In 1978, the Maryland General Assembly enacted legislation creating the Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program to ensure that socially and economically disadvantaged small business owners are included in the state’s procurement and contracting opportunities. Current regulations set the MBE Program’s statewide aspirational goal at 29% across 70 participating agencies and departments.
More information about the Minority Business Enterprise Program as well as certified minority businesses can be found at https://gomdsmallbiz.maryland.gov
The University of Maryland Eastern Shore supports the Minority Business Enterprise Program and encourages all faculty and staff to utilize minority, small, and disadvantaged vendors when making purchases.
A list of frequently used minority businesses is also available on this website.
