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Governor Steve Beshear's Communications Office
Gov. Beshear launches statewide certification program for minority, women-owned businesses
LOUISVILLE, Ky.– Gov. Steve Beshear today announced the launch of Kentucky’s first Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certification Program at Toni Levy & Associates Inc. in Louisville. The goal of the certification program is to encourage growth among Kentucky businesses owned by women and minorities and to assist those enterprises in locating and obtaining further commerce opportunities.
“My goal is to help strengthen existing Kentucky businesses, and this new program will help do just that,” said Gov. Beshear. “The success of these small businesses is crucial to Kentucky growing its way out of the current economic crisis.”
The Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certification Program, along with Kentucky’s Small Business Connection Portal, helps facilitate the development of women and minority-owned and small businesses in Kentucky.
“During this tough economy, this certification program is especially helpful for women and minority-owned businesses,” said Toni Levy, owner of Toni Levy and Associates Inc. and Levy Electrical and Plumbing Supplies, both in Louisville. “It will allow women and minority businesses to have more access to opportunities within the Commonwealth of Kentucky and may help keep the doors open for some businesses. Some decision makers may not be aware of the different types of certifications available and not many of those available put an emphasis on women.”
As a female and a minority, she plans to apply for the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certification Program.
“This certification program is a great opportunity for businesses owned by minorities and women, opening new doors to growth and expansion,” Louisville Mayor Jerry Abramson said. “It is important we continue to promote resources like this that can help Kentucky businesses flourish, even when we are faced with challenging economic times.”
Interested business owners may find the application for certification on the program’s website at http://mwbe.ky.gov. The Finance and Administration Cabinet oversees the program within the Office of Equal Employment Opportunity and Contract Compliance.
“By assisting these employers in attaining state certification, we open new doors for business creation or expansion and that is crucial during these tough economic times when so many Kentuckians are unemployed or under employed,” said Jonathan Miller, secretary of the Finance and Administration Cabinet.
The idea to develop a new process of recognizing and certifying businesses owned by women and minorities emerged from discussion and dialogue among the more than 300 Kentucky stakeholders who attended the Governor’s Economic Success through Minority Empowerment Summit, held in Lexington, Ky. in August 2009.
For questions or to learn more about the Minority and Women Business Enterprise Certification Program visit http://mwbe.ky.gov, email finance.mwbe@ky.gov or call (502) 564-8099.
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