Can a label help or hinder business success? The obvious answer is that it depends on the message behind the label and what one ultimately hopes to gain from it. Such is the quandary that confronts many minority architectural firms that opt to certify themselves as minority-owned or disadvantaged business enterprises (MBE/DBE) to compete for public-sector contracts.
These well-known industry acronyms are the product of government regulations designed to help businesses owned by members of economically disadvantaged groups gain access to contracts funded with public dollars, such as education, transportation, and infrastructure projects. Businesses obtain actual certification at the state and local level by fulfilling specific qualifying criteria related to firm size, revenue, and the ethnic background or gender of the owners.
You have 0 complimentary articles remaining.
Unlimited access + premium benefits for as low as $1.99/month.