Minority Business Enterprise Compliance Office

About the Office

The Minority Business Enterprise Compliance Office (MBECO) promotes the development of certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBE), Women Business Enterprises (WBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). MBECO provides services in certification, enforcement, business assistance and advocacy.  MBECO main objective is to increase the number and capability of MBE, WBE and DBE firms available for contract competition, fostering relationships between MBE, WBE and DBE firms with state agencies, quasi-state agencies, purchasing agents and prime vendors.

Certification is a marketing tool, used specifically to enhance the ability to do business in public markets. Certification does not guarantee a successful contract every time you bid, but it adds a competitive edge to a bid. MBECO works extensively with state and local agencies to help them fulfill their business purchasing goals, actively promotes the participation of certified businesses in public and private purchasing and contracting programs and assists with new legislative and policy proposals that facilitate the involvement of minorities and women in the mainstream of the economy. For more information on Rhode Island's procurement system, contact Welcome | Rhode Island Division of Purchases

Major Goals

To increase opportunities for minority- and women-owned business enterprises, disadvantaged business enterprises, and veteran business enterprises, as well as disability business enterprises, to participate in our state’s procurement activities.