The Shapiro-Davis administration has reportedly set a new bar for spending with small diverse businesses in the Commonwealth, pouring almost $700 million into contracts with women-, minority-, and veteran-owned businesses over the past fiscal year. This financial influx marks a significant commitment to these smaller entities, often overlooked in the broader economic landscape.
In an attempt to solidly fulfill a central campaign promise, the current administration has aimed to not just marginally but substantially raise the involvement of SDBs and VBEs in state contracting opportunities. "Governor Shapiro and I recognize that small businesses and small, diverse businesses are the backbone of our economy and the beating heart of communities across the Commonwealth," Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, the head of the Pennsylvania Advisory Council for Inclusive Procurement (PACIP), said. This statement, was captured by pacast.com.
During a recent address, speakers inclusive of Lt. Governor Austin Davis praised the strides made in the fiscal year 2023-24, and yet acknowledged the need for continued efforts in this direction. Department of General Services Secretary Reggie McNeil and business leaders like Stephanie Turman, President & CEO of Always Busy Consulting, and Marc Domingos, Managing Partner of MoversFor.Me, also featured among the speakers.
The economic push has been met with both commendation and cautious optimism, with many recognizing the difference increased state support can make for small, diverse businesses hungry to expand their reach. "I'm excited to see our efforts are already bearing fruit, but there is still much more work to be done, as we work to expand economic opportunity and help Pennsylvania families build generational wealth," Davis shared, as reported by pacast.com.
