JTA Shark Tank Competition Helps Businesses Dive into JTA Contracting Opportunities

Target Audience: The Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA) organized the Regional Capital Infrastructure Summit (RCIS) Shark Tank pitch competition to encourage local and small businesses in the Northeast Florida region to participate in the inaugural event. The competition aimed to educate businesses about the process of doing business with JTA, the contract opportunities available, and the chance to compete in a fun, pitch-style competition. The winners of the competition were awarded on-site contracts with JTA.

Strategy Objective:The Shark Tank pitch competition was a unique way to encourage small and local businesses to attend the inaugural Regional Capital Infrastructure Summit hosted by the Jacksonville Transportation Authority (JTA). The competition aimed to educate attendees about the opportunities and upcoming projects planned under the MOVE2027 program. By showcasing JTA's commitment to a level playing field for contract awards, the Shark Tank pitch competition demonstrated to small and local business owners that JTA is serious about ensuring they get a piece of the pie. The competition awarded three winning businesses with on-the-spot contracts, highlighting JTA's dedication to supporting small businesses.

Situation Challenge: The Jacksonville City Council unanimously passed a 10-year extension to the Local Option Gas Tax (LOGT), which will fund nearly $1 billion in public infrastructure investments. As part of the MOVE 2027 program, JTA is planning future construction and capital projects and is committed to ensuring that all small and local businesses in Northeast Florida have the awareness and opportunity to compete for the lucrative contracting jobs that will become available. To achieve this goal, the Authority organized an inaugural Regional Capital Infrastructure Summit. Small and local business participants got the chance to network with prime contractors and pitch their ideas in a shark tank competition to win an on-the-spot contract with JTA.

Results Impact: Following the Regional Capital Infrastructure Summit Shark Tank Pitch competition, the JTA awarded contracts on-the-spot to three certified Local Small Business Enterprise (LSBE) firms. Additionally, 40 firms signed up to do business with JTA. The event was a huge success, drawing over 300 attendees from across the United States and Canada. The JTA received positive feedback and is considering holding the event annually.

Why Submit: The JTA deserves the AdWheel prize for their Regional Capital Summit Shark Tank pitch competition. This competition was a unique way to encourage small and local businesses to learn about JTA contracting opportunities and processes. It provided a strong statement to small businesses that JTA is committed to ensuring they get a share of the $1 billion approved by the Jacksonville City Council Local Option Gas Tax for improvement projects. By awarding three LSBE businesses on-the spot contracts, JTA sent a clear message of their dedication to collaborate with small and local businesses.