Join meetings devoted to examining disproportions

The City of Indianapolis and the Office of Minority and Women’s Business Development are conducting a disparity study with their partners to assess the challenges local business owners face in Indianapolis.

The 12-month study, in partnership with BBC Research and Consulting, will collect data through hybrid public meetings. The purpose of the meetings is to share more information and give local business owners a platform to ask questions, share their perspectives and express concerns.

The Disparity Study, in collaboration with several Indiana-based organizations, will analyze the distribution of contract dollars to local companies compared to their expected distributions. This means they will check how many and which companies the city is contacting, and how they can try to expand this. Additionally, the study will review the XBE certification process, a process that considers businesses owned by women, minorities, veterans or those who are socially and economically disadvantaged.

The study will identify contractors and companies currently working with the city and help determine future economic development paths for Indianapolis-based businesses.

Both meetings are free to the public. For those who want to participate in person, registration is not necessary. Those wishing to attend the virtual event must register online to receive the link.

Information sessions will be held on Tuesday, June 18 at 10:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. at the IndyPL Central Library. To register for an online session, visit indy.gov and search for “disparity study.”

Contact staff writer Hanna Rauworth at 317-762-7854 or follow her on Instagram at @hanna.rauworth.