Under the Small Business Act, 23 percent of federal contracts are required to go to small businesses. Of those, 5 percent is allocated specifically to businesses that are owned by members of economically or socially disadvantaged groups. This is part of the 8(a) Business Development Program, its goal is to help organizations owned by minority groups which include specialized statuses for women owned businesses, veteran owned businesses, people with disabilities and young entrepreneurs.

In addition, The City of Richwood has donated space to hold these workshops. The Brazoria County Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and the Tri County Regional Black Chamber have come together, to work in unity on this effort and inviting all minority owned businesses to join us and learn how to become Certified Minority Businesses. We will walk you through the process, review your application and help all business owners become,  what the government considers, economically and socially disadvantaged groups.  

Who should attend?

A business with at least 51% ownership interest, in the company, would qualify as a member of a "Socially Disadvantaged Group", as defined by the Small Business Act, then you should not miss out on this great opportunity to grow your business.

Eligible "Socially Disadvantaged Groups" are defined as:

·         Black Americans

·         Hispanic Americans

·         Native Americans

·         Asian Pacific Americans

·         Subcontinent Asian Americans

Different categories of eligible businesses are:    

·         MBE minority Owned Businesses

·         WBE Women Owned Businesses

·         SDB Small Disadvantaged businesses

·         DBE Disadvantaged Business Enterprises

·         DVBE Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises

·         HUB HUBZone Business Enterprises