MCE is proud to announce our third annual “Certify & Amplify” workshop. If you are a small diverse business owner, we want to help you certify in the California Public Utilities Commission’s Supplier Diversity program and amplify your business opportunities throughout the state. Register here to learn about the benefits and opportunities available through this certification and how to access California’s multimillion-dollar utility contracting clearinghouse.

Commonly referred to as “Supplier Diversity,” General Order (GO) 156 is a statewide program that encourages utilities to prioritize contracts and subcontracts from businesses that meet diversity qualifications. To qualify, businesses must be 51% woman-owned; minority-owned; lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT)-owned; or disabled veteran-owned enterprises. After being certified as a diverse supplier, qualified businesses are listed in the CPUC’s Clearinghouse, which utilities can then access for their contracting needs and to meet their contracting quotas.

The COVID-19 pandemic has squeezed our local businesses into even more competitive environments and tighter margins, making Supplier Diversity certification another way to get local businesses noticed and ensure that they stand out among the competition. MCE wants to make sure that businesses in our communities are aware of this program, know how to qualify for the Clearinghouse, and get their questions answered by our guest speakers from the CPUC, the utility industry, and even from local businesses like themselves. When diverse community businesses thrive, we all thrive.

To continue with the social distancing protocols of the last year, this workshop will be virtual. Join us this summer to learn about this opportunity!