Minnesota Agencies

Insure procurement and contract opportunities in all state agencies for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons in Minnesota as defined in Minn. Stat. 1978 16.082.

The Council shall devise and sponsor procurement related training courses, collect and distribute information to other government agencies, and promote a general awareness of programs to assist small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged persons.

Small business owners were given special assistance by the legislature in 1975 when it passed the Set Aside Law (Chapter 383). The special set aside percentage for businesses owned by persons who are socially and economicallly disadvantaged was seen as a stepping stone for solvency, a way to aid these businesses in becoming economically independent.

In April, 1979, Governor Al Quie signed a $150,000 Economic Development Administration grant establishing an Equal Business Opportunity Division within the Department of Economic Development.

The Governor's Council on Equal Business Opportunity to consist of the Commissioners of Adminjstration, Economic Development, Human Rights, Transportation, Economic.Security, Education, and the Executive Director of the Minnesota Housing Finance Agency, or their duly appointed representatives. The Council will report directly to the Governor on its
activities.

Library has a report from 1981 titled: "Equal business opportunity: final report" Prepared for the Department of Economic Development, State of Minnesota.