Purchasing Department

Diversity Initiative

Initiative Statement

The county is working to increase opportunities for procurement and contract activities among Minority-Owned Businesses (MOB), Women-Owned Businesses (WOB) and businesses located in Chesterfield County (CB). The initiative represents a proactive effort to increase opportunities for participation by a more diverse group of contractors and vendors and is similar to the county’s successful efforts to increase diversity in its employee hiring practices.

Commitment to Diversity and Chesterfield Businesses

Chesterfield County is a growing, progressive community consisting of an increasingly diverse population. This diversity provides for a dynamic and robust community that promotes growth. Chesterfield County believes that all of its citizens should benefit from this economic growth, without regard to race, color, religion or economic status.

The county is committed to increasing the opportunities for participation of minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and businesses located in Chesterfield County to ensure diversity in its procurement and contract activities.  These businesses are encouraged to respond to all Invitations for Bids and Requests for Proposals.  In addition, the county strongly encourages each contractor and/or supplier with which the county contracts to actively solicit minority-owned businesses, women-owned businesses and businesses located in the county as subcontractors/suppliers for their projects.

A list of potential vendors in the above categories can be identified at the following Web sites:

• Virginia Department of Minority Business Enterprise: www.dmbe.state.va.us
• Chesterfield Chamber of Commerce: www.chesterfieldchamber.com
• Chesterfield Business Council: www.grcc.com

Definitions

• Women-Owned Business (WOB) - a business concern that is at least 51% owned by one or more women who are U. S. citizens or legal resident aliens, or in the case of a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company or other entity, at least 51% of the equity ownership interests is owned by one or more women who are citizens of the United States or non-citizens who are in full compliance with the United States immigration law, and both the management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more women who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens.  (Code of Virginia 2.2-1401)
• Minority-Owned Business (MOB) – a business concern that is at least 51% owned by one or more minority individuals or in the case of a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company or other entity, at least 51% of the equity ownership interest in corporation, partnership, or limited liability company or other entity is owned by one or more minority individuals and both the management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more minority individuals. (Code of Virginia 2.2-1401)
• Chesterfield Business (CB) - any private business enterprise, located within the jurisdictional boundaries of Chesterfield County.

Mailing List Information

Economic Development

We would like to take this opportunity to invite you to learn more about the energetic economic climate of the Chesterfield County business community. You may find that Chesterfield County offers an excellent opportunity to expand or relocate your business. Additionally, if you are a small business, a minority business or women-owned business, the Small Business Center located in the Economic Development Web site contains useful information and contacts.  For more information, please contact our Department of Economic Development at (804) 318-8550 or visit the Web site at www.chesterfield.gov/EconomicDevelopment