About Stafford: Minority Enterprise

Programs and Resources for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

Minority and women-owned businesses do not have to face their unique challenges alone. Federal, state and local government agencies; private corporations; and associations and clubs offer programs and services to assist them. Minority and female entrepreneurs may increase the odds of successfully operating their businesses by finding out about these special incentives and programs and participating in them. Some of the programs and resources are listed below. If you require additional information about programs for minorities and women, please contact the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise

Programs

The following are some of the programs designed to help minority and female business owners succeed:

Federal Programs for Minority and Women-Owned Businesses

The 8(a) Business Development Program

The SBA created the 8(a) Business Development Program to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the American economy and access the federal procurement market. It gives businesses owned by economically or socially disadvantaged individuals an advantage when bidding on Federal contracts. Black Americans are classified as "socially disadvantaged" by the SBA and are automatically eligible to apply for the 8(a) program.

The SBA 8(a) Business Development web site lists the following benefits of the 8(a) program:

• Participants can receive sole-source contracts, up to a ceiling of $3 million for goods and services and $5 million for manufacturing. While SBA helps 8(a) firms build their competitive and institutional know-how, the agency also encourages them to participate in competitive acquisitions.
• Federal acquisition policies encourage Federal agencies to award a certain percentage of their contracts to SDBs. To speed up the award process, the SBA has signed Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with 25 Federal agencies allowing them to contract directly with certified 8(a) firms.
• Recent changes permit 8(a) firms to form joint ventures and teams to bid on contracts. This enhances the ability of 8(a) firms to perform larger prime contracts and overcome the effects of contract bundling, the combining of two or more contracts together into one large contract.

Forms for 8(a) Business Development and Small Disadvantaged Business Certification are included with this CD and may be accessed by clicking on the links below. These forms are in Adobe pdf format. Once you are in a form, click the back button to return to the CD. If you need to locate updated forms, you may visit the relevant section of the SBA web site at:
http://www.sba.gov/library/forms.html#sd

• Application for 8(a) Business Development and Small Disadvantaged Business Certification (PDF)
• U.S. Small Business Administration 8(a) Business Plan (PDF)
• 8(a) Annual Update Form (PDF)
• Certificate Regarding Debarment, Suspension, and Other Responsibility Matters Primary Covered Transactions (PDF)
• 8(a) Business Development (BD) Program Application Community Development Corporation-Owned Concern (PDF)

The 8(a) Business Development Mentor-Protege Program and
The Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification Program

The SBA offers two additional business assistance programs for small, disadvantaged businesses (SDBs). These programs are the 8(a) Business Development Mentor-Protégé Program and the Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) Certification Program. Companies which are 8(a) firms automatically qualify for SDB certification. For more information about the SDB Program, please click here. For more information about the 8(a) Business Development Mentor-Protégé Program, please click here.

If you have additional questions regarding the 8(a) Business Development Program, including specific questions regarding how to apply to participate in the program, or if you would like additional information on the SDB Certification Program or the 8(a) Business Development Mentor Protege Program, please contact the Rappahannock Region Small Business Development Center .

Virginia's Business Programs for Minorities and Women

Forms provided by the MBE related to certification are included on this CD and may be accessed below:

• Small Business Certification Application (PDF)
  Instructions to Complete Small Business Certification Application (PDF)
• Minority and Women Business Certification Application (PDF)
  Instructions to Complete Minority and Women Business Certification Application (PDF)
• VDMBE Re-Certification Application (PDF
  Instructions to Complete Re-Certification Application (PDF)

Minority Business Program Definitions

For purposes of the Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise's classification and reporting program, the following definitions apply:

• Small Business is a term to mean a business concern, including affiliates, which is independently owned and operated; the business is not dominant in the field of operation in which it is contracting and can further qualify under the criteria, as is or may be prescribed by the United States Small Business Administration (SBA).
• Women-Owned Business is a term to mean a business concerning an entity that is majority owned, minimum 51 percent, by a woman, who also controls and operates the business. Control used here to mean holds the power to make policy decisions and operate to mean woman is involved in the daily operation and management of the business.
• Minority Business Enterprise is a term meaning a business enterprise that is owned and controlled by one or more socially and economically disadvantaged persons. Such disadvantage may arise from cultural, racial, chronic economic circumstances or background, or other similar cause. Such persons include but is not limited to: African Americans, Asian Americans, Native Americans, Eskimos, and Aleuts. (Reference: 2.1-64.32.1 of Code of Virginia)
• Minority means a person who is a citizen of the United States or a legal resident alien and who satisfies one or more of the following definitions:
  
  Asian Americans- All persons that have origins in any of the original peoples of the Far East, southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent, or the Pacific Islands including but not limited to Japan, China, Vietnam, Korea, Samoa, Laos, Cambodia, Taiwan, Northern Marinas, the Philippines, U.S. territory of the Pacific, India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka and who are regarded as such by the community of which these persons claim to be a part.
  
  African Americans- All persons having origins in any of the original peoples of Africa and who are regarded as such by the community of which these persons claim to be a part.
  
  Hispanic Americans- All persons having origins in any of the Spanish speaking peoples of Mexico, South or Central America, or the Caribbean Islands or other Spanish or Portuguese cultures and who are regarded as such by the community of which these persons claim to be a part.
  
  Native Americans- All persons having origins in any of the original peoples of North America and who are regarded as such by the community in which these persons claim to be a part or who are recognized by a tribal organization.
  
  Eskimos and Aleuts- All persons having origins in any part of Northern Canada, Greenland, Alaska, and Eastern Siberia and who are regarded as such in the community of which these persons claim to be a part.
  
  Members of other groups- All other individuals found to be socially and economically disadvantaged by the United States Small Business Administration under Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act (15USC 37)[a] (VR486-01-02; September 9, 1992).

Resources

Below you will find information on resources for minority and women-owned businesses:

Not-for-Profit Organizations

Center for Entrepreneurial Development at the Community College Workforce Alliance
The Community College Workforce Alliance offers a variety of programs through the Center for Entrepreneurial Development for individuals who are considering starting a small business, or for entrepreneurs who wish to enhance their business skills.
http://www.ccwa.vccs.edu/smbus.cfm
Verizon Entrepreneurial Resource Center,
AdvanTech,
501 E. Franklin St.,
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-521-4320

Asian American Business Assistance Center (AABAC)
The mission of the AABAC is to further Virginia's economic development by supporting new and
existing Asian and Pacific Islander businesses in response to the community's needs in the global
economy.
http://www.aabac.org
aabac@comcast.net
14214 Washington Highway
Ashland, VA 23005
Phone: 804-798-3975 Fax: 804-798-1164

Minority Business Enterprise Legal Defense & Education Fund, Inc. (MBELDEF)
MBELDEF's mission is to defend, advocate, and promote domestic and international
policies affecting equitable and full participation of minority enterprises in the local, regional,
national, and global marketplace.
http://www.mbeldef.org/
419 New Jersey Avenue, S.E.
Washington, DC 20003
Phone: 202-289-1700; Fax: 202-289-1701

Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC)
The goal of the AABDC is to assist Asian-owned businesses to compete in the mainstream marketplace.
http://www.aabdc.com/aboutaabdc.asp
general.info@aabdc.com
150 Lafayette Street, Suite 901
New York, NY 10013-3116
Phone: 212-966-0100; Fax: 212-966-2786

National Association of Minority Contractors (NAMC)
NAMC is a non-profit trade association established in 1969 to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors.
mail@namconline.org
666 11th Street, NW, Suite 520
Washington, DC 20001
Phone: 202-347-8259, Fax: 202-628-1876

National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)
NAWBO represents the interests of all women entrepreneurs in all types of businesses.
http://www.nawbo.org
national@nawbo.org
1595 Spring Hill Road, Suite 330
Vienna, VA 22182
Phone: 703-506-3268 or 800-55-NAWBO; Fax: 703-506-3266

National Minority Supplier Development Council, Inc. (NMSDC)
The NMSDC seeks to provide a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses.
http://www.trainingforum.com/ASN/NMSDC/
(See Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council below)

PolicyLink
PolicyLink is a national nonprofit research, communications, capacity building, and advocacy organization. Its goal is economic and social equity.
http://www.policylink.org/default.html
info@policylink.org
101 Broadway, Oakland, CA 94607
Phone: 510-663-2333, Fax: 510-663-9684

The Virginia Minority Supplier Development Council (VMSDC)
The primary purpose of VMSDC is to promote and facilitate the development
of business relationships between its members and certified minority-owned enterprises. The goals of VMSDC are to expand business opportunities for minority-owned companies and to help build a stronger, more equitable society by supporting and promoting minority business development.
http://www.vmsdc.org/
cindy.redd@vmsdc.org
Bank of America Center
1111 East Main Street, 3rd Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-780-2322; Fax: 804-780-3171
Regional office: Tidewater Virginia 757-823-4587

Private Organizations

Capital Source, Inc.
Capital Source provides access to entrepreneurial training, technical assistance and loan capital to those entrepreneurs who lack access to traditional resources. Capital Source also has a special loan program for those small or minority businesses that provide services or products to Capital One with the intent to expand the program to other similar projects in the future. Preference is given to those businesses that provide services in conjunction with the West Creek Campus Project.
http://www.mycapsource.org
email: krobinson@mycapsource.org
1624 Hull Street / Richmond, Va. / 23224
phone: (804) 233-2014 ext 203
fax: 804-233-2158

The Market Segment Group
The Market Segment Group is the leading research group specializing in multicultural markets. Consultants assist clients in preparing for, planning, and developing Multicultural and other targeted Marketing Programs.
http://www.marketsegment.com/
info@marketsegment.com
201 Alhambra Circle, Suite 804
Coral Gables, FL 33134
Phone: 305-669-3900, Fax: 305-669-3901

Government Organizations

Rappahannock Economic Development Corporation (REDCO)
REDCO is a Certified Development Company (CDC) that provides growing businesses with long-term fixed-rate financing for major fixes assets, such as land and building through the SBA 504 Loan program. REDCO is a nonprofit corporation set up to contribute to the economic development of our community and region. REDCO works with the SBA and private-sector lenders to provide financing to small businesses. REDCO serves King George County, Caroline County, Stafford County, Spotsylvania County and the City of Fredericksburg.
Ask for: Rob Burke or Mary Tibbatts
http://www.redco504.org/
information@redco504.org
Rappahannock Economic Development Corporation
3304 Bourbon Street, 3rd Floor
Fredericksburg, VA 22408
Phone: 540-373-2897
Fax: 540-899-4808

U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
The MBDA encourages minority business development. It identifies private markets and capital sources for minority businesses; expands business information and business services through trade associations; promotes and supports the mobilization of resources of Federal agencies and State and local governments at the local level; and assist minorities in entering new and growing markets.
www.mbda.gov
help@mbda.gov
1401 Constitution Avenue, NW,
Washington, DC 20230
Phone: 1-888-324-1551

U.S. Department of Transportation, Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU)
The mission of the OSDBU is to promote customer satisfaction through successful partnerships that result in an inclusive and effective small business procurement process. It provides a variety of initiatives encouraging policies to expand opportunities for all businesses, especially small, women-owned, and disadvantaged businesses.
http://osdbu.dot.gov
400 7th Street, S.W., Room 9414
Washington, DC 20590
Telephone: (800)532-1169 or (202)366-1930
Fax: (202)366-7538

U.S. Small Business Administration, 8(A) Business Development
The SBA administers two particular business assistance programs for small disadvantaged businesses (SDBs). These programs are the 8(a) Business Development Program and the Small Disadvantaged Business Certification Program. While the 8(a) Program offers a broad scope of assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged firms, SDB certification strictly pertains to benefits in Federal procurement. Companies which are 8(a) firms automatically qualify for SDB certification.
http://www.sba.gov/8abd/
Richmond, VA District Office
400 North 8th Street
Federal Bldg., Suite 1150
Richmond, VA 23240
Phone: 804-771-2400

U.S. Small Business Administration, Loan Programs
The SBA offers many loans to small businesses and also serves as a guarantor of loans made by private and other institutions. For a snapshot of SBA loan programs, please click here.
Richmond, VA District Office
400 North 8th Street
Federal Bldg., Suite 1150
Richmond, VA 23240
Phone: 804-771-2400

U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Women Business Ownership (OWBO)
OWBO provides various programs and assistance to women business owners.
http://www.sba.gov/financing/special/women.html
owbo@sba.gov
409 Third Street, SW
Washington, DC 20416
Phone: 202-205-6673 or 800-8-ASK-SBA

The Virginia Department of Business Assistance (VDBA)
The VDBA is devoted to the growth and success of the Commonwealth's business community. It maintains a list of resources for minority-owned businesses. Information for minority-owned businesses is available at: http://www.dba.state.va.us/mwbusinesses/.
The list of resources is at http://www.dba.state.va.us/virginia/center/default.asp?Section_ID=11
http://www.dba.state.va.us/
707 E. Main Street, Suite 300
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: (804)371-8200; Fax: (804)371-8111

Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise (VDMBE)
The mission of the VDMBE is to provide leadership in encouraging , promoting and coordinating public and private sector initiatives designed to improve the performance and economic conditions of minority businesses. The VDMBE accomplishes this by offering assistance to minority entrepreneurs; disseminating bid notices, training, and instruction; promoting procurement opportunities; providing financial/technical assistance; and developing strategic partnerships.
www.dmbe.state.va.us
200-202 N. 9th Street, 11th Floor
Richmond, VA 23219
Phone: 804-371-6228; Fax: 804-371-7359

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