Port of Long Beach officials on Wednesday announced plans to spend a larger percentage of their contracting dollars on goods and services provided by small business.

The new plan calls for the port’s small business participation rate to increase from 25 percent to 27 percent of port contracts. The changes are to go into effect when the port’s next fiscal year begins Oct. 1.

The port’s policy of ensuring small and very small businesses get a slice of harbor contracts has been in existence since 2004. The policy applies to construction, consulting and procurement contracts and port officials are required to verify efforts by large businesses to hire qualified smaller companies as subcontractors.

“These smaller companies can increase competition for port contracts and also offer opportunities to nurture a more diverse business community in Long Beach and the Southern California region” Harbor Commission Vice President Rich Dines said in a statement announcing the goal.

Port officials report nearly $300 million, or some 30 percent of contracting money, has been paid to small and very small businesses over the past 10 years.