Equity and Inclusion

• Develop MWDBEs to build capacity and core competent knowledge
• Ensure that Allegheny County systems provide equal and fair access to business opportunities
• Quantify the MWDBE participation in procurement opportunities at Allegheny County
• Seek new and innovative procedures in daily departmental operations
• Monitor and track MWDBE program and contract compliance activity at Allegheny County
• Provide exceptional MWDBE certification processing services to the small business community
• Promote a strategy to ensure racial equity in programs and services by working with other county departments and community-based organizations

The MWDBE program objective is to ensure that all MBEs, WBEs, and DBEs are given the maximum opportunity to obtain and perform on contracts. The goals are 13% for MBEs and 2% for WBEs, and remain in effect throughout the life of each contract.

The Minority, Women, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (MWDBE) Program provides opportunities for minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises (MBEs, WBEs, and DBEs) to:

• Participate in county contracts
• Become certified with the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PA UCP)
• Provide services and resources to help these entities grow their businesses

Allegheny County expects all bidders and proposers to demonstrate a good faith effort to include MBEs, WBEs, and DBEs when bidding on county contracts. Allegheny County provides contract compliance and oversight, technical assistance, and acts as a certifying participant for the Pennsylvania Unified Certification Program (PA UCP).

Certified Firms
Find a certified MWDBE business

City of Pittsburgh International Business Directory
Join the online directory of immigrant-owned businesses to assist entrepreneurs in growing their business

Online Tax Center(PDF, 21KB)
Find tax preparation resources for small businesses offered by the IRS

Starting and Operating an LLC
Learn how to start a limited liability company (LLC) in Pennsylvania

Tax Tips for the Self-Employed(PDF, 23KB)
Learn six key points from the IRS about self-employment taxes

Legislation(PDF, 572KB)
View legislation to improve operations of the MWDBE Program