Business Diversity & Supplier Inclusion

We work with small, minority-owned and veteran-owned businesses to educate, connect and encourage relationships.

A Commitment to Community Growth

TU is committed to business inclusion and supplier diversity in the procurement process. We provide information and access to procurement opportunities, with an overall result of contributing to and strengthening economic growth in our community. 

We accomplish this through outreach, education and connecting the purchasing members of the university with businesses that desire to work with Towson University.

Learn more about our programs:

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program

In 1978, Maryland鈥檚 General Assembly enacted legislation to create a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Program to encourage minority-owned firms to participate in the state procurement process. The law requires agencies to allocate 29 percent of the total dollar value of their procurement contract dollars directly or indirectly to certified MBE firms.

The State of Maryland MBE Program is governed by the . GOSBA provides a variety of services, webinars, videos, guidance, events and support to MBE firms. 

Each state agency reviews and assesses its procurement for supplies, services, maintenance, construction and architectural/engineering contracts to determine an MBE participation goal appropriate for each contract.

Towson University reports contract awards and payments made to MBE firms to the State on a quarterly and annual basis and tracks our progress toward the 29 percent goal (including subcontractor awards and payments). State agencies are only able to report data for MBE firms that are certified by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT).

Other certifying entities are not considered for reporting MBE awards and payment activity. 

The Maryland is managed by the Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT). Towson University and all state agencies require minority businesses to be Maryland Department of Transportation (MDOT) Certified. 

Visit the Maryland Department of Transportation鈥檚 to identify a certified minority business.

To be eligible for MBE certification, a business must be at least 51 percent owned and controlled by at least one socially and economically disadvantaged group, including:

  • African Americans
  • Hispanic or Latine/x individuals
  • Asian Pacific Americans
  • Subcontinent Asian Americans
  • Native Americans
  • Women

Persons who own and control their business, but are not members of the above group, may be eligible for MBE certification if they can establish their social and economic disadvantage.

Disabled individuals may also apply for MBE certification. A determination of whether an individual meets MBE eligibility criteria is made on a case-by-case basis. 

Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program

Maryland is committed to the growth and success of our small business community.

In 2004 the state created the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program, providing small businesses with the opportunity to participate as prime contractors on state contracts by establishing a unique marketplace where small businesses compete against other small businesses rather than larger, more established companies. 

Under state procurement law, the SBR Program directs 70 participating agencies/departments (increased from 23) to spend at least 15 percent (increased from 10 percent) of its fiscal year procurement expenditures on qualified small businesses.

Once a solicitation has been designated as an 鈥淪BR,鈥 an award can only be made to a registered SBR supplier. Registration is an online self-certification process through eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA). Suppliers attest to meeting the eligibility standards and must re-certify annually. There is no cost to participate in the SBR Program.

This is a race and gender-neutral program. Minority status is not a criterion for participation in the SBR Program.

For-profit businesses, other than a broker, must meet defined eligibility standards to participate in this program as a certified SBR supplier:

  • The business is independently owned and operated.
  • The business is not a subsidiary of another business.
  • The business is not dominant in its field of operation.
  • The wholesale operations of a business did not employ more than 50 persons, or the gross sales of the business do not exceed an average of $4,000,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years.
  • The retail operations of a business did not employ more than 25 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average in $3,000,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years.
  • The manufacturing operations of the business did not employ more than 100 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $2,000,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years.
  • The service operations of the business did not employ more than 100 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $10,000,000 in its more recently completed three fiscal years.
  • The construction operations of a business did not employ more than 50 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $7,000,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years.
  • The architectural and engineering operations of the business did not employ more than 100 persons, or the gross sales of the business did not exceed an average of $4,500,000 in its most recently completed three fiscal years.

To register for the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program:

  1. Register in eMaryland Marketplace Advantage Maryland鈥檚 Procurement Opportunities Portal for Towson University, other State Education Institutions, and State and County agencies.
  2. Complete the optional Small Business Reserve (SBR) screens if eligible.
  3. For additional guidance on the SBR program with the State of Maryland, please visit the .

Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program

As part of Maryland鈥檚 commitment to the growth and success of small businesses, Maryland introduced the Veteran-Owned Small Business Enterprise (VSBE) Program in 2010. The program has evolved to provide contracting opportunities on state-funded procurements for qualified veteran-owned small businesss.

Designated agencies and departments are directed to spend at least 2% of the dollar value of their procurement contracts with certified VSBE firms. Towson University reports payment information annually to the State of Maryland to mark progress toward its 2% goal.

Only the work of a certified VSBE firm, performing as either a prime contractor or a subcontractor, can be counted toward an established VSBE contract goal. There is no cost to obtain certification, and once eMaryland Marketplace Advantage (eMMA) certified, firms must renew annually.

The VSBE program is managed by the . 

Businesses seeking to participate in the VSBE program must:

  • Meet the size standards adopted by the United States Small Business Administration 13.C.F.R.121.201 an any subsequent revision of that regulation, and;
  • Be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more individuals who are veterans.

A veteran is defined as an individual who is verified as having served on active duty in the armed forces of the United States, other than for training and was discharged or released under conditions other than dishonorable.

Economic Inclusion

Learn how Towson is carrying out its anchor mission through inclusive purchasing and hiring. FIND OUT MORE

Why Buying Local is Important

Purchasing from small, minority, veteran, and women-owned businesses is crucial to supporting our community.

 


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Connect with us to learn more about our programs and upcoming opportunities.

Chanel Franze

Chanel Franze,
Manager of Business Inclusion and Supplier Diversity

Administration Building
410-704-2048