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Minority Business Development Newsletter - May 2009

Welcome from Aggo Akyea, Bureau Director

Welcome to this edition of our E-newsletter as we celebrate the achievements of minority business vendors, state agencies and purchasing officers who made it possible for the state to achieve its 5 percent minority purchasing goal the first time in 25 years. We take this opportunity to bring you some statutory background of the program.

Five Percent Minority Business Purchasing Goal §16.75(3m)(b), Wis. Stats., provides that executive, legislative and judicial agencies of State government "shall attempt to ensure that 5% of the total amount expended under this subchapter in each fiscal year is paid to minority businesses." Statutes define the term "minority business" as a "business certified by the Department of Commerce under s. 560.036 (2)." The Department of Administration (DOA) monitors this State goal through the office of the State Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program.

The five percent expenditure goal applies to all State purchases with the exception of Department of Transportation (WisDOT) Federal Surface Transportation Assistance Act funds and Department of Natural Resources Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) funds.

Five Percent Minority Business Price Preference §16.75(3m)(b), Wis. Stats., also provides that agencies "may purchase materials, supplies, equipment and contractual services from any minority business submitting a qualified responsible competitive bid that is no more than 5% higher than the apparent low bid or competitive proposal that is no more than 5% higher than the most advantageous offer." The statute further provides that agencies "shall maximize the use of minority businesses which are incorporated under Chapter 180 or which have their principal place of business in this state." The permissive five percent low-bid preference is applicable to all State purchases except printing and stationery.

MBE Certification The Department of Commerce certifies minority businesses through a process governed by §560.036 (2), Wis. Stats., and Comm 105. The process includes an application submitted by the minority business and an investigation to ensure compliance with the statute and administrative code. Of an estimated 18,000 Wisconsin minority-owned businesses 1,307 were certified MBEs (plus 289 domiciled outside of Wisconsin).

Our newsletter is designed to inform you about many subjects and topics you may not be aware of. It is your newsletter so any feedback or comments would be most welcome!

Any feedback on conferences attended, items of interest, publications that you have found useful or problems that you may have encountered are most welcome. Please forward them directly to comMBD@wisconsin.gov.

Governor Doyle Announces State Surpasses Goal to Do Business with Minority Firms for First Time

Marketplace 2009 Governor's Conference on Minority Business Development

Marketplace 2009 will be held on Wednesday, September 16 in Pewaukee. Keep the date open. We will provide more details soon. Visit the Marketplace website for the conference flyer and information about last year's conference.

Will the Stimulus Package Stimulate Minority Businesses? I don't know but it can stimulate some.

The government will spend $499 Billion (the balance of the $787 Billion stimulus package are tax cuts and not actual spending) designed to stimulate the United States economy. Much of the money will be spent on construction and construction- related services. Yet there are elements of the package that include opportunities for a variety of industries including professional services companies, technology firms and training organizations. The big question among minority business owners is"will the stimulus package stimulate minority businesses?". Read more.

Reproduced with permission: A Publication of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking - www.entrethinking.com.

Minority Business Development (MBD) Loan Program

The Minority Business Development loan program is designed to provide financial assistance for the start-up and expansion of minority- owned businesses in Wisconsin. This program provides low interest loans to assist in the development of minority-owned companies.

Congratulations to our Minority Business Loan Recipients March 2009-May 2009

Attention: Women Entrepreneurs - Learn How the Make Mine a Million $ Business Race Can Help Make 2009 a Breakthrough Year for Your Business

Even in a slumping economy, women entrepreneurs have the opportunity to visualize, create and grow a sustainable and successful business. Wisconsin women are encouraged to join thousands of women entrepreneurs growing their businesses, creating jobs and taking charge of the destiny of their business by joining the Make Mine a Million $ Business Race.

What Is the M3 Race?
The M3 Race is a year-long business growth marathon that will ramp up your business, create jobs and promote economic stability for our families and communities. The M3 Race officially started on January 27, 2009 but registration is open until June 30, 2009.

Here's How You Do It
Step 1 - Sign up for the M3 Race at www.makemineamillion.org/race.

Step 2 - Set a goal by declaring your 2009 revenue target. M3 Race levels are Walker ($250,000), Jogger ($500,000) or Runner ($1 million). You set the pace and we'll help you design an action plan for success.

Step 3 - Use our early registration check list to prepare yourself and build your business stamina for the M3 Race.

Here's What You Get
As a contestant in the M3 Race, you have a chance to win the $100,000 cash Grand Prize, along with other prizes throughout the year. Prizes include marketing and promotional opportunities, business resources and access to a support network of thousands of women like you sharing experiences, asking questions and celebrating their successes.

State Supports Make Mine a Million $ Business Program
Both the Secretary of the Department of (Commerce) and the Office of Lt. Governor support the Make Mine a Million $ Business Race national initiative. A webinar of Wisconsin's Make Mine a Million $ Business Launch event hosted by the Department of Commerce on February 16, 2009 is available on the Commerce website. Testimonials regarding the impact that the Make Mine a Million $ Business program has had on past winners of the 2007 Make Mine a Million $ Business Conference are also available on the web site.

Congratulations to March-May 2009 Certifications

Profile of Minority Business Development in Wisconsin

The US Minority Business Development Agency analyzes economic and population data to understand the economic conditions of minority business enterprises. These analyses help the agency shape its strategies, program design and implementation, and develop its advocacy efforts. A profile of Wisconsin is available.

Upcoming Events

Directory of Minority-Owned Firms

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce offers an online directory that can be viewed and navigated in three ways:

Contract and Bid Opportunities

The Wisconsin Department of Administration maintains a Minority Business Program Business Search which enables buyers to access information on Wisconsin minority-owned firms by product, service area, county, commodity code or ethnic category.