Small businesses owned by women, people of color, people with disabilities and veterans are invited to learn how to do business with the state as certified contractors.
That’s why the Department of Administration’s Office of Equity in Procurement is scheduling an workshop for them on December 6 in North Minneapolis. The free program is part of a state initiative that aims to reduce disparities and empower small diverse businesses in state contracting.
“There are huge opportunities to work with state government,” said Igbal Mohammed, manager of the Office of Equity in Procurement. “We have a responsibility to make sure contractors represent the state of Minnesota. We want to know that our vendors represent the people.”
The upcoming half-day event is called Emerge! Elevate! Excel! That name is meant to encourage small business owners across the continuum, from those just getting started to seasoned certified businesses.
“We offer resources to support them in their business journey,” said Mohammed. “Some are just starting out and want to put their foot in the door and build their profile with the state. Some have been successful submitting bids and are ready to take the leap to the next level. The last group are businesses that have been in the game for a while; we can help them elevate to be an even bigger vendor.”
The event will offer peer-based panels featuring small businesses that have been successful in navigating the state contractor system as well as experts from business groups and the state who can assist the entrepreneurs. The day will also include time for networking among businesses.
Experts from the Office of Equity in Procurement will also address recent legislative changes that enhance opportunities for small businesses in state contracting.
“The state now has the ability to negotiate directly with certified vendors up to $100,00; previously it was up to $25,000,” explained Mohammed.
Placing the free procurement workshop in the North Minneapolis community, at the University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC) at 2001 Plymouth Avenue North, was an intentional decision.
“We want to put a face on ‘the state.’ It’s a challenge to for them travel to our office so we want to come to them,” said Tammy Gaglioti, a vendor specialist in the Office of Equity in Procurement. “This is a way to bring resources to a part of Minneapolis that is underserved.”
Emerge! Elevate! Excel!
Wednesday, December 6, 2023
9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
University of Minnesota Urban Research and Outreach-Engagement Center (UROC)2001 Plymouth Avenue North, Minneapolis
