As explained in the Equal Employment Opportunity - Regulations section of this topic, HUD promotes the use of outreach programs to encourage socially and economically disadvantaged groups to participate in HOME-funded programs and activities. Under Executive Orders 11625, 12432, and 12138, PJs must prescribe procedures acceptable to HUD for a minority outreach program to ensure that they are making concerted efforts to attract minority groups to the procurement process.

What constitutes a minority-owned business?

A "minority-business enterprise" is a business in which minority group members own 51 percent or more of the company; or, in the case of a publicly-owned business, one in which minority-group members own at least 51 percent of its voting stock and control management and daily business operations. For this purpose, minority-group members are those groups of U.S. citizens found to be disadvantaged by the Small Business Administration pursuant to Section 8(d) of the Small Business Act.

What are some examples of outreach practices that can be used to attract minority and women-owned businesses?

A variety of outreach practices can be used to attract minority and women-owned businesses and encourage their involvement in HOME-related procurements. Because demographics and potential businesses differ in each community, outreach practices developed by PJs should reflect their community's needs and be targeted accordingly. Examples of outreach practices include the following:

• Developing relationships with government referral agencies and national and local women and minority organizations to obtain information about local minority and women-owned businesses and "spread the word" about upcoming contracting opportunities. National organizations include the Urban League, National Association of Black Accountants, and Women at Work.
  
  
• Including the Equal Opportunity logo on all press materials related to contracting needs.
  
  
• Using local media to market and promote contract and business opportunities to targeted businesses.
  
  
• Sponsoring and/or participating in business opportunity meetings, conferences, or career fairs to promote opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.