Georgia Aims to Boost Minority Business Participation in State Contracts
The Georgia Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) has unveiled an 85-page report outlining plans to increase state contract opportunities for businesses owned by minorities, women, and veterans. The initiative aims to provide better access to Georgia’s annual $6 billion state spending budget.
Local entrepreneurs Yusuf and Omar Ali expressed optimism about the program. “This is the first time the state has even attempted to implement such a program,” noted Yusuf Ali. The father-son duo, who have transformed a former Baptist church in Lakewood Heights into a thriving hub for Black-owned businesses, emphasize that economic empowerment is crucial for community development.
Current state contract distribution shows room for improvement:
– GDOT: 5.5% of $1.6 billion to disadvantaged businesses
– DOAS: 7.7% to minority-owned firms and 7% to women-owned businesses from $1.2 billion
– Remaining $3.3 billion: Currently untracked
The new initiative, ordered by Governor Kemp, promises better tracking and increased opportunities for diverse business participation in state contracts.