Contracting. It may be a boring subject, but it’s getting more and more scrutiny from the public and private sectors alike as they think about the many ways they can increase equity. Consider…
- Criticism of programs that are designed to help the State of Minnesota do business with companies owned by people of color.
- Meanwhile, the US Bank Stadium construction project has been touted as a success in contracting with companies owned by women and people of color.
- General Mills and other companies are increasing their commitments to addressing gender and racial equity in how they do business.
- Minnesota trails other states in the number of businesses owned by people of color, counter to trends elsewhere, such as the national increase in businesses owned by African Americans.
And in June, several state and local governmental entities in Minnesota embarked on the 2017 Minnesota Joint Disparity Study. The study will examine whether there is evidence of discrimination affecting minority- and women-owned firms in the marketplace (public and private).
Here at The Improve Group, we have been excited to work with MEDA on a few projects to nurture the systems that enhance equity through contracting practices. As a woman-owned company, we are also eager to see the programs that have helped us continue to expand and help more business owners be successful (e.g., Minnesota’s Targeted Group Business program).
So what are you noticing? Share your thoughts with us and let’s keep the dialogue going.