City Launches Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program

CINCINNATI – The City’s Department of Economic Inclusion has formally enacted the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program, effective Jan. 1, 2016.

The idea for the program originated in September with the release of the findings of the Disparity Study. The study – commissioned by the City at the request of the Mayor and City Council and performed by Mason Tillman Associates – found, among other things, a pattern of disparity related to City contracting practices and specifically recommended the adoption of both race and gender-neutral and race and gender-conscious remedies.

This prompted City Council to enact C.M.C 324, which authorized the creation of the program.

“Since the September passage, the Administration has been working to craft the procedures for how this program will operate,” wrote City Manager Harry Black in a memo to Mayor John Cranley and each member of City Council. In preparation of the Jan. 1 implementation, I have enacted the (various) program regulations, which are now complete.”

The information about regulations and registration is available on the City of Cincinnati’s website.

“I want to thank the staff from the Department of Economic Inclusion (DEl), Purchasing, Law and the City Manager’s Office who have worked so diligently to make preparations for this new program," the City Manager added.

The Department of Economic Inclusion is in the process of moving all self-identified minority and women-owned SBEs into the new Minority and Women Business Enterprise Program. So far, DEl has certified more than 90 minority businesses found through the City of Cincinnati’s Small Business database.

DEl expects an additional 25-30 businesses will be certified through the reciprocal agreement it has with the State of Ohio’s Minority Business Enterprise Program. Certification outreach will be an ongoing activity.

“With this solid basis now in place, I am optimistic we have the tools necessary to enhance competition and stem the tide of disparity in City contracting by better ensuring all segments of the population are given an opportunity to compete for public dollars,” City Manager Black said.

“I will continue to keep you apprised as we achieve other milestones associated with the program.”