In conjunction with Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, which kicked-off convenings in September to promote the awareness and development of minority and women-owned businesses in North Carolina, Governor Roy Cooper signed a proclamation declaring October 2019 as Minority Enterprise Development Month (MED Month). The proclamation acknowledges the outstanding achievements of minority businesses, corporations and financial institutions throughout the state.
“Historically underutilized businesses are key contributors to our state’s economy, generating thousands of jobs and billions in sales each year,” said NC Department of Administration Secretary Machelle Sanders. “These businesses help strengthen diversity and communities across our state, providing a better outlook for our future.”
According to the US Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, North Carolina is home to more than 183,000 businesses owned by minorities and women. These businesses achieve more than $16.1 billion in sales annually and employ more than 261,000 North Carolinians.
Since its establishment in 1999, the NC Department of Administration’s (DOA) Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB Office) has been instrumental in advocating and promoting the utilization of minority and women-owned businesses in the state procurement and contracting process. This year the HUB Office celebrated 10 years of certifying minority-owned businesses under the Statewide Uniform Certification Program, providing greater exposure and opportunities for more than 4,500 HUB vendors.
Historically Underutilized Businesses are an integral part of Governor Cooper’s vision for an inclusive environment that works for all people. His Executive Order No. 25 supports HUBs across the state, establishing an Advisory Council on Historically Underutilized Businesses and a goal for State Cabinet Agencies to obtain at least 10 percent of its goods and services from HUB vendors. The mission is to eliminate any barriers impeding equal opportunity for minority-owned businesses, providing all North Carolinians an opportunity to contribute economically.
In celebration of MED Month, the HUB Office will host the following events in a continued effort to spotlight and encourage minority and women-owned businesses across the state.
- Certification Day Training in partnership with the NC DOT Office of Civil Rights and The City of Salisbury on Friday, October 25, 2019 from 1pm – 4 pm at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College in Salisbury, NC. DOA Deputy Secretary Christy Agner will present Governor Cooper’s MED Month proclamation.
- 2019 Capital MED Week Luncheon on Thursday, December 5 from 11:30am – 2pm at NC State University’s McKimmon Center in Raleigh, NC. DOA Secretary Machelle Sanders will be among the keynote speakers for this event.
Through the end of the year, cities across the state will be hosting educational workshops and events that commemorate the accomplishments of minority entrepreneurs and affirm North Carolina’s commitment to the principle of equal opportunity. For more information on upcoming trainings and events, please visit the HUB Office website for details.
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About HUB:
Housed within the North Carolina Department of Administration, the Office for Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUB) serves to promote the economic opportunities for historically underutilized businesses in State Government contracting and procurement that will foster their growth and profitability. HUB was established on April 20, 1999 through the signing of Executive Order 150.
About NC DOA:
Established in 1957, the North Carolina Department of Administration acts as the business manager for North Carolina state government. Under the leadership of Secretary Machelle Sanders since appointed by Governor Roy Cooper in 2017, the department oversees Government Operations and advocacy programs. The department's advocacy programs provide advocacy, assistance and services to diverse segments of the state's population that have been traditionally underserved.
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