Disparity Study Event
Wednesday, March 20  6:00pm – 8:00pm

​     On March 20, 2019 the CUC business Development Center will host a critical listening session with Collette Holt & Associates, the firm conducting a study that will dramatically impact your business.
     For the last year, the City of South Bend has been conducting a Disparity Study for its utilization of Minority and Women/ Business Enterprises (MWBEs).  The project is examining whether all firms have equal access to contracting opportunities on the City of South Bend’s prime contracts and associated subcontracts and will recommend strategies to ensure inclusion in City contracting. 
     To ensure your voice is heard and information collected is as complete and accurate as possible, the Center is hosting a listening session with the organization conducting the study.  This session is limited to 30 participants.  As a Business Center member, we feel it is critical that your opinion is heard.
     If you want to attend this urgent meeting, please complete the information form below. 
     The study seeks to learn the following:

1. What statistical evidence there is of the City’s utilization of M/WBEs, and the availability of such businesses as a percentage of all firms in the City’s market area and relevant industries.
2. Whether there are disparities between the availability of MWBEs and their utilization on agency contracts and related subcontracts.
3. Whether M/WBEs experience disparities throughout the South Bend area economy as a whole.
4. What qualitative or anecdotal evidence of any continuing effects of past or present race and sex discrimination,
5. What factors are necessary for entrepreneurial success, such as access to business capital, bonding, networks, suppliers, etc.
6. What are the City of South Bend’s current policies.

     The study will present recommendations for future initiatives and enhancements, including the use of contract goals.
     Again, we feel it is critical that the voices and opinions of Business Center Members are heard.  The reason these business development centers are being created is to address these very issues.  Your participation is vital to making these centers do the job you told us you wanted done.  Please complete the information form below.