In an effort to level the business playing field, Anne Arundel County has announced the roll-out of the Procurement Access and Vendor Equity (PAVE) Program, aimed at assisting minority-owned businesses with better access to government contracts. County Executive Steuart Pittman made the announcement earlier today, emphasizing the program's commitment to creating an equitable economy and fostering inclusion.
The PAVE Program, set to increase Certified Business Enterprises participation to 27% by 2027 and at least 30% by 2030, will encompass training, resources, and outreach efforts and address the challenges small, minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses face in securing government contracts with the initiative kicking off with a launch event that brought local businesses together and included executive order signing and a panel Q and A session.
County Executive Steuart Pittman was quoted at the event, asserting, "Today’s Executive Order ensures that our PAVE program will not only be accountable to data but also to the MBE businesses that have so much to offer our county," as detailed in the county's press release. This highlights the goal of growing generational wealth within minority communities historically facing systemic denial of opportunities.
At the launch event, officials from various Anne Arundel County offices gathered to address challenges in the procurement process. They signed Executive Order 65 to create the Certified Business Coordination Council, which will oversee the implementation of PAVE and ensure that Certified Business Enterprises have a fair chance to compete.
For detailed information and updates on the PAVE Program and its aim to reshape the landscape of business in Anne Arundel County, please visit the program's page on the Anne Arundel County website.
