The purpose of the Conway Chamber's diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) program is to facilitate the sustainable development of equitable solutions and strategies to create an inclusive business environment that promotes access to resources and opportunities.
The DEI landing page was created for minority owned businesses who are looking for business resources and for companies seeking to create new vendor relationships with minority-owned businesses.
The DEI landing page was created for minority owned businesses who are looking for business resources and for companies seeking to create new vendor relationships with minority-owned businesses.
minority owned business directory
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“Minority owned business” means a business that is at least 51% owned by one or more minority persons. “Minority” means a lawful permanent resident who is African American, Hispanic American, American Indian, Asian American, or Pacific Islander American.
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Available Resources for Entrepreneurs
Minority entrepreneurs in the Conway area have multiple organizations and resources available to help them with their businesses. Below are a few:
MWBE Certification: The Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification program is a review process designed to ensure that a minority or women-owned business is actually owned, controlled and operated by the applicants and meets the eligibility criteria of the program. In addition to increasing opportunities with the State of Arkansas, certification benefits include notification of training events, workshops, network opportunities and educational opportunities. Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises will receive an official certificate and designation as a "Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business" in the Directory.
Conductor: The Conductor empowers entrepreneurs, innovators, and makers. They are a public-private partnership between the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie.
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Center: The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is a university-based economic development program that assists entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned. We help with every aspect of business creation, management, and operation.
Corporate Purchasing Department Information:
MWBE Certification: The Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certification program is a review process designed to ensure that a minority or women-owned business is actually owned, controlled and operated by the applicants and meets the eligibility criteria of the program. In addition to increasing opportunities with the State of Arkansas, certification benefits include notification of training events, workshops, network opportunities and educational opportunities. Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises will receive an official certificate and designation as a "Certified Minority and Women-Owned Business" in the Directory.
Conductor: The Conductor empowers entrepreneurs, innovators, and makers. They are a public-private partnership between the University of Central Arkansas and Startup Junkie.
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Center: The Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is a university-based economic development program that assists entrepreneurs, both new and seasoned. We help with every aspect of business creation, management, and operation.
Corporate Purchasing Department Information:
Minority Business economic development act
The Minority Development Economic Development Act was passed to support equal opportunity as well as economic development in every sector and to support to the fullest all possible participation of firms owned and controlled by minority persons and women in state-funded and state-directed public construction programs and in the purchase of goods and services for the state.
All state agencies will attempt to ensure that the following percentages of the total amount expended in state-funded and state-directed public construction programs and in the purchase of goods and services for the state each fiscal year are paid to minority business enterprises and women-owned business enterprises:
All state agencies will attempt to ensure that the following percentages of the total amount expended in state-funded and state-directed public construction programs and in the purchase of goods and services for the state each fiscal year are paid to minority business enterprises and women-owned business enterprises:
- For minority business enterprises, ten percent (10%)
- Two percent (2%) for service-disabled veteran-owned minority business enterprises.
- Eight percent (8%) for all other minority business enterprises.
- Two percent (2%) for service-disabled veteran-owned minority business enterprises.
- For women-owned business enterprises, five percent (5%)
minority enterprise development awards
The annual Minority Enterprise Development Awards recognize the achievements of minority entrepreneurs and business leaders in the Conway area. Through this event, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce aims to foster growth and sustainability of minority businesses and recognize minority businesses and their supporters. View information about this year's event, our corporate partners, and previous award winners.
#ListenConway
The Conway Area Chamber of Commerce launched #ListenConway in the summer of 2020 in response to the high-profile killings of Black men and women by police and the protests that ensued in Conway and around the world, reaffirming that Black lives matter and demanding justice and equality for all. These stories from friends, neighbors, and colleagues were no substitute for concrete action but are an attempt to spark productive dialogue within the community that will lead to positive change.
Beginning June 9, 2020, and continuing for 30 consecutive days, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce used its Facebook and Instagram platforms to elevate the voices of Black members of the community as part of the #ListenConway project. Read the 31 stories from #ListenConway at ConwayArkansas.org. You can also search the #ListenConway hashtag on the Chamber's Facebook and Instagram accounts.
Beginning June 9, 2020, and continuing for 30 consecutive days, the Conway Area Chamber of Commerce used its Facebook and Instagram platforms to elevate the voices of Black members of the community as part of the #ListenConway project. Read the 31 stories from #ListenConway at ConwayArkansas.org. You can also search the #ListenConway hashtag on the Chamber's Facebook and Instagram accounts.
