Program launched to support minority-owned business development

Minority-owned businesses in Oklahoma City have access to a new free assistance program to help them compete for corporate and government contracts. 

The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City created the Supplier of Diversity Program and launched it this week.  

Through the program, minority entrepreneurs and businesses can work in tangent with The Urban League of Greater OKC, the Greater Oklahoma City Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and REI Oklahoma to facilitate business certifications, receive mentorship, get accounting assistance and more. 

Kenton Tsoodle, president of The Alliance for Economic Development of Oklahoma City, said the program is a much-needed step in creating a diverse business ecosystem in OKC. 

He said he hopes the program helps stop minority-owned businesses from being overlooked in contracting opportunities, such as accessing capital, bonding and collateral required by larger contracts. 

“Procurement professionals have an interest in including smaller and more diverse suppliers in their bidding process, but no such list exists,” Tsoodle said. “We’re proud to stand with our partners to launch the Supplier Diversity Program, work to eliminate barriers and inequities and help our minority businesses grow.” 

To qualify, minority businesses must be:  

• Located in Oklahoma City  
• Minority owned with 51% or more of the ownership with racial background including Hispanic/Latino, Asian, Black, American Indian and American Alaskan  

• Less than 500 full-time equivalent employees  
• Founded before March 31, 2021 

More information can be found at UrbanLeagueOK.org. 

Process Excellence Conference

A one-day conference on Thursday, July 27, aims to connect Minority Business Enterprises with corporations looking for procurement opportunities with diverse suppliers. 

“Process Excellence” will be held 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. at The Skirvin Hotel. 

Hosted by the Southwest Minority Supplier Development Council, the event will provide opportunities for networking, roundtable discussions, matchmaking and more. Speakers also will make presentations on the importance of diverse suppliers and how businesses can benefit from better quality products, services, lower costs and increased innovation. 

More information can be found at SMSDC.org.