouse said she was shocked by the award, which was recently created by DSS Director Maggie Clapp. “My reaction was … wait, employee of the year? I can honestly say it was an indescribable feeling of appreciation to be the first to receive this award. I knew that one day the hard work and dedication that I've put in over the years would not go unnoticed. THANK YOU, Maggie, for being the change for DSS and for taking the time out of your busy day to always give staff their flowers, you just don't know how much we appreciate it 🙂!” Rouse was initially hired as a processing assistant and promoted to lead worker a year later. After two additional years, she was promoted to her current supervisor position. She described her job as a connector to the agency. “Over the years, I've built relationships with staff across the agency to ensure that I stay abreast of changes in the departments so that my staff are providing accurate information to clients at point of contact,” Rouse said. “I am often the go to person for staff and I take great pride in assisting them!” Presenting the award to Rouse (center of photo) are, from left to right, Board Members Wendy Sotolongo and Jacque Beatty Smith, Rouse, Commissioner and Board Member Wendy Jacobs, and Board Member Charles Mitchell. Congratulations Shatana! Keep up your amazing work!

Durham County is excited to announce that $2.25 million has been awarded to two Durham nonprofits to provide a network of resources to support small businesses. Forward Cities, recipient of a $1.5 million award, will administer E3 (Equity for Every Entrepreneur) Durham, an emergent ecosystem of entrepreneurial support organizations that provides assessment and referral to partner organizations, strategic coordination of the service providers, monthly convening events, and supplementary services through a Learn to Earn model. Knox St. Studios, awarded $750,000, will also offer direct services to small businesses through accelerators, incubators, and counseling, while bringing awareness to the technology sector through educational programs. All services offered by both nonprofits will be provided at no cost to eligible small businesses. Read more about this announcement here: https://lnkd.in/eWNfcPUH Small businesses, entrepreneurial support organizations, and community members are invited to attend the kick-off event on July 18 to learn more about the E3 Durham program by registering here: https://lnkd.in/eKwH5z_J

Durham County Economic Development and Infinity Bridges Inc have launched a new “Certify & Succeed” program to help eligible minority- and women-owned businesses better compete for government contracts. The program offers free technical assistance and coaching for those interested in obtaining Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) and Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certifications and credentials. Eligible Durham County minority- and women- business owners are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to pursue certification. The “Certify & Succeed” program will help eligible businesses: Register for the State of North Carolina’s E-Vendor Portal; Register for Durham County’s eBid System; Submit applications to the State of North Carolina to obtain a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Certification, Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC), and/or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification; and Develop a comprehensive capabilities statement for government contracting.  One-on-one session scheduling starts now and is available through June 2025 at the Durham County Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St. Durham, NC 27701) on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane Durham, NC 27703) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are required. Register here: https://lnkd.in/d4DyPpJn For more information on the program visit: https://lnkd.in/dWnYrm74

Durham County’s life sciences manufacturing base continues to grow with yesterday's announcement that Science Corporation will invest $65M and create more than 50 new jobs. The 57,000 square foot expansion and program investment at their TW Alexander Drive location will support semiconductor manufacturing for new, cutting-edge technologies, including for a groundbreaking visual prosthesis. “On behalf of the Board of Commissioners, I am excited to announce the expansion of Science Corporation’s Foundry program right here in Durham, North Carolina,” said Durham County Board of Commissioners Chair Nida Allam. “Their life-changing work is helping to make innovative medical devices a reality. I’m also very proud of the well-paying, entry-level manufacturing jobs this project will bring. Two-thirds of the new jobs require only a two-year degree or less, and nearly 90% of the jobs require 5 years of experience or less.” Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gabB4gDT

Disability Pride Month is celebrated every July and is an opportunity to honor the history, achievements, experiences, and struggles of the disability community. By raising awareness and celebrating disability pride, we can challenge societal stigmas and promote a more inclusive and equitable environment for everyone. Join us this month in activities and events. Learn more on our website here: https://lnkd.in/erVvwxZf

The Durham County Office of Emergency Services is now accepting applications for its EMS Academy 38. If you have a passion for helping others and want to make a real difference in the community, this is your chance to start or advance your career in emergency medical services. Applications are now open for the following positions: Paramedic Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT) Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) For more information and to apply, visit the links below: EMT: https://lnkd.in/eSXKsXrS AEMT: https://lnkd.in/eKHyj4tb Paramedic: https://lnkd.in/e2_D33_A #EMS #Paramedic #AEMT #EMT #EmergencyServices #DurhamCounty #DCo 

Durham County Government proudly recognizes and celebrates Juneteenth, a significant day in American history. June 19, 1865, widely known as Juneteenth, marks the day when enslaved African Americans in Galveston, Texas, were informed that the Emancipation Proclamation had declared them free—two and a half years earlier. Today, Juneteenth is an annual commemoration of the abolition of slavery in the United States. We encourage you to visit the Durham County Office of Equitable Well-Being's website to discover ways to connect, learn, and contribute this Juneteenth. Learn more here: Juneteenth: June 19 | Durham County (dconc.gov).