I own a small minority business. How can I win city contracts?
The city's minority participation rate is an outstanding 18.5 percent as compared to only two percent for the commonwealth of Virginia. Under the leadership of Rita Henderson, the City's Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) instituted new procedures to increase the minority contracting with the city. For too long, minority businesses were not working in Richmond and that has changed. A ground-breaking strategic alliance between the city and the U.S. Small Business Administration will further enhance minority business development services for businesses like yours. Please contact the city's OMBD at 646-5947.
Are there any city programs that help small businesses?
The City's Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) increased minority contracting with the City last year to an outstanding 18.5 percent. As a comparison, the Commonwealth of Virginia only has about a 2 or 3 percent minority contractor participation. OMBD also partners with the U.S. Small Business Administration to provide training on developing market plans and other kinds of "start up" assistance. Please contact the City's OMBD at 646-5947.
The City provides financial support to small businesses through Commercial Area Revitalization Effort (CARE) and Enterprise Zone grants that can be used for interior and exterior improvements, sprinkler or fire suppression system upgrades and other approved uses. For more about the City's economic development incentives, call 646-5491.
I would like to start my own business, but I have a felony on my record. Is there anyone at the city who can assist me in getting my business started?
The City’s Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) offers start-up information and other assistance to help individuals who want to go into business. For more information, contact OMBD at (804) 646-5947 or the City's Office of Minority Business Development.
OMBD also helps those still incarcerated by supporting the City Jail's Belief Program, a 12-step peer-to-peer program that helps inmates who are preparing for their release. This educational assistance improves their chances of successfully re-entering society and at the same time, helps to reduce the jail’s recidivism rate.
I understand a new police precinct is coming to the Northside?
Yes. The Richmond Police Department’s Fourth Precinct is relocating to the Northside, as it has outgrown its existing space Downtown on 5th St. We promised the citizens of Northside a stronger police presence and this precinct will deliver that.
The new precinct, located at 2219 Chamberlayne Avenue, is a former vacant building that is being renovated by minority contractors through the City’s Office of Minority Business Development. The $3.7 million dollar precinct is expected to open this fall.