The State of New York offers a wide array of programs to help women and minority owned business owners who wish to procure contracts with the state. Unfortunately for most start-ups, many of these programs are reserved for businesses that have a proven record of success — newly formed businesses or entrepreneurs typically don’t quality. […]

The U.S. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has issued a call for proposals for projects that will have a positive impact on minority-owned businesses and the communities they serve. The Broad Agency Announcement issued June 12, 2018, promises up to $11.65 million in grant funding for projects across the United States.   The BAA is […]

The U.S. Department of Transportation offers a number of programs to help disadvantaged business enterprises grow and thrive. Among them are programs for minority and women owned businesses, as well as businesses owned by the disabled and veterans. Additionally, since 2010 the DOT has maintained a Women and Girls Initiative that supports internships and educational […]

As with any government program, state programs for disadvantaged business enterprises, or DBEs, are vulnerable to fraud and abuse. What’s more, even ethical, law-abiding contractors can get caught in the crosshairs of state, local and federal enforcement agencies if they fail to adhere to DBE law. To protect yourself from inadvertently becoming involved in fraudulent […]

Most states in the U.S. have a program in place that certifies minority, women and veteran-owned business enterprises. However, these programs differ widely in how they are designed. For example, in some states the certification process can be completed in as little as 10 days. In others, it may take up to three months. States […]