Our Goal
Governor's Directive
Project Organizations

Our Goal

Our goal is to strengthen and promotes collaborative efforts, information sharing and increased procurement opportunities for minority business enterprises (MBEs) in North Carolina as a result of the ARRA Stimulus Package.

We have implemented an awareness campaign targeted to historically underutilized businesses (HUBs), including minority and small businesses. Our four-month campaign will reach out to these groups through workshops and the use of a variety of communication vehicles to impart information and offer help with navigation of the various funding opportunities available through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

Governor's Directive

North Carolina Governor, Beverly Eaves Perdue, signed Executive Order No. 13 which is to Support For Historically Underutilized Businesses:

“WHEREAS, it is also my desire that HUB owners are able to benefit from State agencies contracting with purchasing from such firms using the resources provided by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act.

NOW, THEREFORE by the power vested in me as Governor by the laws and Constitution of North Carolina, IT IS ORDERED:

1. Each executive branch agency should strive to increase the total amount of goods and services acquired by it from HUB firms, whether directly as principal contractors or indirectly as subcontractors or otherwise. It is expected that each agency will issue an aspirational goal of at least ten percent (10%), by dollar amount, of the State’s purchases of goods and services that will be derived from HUB firms. It is further expected that such aspirational goal shall be adjusted per any disparity study findings as recommended by the North Carolina Department of Administration, Office of Historically Underutilized Businesses (hereinafter “HUB Office”), and the North Carolina Department of Department, Business Opportunity and Workforce Office, and Office of Civil Rights.”

Project Organizations

NC Institute of Minority Economic Development

The North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development (The Institute) is a statewide nonprofit organization, founded over twenty years ago, representing the interest of underdeveloped and underutilized sectors of the state's economic base. The Institute's working philosophy is that--information and business development are critical to wealth creation and to building the asset base among low-wealth sectors of the population.

Balanced information affords the state and its communities an opportunity to make responsive decisions. Information is key to sound public policies and private sector practices. It builds understanding and strengthens the quality of life for all citizens.

Business development initiatives are based within the three M's of Money, Markets and Management. The Institute's business development team works to assist historically underutilized businesses in accessing affordable capital, expanded market opportunities, and stable internal management and control systems. Through direct one-on-one technical assistance and small group education and training, businesses are positioned for growth and expansion.

The Institute's work is grounded within the State's goal of achieving widely shared prosperity.

Minority Business Development Agency

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the only federal agency dedicated to advancing the establishment and growth of minority-owned firms in the United States. Through a network of minority business centers and strategic partners, MBDA works with minority entrepreneurs who wish to grow their businesses in size, scale and capacity. These firms are then better positioned to create jobs, impact local economies and expand into national and global markets. MBDA has spent more than four decades increasing the competitiveness of minority firms.