BMWBO’s mission is to promote, facilitate, and expand the participation of minority and women-owned businesses in state contracting opportunities. As part of the PA Department of General Services, the BMWBO fulfills its mission through three organizational divisions:
Certification Division
Certification of Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Business Enterprises (WBEs) is at the heart of BMWBO’s mission. By becoming certified, MBEs and WBEs can more readily identify and use the opportunities available to small businesses through state contracting.
Certification application is a comprehensive process, which assures only qualified companies are approved. In addition to owning at least 51% of their companies, MBE and WBE owners must be U.S. citizens, must have training or experience in their business fields, and must have management and operational control of their companies.
Business Development Division
BMWBO’s Business Development Division promotes the successful involvement of MBEs and WBEs in state contracting through education and information. Free training programs, consulting, and resource materials are made available to certified companies, the business community, and organizations assisting small businesses.
Division staff provides technical assistance and consulting to all small business owners, especially minority-owned and women-owned businesses, to increase their opportunities to compete successfully in the state purchasing system.
Supplier Diversity Division
Division staff monitors the participation of MBEs and WBEs in state contracting, ensuring adherence to Commonwealth programs that promote opportunities for certified companies and other small businesses. The Division also monitors overall program compliance.
The Division performs on-site reviews of firms that apply for certification, responds to non-payment and improper treatment complaints from MBEs and WBEs involved in state contracting, and investigates alleged fraud in state programs designed to promote opportunities for MBEs and WBEs.
Click here to view a copy of the BMWBO brochure.
