The State of Minority and Women Businesses in New Jersey: A Public Policy Forum
Date: Friday, June 19, 2009
Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (includes lunch)
Place:
OVERVIEW
As we approach the gubernatorial election, the New Jersey Public Policy Research Institute (NJPPRI) is hosting a series of public policy forums addressing issues that affect the African American community and other minority communities. This panel discussion will explore the current state of affairs for minority-owned and women-owned businesses in New Jersey, the public policy challenges these firms face in contracting with New Jersey state, county, and local government agencies, and what can be done to improve the overall landscape. NJPPRI, the Greater Newark Business Development Consortium (GNBDC) and the Rutgers Center for Urban Entrepreneurship and Economic Development (CUEED) are hosting this session jointly. It will take place immediately following GNBDC’s 5th Annual Opportunities and Awards Breakfast. The transcript from the discussion will form the basis for a special journal issue on “Race and the Law” to be produced by Rutgers Law School.
Questions to be addressed:
• What are the results of the New Jersey statewide disparity study? What are the results of Essex County’s disparity study? What progress has been made since these reports were released?
• Are women- and minority-owned businesses getting a fair share of the contract dollars available in New Jersey? What can small and medium sized businesses do to be ready for state and local contract opportunities?
• What policies and programs have been successful within and outside the state to promote business opportunities for minority- and women-owned businesses?
Who Should Attend:
New Jersey public policy makers, policy researchers, elected officials, candidates for elected office and their staff representing all areas of government. Technical assistance providers working with minority-owned and women-owned businesses to secure public contracts in New Jersey. Minority and women entrepreneurs who are currently pursuing contract opportunities at the state, county and municipal level or who are trying to grow their business in New Jersey.
MODERATOR: Dr. Randal Pinkett, CEO, BCT Partners
PANELISTS:
Deborah Collins, Esq.
Executive Director of the Essex County Economic Development Corporation and the Director of Small Business Development and Affirmative Action for the County of Essex, New Jersey
Maria Yglesias
Co-Founder and Principal
M&M Development LLC
Elizabeth Lindsey
Associate Assistant Treasurer for Economic Development
New Jersey Department of the Treasury
Jeffrey A. Robinson, Ph.D.
Assistant Professor and Assistant Director, The Rutgers Center for Urban Entrepreneurship & Economic Development
Cornel Brooks (invited)
Executive Director, The Institute for Social Justice
The State of Minority and Women Businesses in New Jersey: A Public Policy Forum
Date: Friday, June 19, 2009
Time: 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM (includes lunch)
Place:
You must RSVP to attend. Send your name and email address to cueedrsvp@gmail.com
