The City of Wichita’s Emerging and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program will gain national recognition this month in an internet-based presentation.

City staff members Melinda A. Walker, and Janice K. Briggs will conduct an hour-long “webinar” Jan. 24 for the National Institute of Governmental Purchase (NIGP), whose members represent government purchasing agencies across the country.

From the session, participants will learn how to develop an Emerging Business Program.

In 2003, the Wichita City Council appointed a 15-member task force to address concerns of minority business owners. From this task force, the Emerging and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program was created. Since its inception, the program has had excellent growth in vendor payments to minority businesses (12 percent), as well as a steady increase in participation.

The program provides one-on-one consultations, certification workshops, and other developmental functions.

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