Minority & Women Business Enterprise Program
Minority & Women Business Enterprise Program
Empowering businesses and encouraging diversity is the foundation of the Minority and Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) Program.
The MWBE Program aims to promote business and economic development for minority-owned business enterprises and women-owned business enterprises in the St. Pete area and will be administered by the City of St. Petersburg’s Office of Supplier Diversity, which is within the City’s Procurement and Supplier Management Department. The MWBE Program will run for five years initially and may be extended. The MWBE certification is a free, 3-year certification exclusive to eligible Pinellas County businesses.
Principles of the Program
- Inclusive Opportunities: The MWBE Program opens doors to a wide range of opportunities, from procurement contracts to collaborative ventures. MWBE is dedicated to ensuring that diverse voices are not only heard but also actively involved in shaping the business landscape.
- Networking and Collaboration: Connect with like-minded entrepreneurs, industry leaders, and decision-makers. The program facilitates networking events, workshops, and seminars that provide invaluable opportunities for collaboration and growth.
- Business Development Support: An understanding that success requires more than just access. The MWBE Program offers comprehensive business development support, including mentorship programs, training sessions, and resources to help business owners thrive.
Eligibility
A Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE) is defined as a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned by a minority or minorities as identified below, with management and daily operations controlled by a minority or minorities. A Women-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE) is defined as a for-profit business that is at least 51% owned by a woman or women as identified below with management and daily operations controlled by a woman or women.
- Be responsible for the execution of a distinct element of a contract
- Carry out that responsibility by actually performing, managing, and supervising the work involved
- Possess the skills, qualifications, or expertise necessary to perform, manage, and supervise the work
- Business domiciled in Pinellas County (a post office box is not acceptable as a business address)
- Business has been in operation for one year
Minority group members are citizens or lawful permanent residents of the US who are:
- African American – A person having origins in any of the Black racial groups of Africa.
- Asian American - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, Southeast Asia, or the Indian subcontinent including, for example, Cambodia, China, India, Japan, Korea, Malaysia, Pakistan, the Philippine Islands, Thailand, and Vietnam.
- Hispanic American – A person of Cuban, Mexican, Puerto Rican, South or Central American, or other Spanish culture or origin regardless of race.
- Native American - A person having origins in any of the original peoples of North and South America (including Central America) and who maintains tribal affiliation or community attachment.
- Caucasian Female - A female person having origins in any of the original peoples of Europe, the Middle East, or North Africa.
How to Apply
Applications for the MWBE Program are now open in the portal below. Review the Applicant Resources before applying.
Applicant Resources
Apply Here