Durham County launches "Certify & Succeed" program

NC News - Published Jul 09, 2024

Durham County Economic Development is launching a new "Certify & Succeed" program for the benefit of local businesses that are interested in becoming certified by the State as Minority Women Business Enterprises (MWBEs) and Historically Underutilized Businesses (HUBs). The program will provide free coaching and technical assistance to eligible businesses.

The County currently has MWBE ordinance specifying an aspirational MWBE utilization goal of 25 percent for County contracting, which was adopted in 2016. The "Certify & Succeed" program is part of the County's attempt to meet that aspirational goal. Specific tasks the program will be able to assist with include getting registered on the State of North Carolina's E-Vendor Portal, getting registered on Durham County's eBid System, submitting applications to the State for the certifications it offers, and developing a capabilities statement which will be of use when competing for government contracts.

Scheduling for the one-on-one training sessions is available through June 2025 at the Durham County Main Library (300 N. Roxboro St. Durham, NC 27701) on Tuesdays from 10 AM to 1 PM and the East Regional Library (211 Lick Creek Lane Durham, NC 27703) on Wednesdays from 10 AM to 1 PM. Appointments are required, and may be set up with Infinity Bridges, who the County is parterning with, at https://updates.infinitybridges.com/widget/form/KhPYYQRGRvEmQGK2Zx08. Questions about the program may be directed to Sabria Futrell, Durham County Economic Development Coordinator, at sfutrell@dconc.gov.

Read more at https://www.dconc.gov/Home/Components/News/News/10187/31.