The City of Indianapolis and the Office of Minority & Women Business Development is conducting a disparity study with its partners to assess the challenges faced by local business owners in Indianapolis.
The 12-month study will work with BBC Research and Consulting to gather data through public hybrid meetings. The goal of the meetings is to share more information and provide a platform for local business owners to ask questions, share their perspective and voice their concerns.
The Disparity Study, in partnership with several Indiana-based organizations, will analyze the distribution of contract dollars within the local businesses compared to their expected distributions. This means that they will examine how many businesses and which businesses the city contacts with, and how they can seek to expand this. Additionally, the study will review the XBE certification process, the process that recognized businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans or socially and economically disadvantaged persons.
The study will determine the contractors and businesses currently working with the city and help to determine the pathways for future Indianapolis-based business economic enhancements.
The two meetings are free for the public. For those looking to attend in-person, registration is not necessary. For those looking to attend virtually, online registration is required to receive the link.
The outreach sessions will take place at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Tuesday, June 18 at IndyPL’s Central Library. To register for the online session, visit indy.gov and search for “disparity study.”
Contact Staff Writer Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.
