Equal Opportunity/Contract Compliance Office

This division is home to the Minority Business Opportunity Committee. The MBOC assists disadvantaged businesses through training and technical assistance programs designed to facilitate greater access to the public/private marketplace.  To this end, the office organizes a variety of activities:

Annual Trade Fair
Where minority and women-owned businesses can network with procurement agents from Fortune 500 companies and government entities.

Minority Enterprise Development Week
An annual event which recognizes contributions of minority businesses to both the City's and the nation's economic growth.

Expo on the Square
Where minority and women-owned businesses can market services and products to the Wilmington public.  This event annually draws crowds of 3,000 or more.

Micro-Loan Program
Established to provide technical skills and business support services to persons interested in starting up businesses or already established in business.  A bilingual training program was also established to target the Hispanic community.

Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program

As defined in Section 35-131 of the City Code, a "Disadvantaged Business Enterprise" (D.B.E.) shall mean a business at least fifty-one percent (51%) of which is owned and controlled by one or more socially disadvantaged individuals who, in fact, control the management and daily business operations of that business.  To take advantage of this program, please obtain, complete and submit the following form to the Office of Economic Business Development - Minority Business Division.

Disadvantaged Business Certification Form Summary

Please complete this form and return it to the Minority Business Division in order to take advantage of this program.  Download the summary.

For additional information on the city's economic development, click the logo to visit the Wilmington Economic Development Corporation website.