mwdbe/chicago
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The Nation’s #1 Place To Locate Minority-Owned Contractors For Your Upcoming Projects
Who We Are - CANDO Corporation
We are a Chicago-based consulting firm that seeks to create positive economic impact by matching minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises with new projects locally and nationwide. We prepare individuals and small companies to compete for contracting opportunities by offering technical assistance and linking people with the appropriate employment opportunities.
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 and largely untapped, with over 1 million minority-owned construction firms nationwide. The potential for growth is substantial, considering that Black and Latino-owned businesses each received under 2% of city contract dollars in Fiscal Year 2022, despite years of laws and programs designed to increase their participation (New York City Comptroller, 2023). By connecting these businesses with major projects, we can help close the gap and promote equitable economic development. Our newest initiative, CANDO Equity, aims to bridge this gap by providing a comprehensive directory, increasing visibility and accessibility for project managers and procurement officers to find and hire diverse businesses. This initiative can help minority-owned businesses capture a larger share of the $1.6 trillion U.S. construction market, driving better project outcomes and fostering a more inclusive industry.
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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.
Our Mission
CANDO Equity is dedicated to promoting the success of local and disadvantaged firms by providing technical assistance and services that enhance their performance. Our mission is to create a positive economic impact by linking minority, women, and disadvantaged business enterprises with new projects, fostering a more inclusive and equitable economy.
Our Services
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Join Our Network
If you’re a minority-owned construction firm eager to demonstrate your skills and take on significant projects, we invite you to join CANDO Equity. Become a key player in our mission to promote diversity and equity in construction. Apply now to be featured in our extensive directory and gain access to opportunities that will elevate your business.