Contractor shall administer both the CORE Pilot Program and the BUILD Pilot Program. The goal of the CORE program is to preemptively prevent labor violations and support fair business practices in San Diego County by providing local small (micro) businesses with expert-led administrative and bookkeeping assistance and leveraging proven tools to prevent wage theft and improve working conditions. BUILD aims to increase the number of local small businesses contracting with the County of San Diego (County) by removing barriers around bonding and insurance requirements. These programs are part of the County Office of Economic Development and Government Affairs’ (EDGA) Business Engagement & Strategic Training (BEST) Programs Initiative. This initiative is the County’s commitment to building a stronger, more inclusive economy by helping small businesses navigate government contracting, secure financial assistance, and sustain long-term success. Through BEST, EDGA is breaking down barriers, increasing equity, and ensuring that small businesses—especially those from underrepresented communities—have access to the resources needed to grow, compete, and build lasting economic prosperity. The BEST Initiative is designed to create economic opportunities, promote equity, and support small businesses at every stage—from compliance to contracting to succession planning.
