ABOUT US
Our team is composed of committed and hardworking professionals who consistently go above and beyond to achieve excellence.
The Unmet Need
In today’s construction industry, minority-owned businesses face significant barriers to accessing contracting opportunities. Despite representing 32% of the U.S. population and 18.3% of all U.S. businesses, they receive less than 2% of the $1.6 trillion spent annually on government contracts and only 9.4% of federal contract dollars (Minority Business Development Agency, 2022). This disparity limits economic growth and perpetuates inequality in communities, as many capable contractors are overlooked and unable to compete on a level playing field.
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The Opportunity
- The market for minority-owned contractors is vast but underutilized, with over 1 million firms nationwide.
- Black and Latino-owned businesses received less than 2% of city contract dollars in 2022 (NYC Comptroller, 2023).
- Connecting these businesses with major projects can close the gap and promote equitable development.
- Our CANDO Equity initiative provides a directory to increase visibility and accessibility for project managers.
- This helps minority-owned businesses capture more of the $1.6 trillion U.S. construction market, fostering inclusivity.
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The Solution
CANDO Equity addresses the unmet need by offering a user-friendly platform where minority-owned contractors can showcase their services, credentials, and past projects. Our directory simplifies the search process for procurement officers, project managers, and local residents, ensuring these businesses are considered for every relevant opportunity. By providing technical assistance and linking contractors with appropriate opportunities, we ensure they are bid-ready and capable of delivering high-quality work. This initiative supports the growth of minority-owned businesses and contributes to a more diverse and equitable construction industry.