Working with a Minority or Woman Owned Business Enterprise

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You may be missing out on a BIG opportunity! Besides the economic benefits, hiring a Minority or Woman Owned Business Enterprise can provide more flexibility and adaptability in comparison to non-MWBE suppliers.

MWBE suppliers can offer cost saving strategies due to diversity spend requirements and taking advantage of numerous federal and state tax incentives, tax breaks and potential rebates.

In order to qualify as an MWBE:

  1. The business is at least 51% owned by a female or person of color.

  2. The business has been operational for at least a year.

  3. The business’ day-to-day operations are controlled by a female of person of color.

  4. The business has gone through a rigorous application process, including a site visit, from the certifying organization

Working with an MWBE can also boost your brand recognition, community participation, team culture and marketing.

In 2005, CLR Auto Transport became a certified Minority Owned Enterprise. In 2021, the company became a Minority Woman-Owned Business Enterprise.

The Challenges Faced by Women- and Minority-Owned Businesses

Minority and Woman-owned businesses face a wide range of challenges. These include facing negative views regarding their ability to complete a job and overcoming biased views regarding their experience and capabilities.

Such companies often have limited access to vital business and information networks and limited access to capital. They experience having to resolve unclear contract terms, payment irregularities, and even interference from labor unions who resent a perceived intrusion into long-established methods of operation.

Many of these companies bring exciting approaches to problems your company may be facing. This can help you increase your own efficiency and teach you a few things you hadn’t considered before.

Many MWBE businesses are led by young, aspirating professionals who have fresh insights into the evolution of their industry and its unique problems and can bring solutions to your table. By helping a new small business grow in this fashion, you’re also improving your own best practices and growing your own company.

Pat Shaw