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Durham County Announces New “Certify & Succeed” Program to Help Minority- & Women-Owned Businesses

@SpectacularMag

DURHAM, NC — Durham County Economic Development and Infinity Bridges have launched a new “Certify & Succeed” program to help eligible minority- and women-owned businesses better compete for government contracts. The program offers free technical assistance and coaching for those interested in obtaining Minority Women Business Enterprise (MWBE) and Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) certifications and credentials.

In 2016, Durham County’s Board of Commissioners approved a MWBE Ordinance establishing an aspirational goal of 25%. Based on the 2015 Disparity Study results, the County aims for 25% of its external spending and contracting to be awarded to MWBE businesses. The “Certify & Succeed” program helps the County achieve that goal by better positioning local minority- and women-owned businesses for competitive bid opportunities. MWBE and HUB certifications can help Durham County’s businesses compete better for other municipal, county, state, and federal contracts.

The “Certify & Succeed” program will help eligible businesses:

  • Register for the State of North Carolina’s E-Vendor Portal;
  • Register for Durham County’s eBid System;
  • Submit applications to the State of North Carolina to obtain a Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Certification, Statewide Uniform Certification (SWUC), and/or Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification and
  • Develop a comprehensive capabilities statement for government contracting.

“Infinity Bridges is thrilled to partner with Durham County to support local businesses in achieving their certifications,” said La-Tasha Best-Gaddy, Chief Strategist at Infinity Bridges. “This collaboration will empower enterprises to reach new heights and contribute to the economic growth of our community.”

Durham County Economic Development Coordinator Sabria Futrell said, “This program is a great addition to the County’s suite of equitable programming focused on underrepresented business owners. Establishing a technical support network for MWBE and HUB certifications is vital for advancing diversity and fairness in government procurement.”

Eligible Durham County minority- and women- business owners are strongly encouraged to take advantage of this unique opportunity to pursue certification by registering here. One-on-one session scheduling starts now and is available through June 2025 at the Durham County Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St. Durham, NC 27701) on Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and the East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane Durham, NC 27703) on Wednesdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Appointments are required.

For further details about the Certify & Succeed Program, please contact Sabria Futrell, Durham County Economic Development Coordinator, at sfutrell@dconc.gov.