OMBD’s VISION

Our vision is to foster greater economic and social equity within our community by ensuring parity in how the City of Richmond allocates taxpayer dollars and user fees for the procurement of goods and services.

OMBD’s MISSION

OMBD is dedicated to advancing opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Emerging Small Businesses (ESBs), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) to fully participate in contracting opportunities available within the City of Richmond. We aim to:

• Increase the number of local MBEs, ESBs, and DBEs.
• Build the capacity of local MBEs, ESBs, and DBEs.
• Enhance MBE/ESB and DBE representation in underrepresented business sectors (e.g., architecture).
• Expand the number of public and private sector contracts awarded to MBEs, ESBs, and DBEs.
• Foster strategic alliances within the MBE/ESB and DBE communities and beyond.
• Improve MBE/ESB and DBE access to capital.
• Promote the integration of information technology within MBEs, ESBs, and DBEs.

OMBD’s CORE VALUES

• Integrity and Transparency: We are committed to operating with honesty and the highest standards of ethics.
• Dedication to Community: We strive to support and uplift the business community.
• Quality Service: We prioritize delivering exceptional customer service to every client.
• Innovation and Creativity: We encourage fresh ideas and approaches to problem-solving.
• Continuous Improvement: We focus on self-improvement to maintain and strengthen our dedicated workforce.

OMBD's GOAL

The Office of Minority Business Development (OMBD) works towards embedding the utilization and recognition of minority, disadvantaged, and emerging business enterprises as a standard practice in Richmond’s procurement activities. OMBD stands as one of the city’s strongest advocates for increasing contract opportunities for minority-owned and emerging small businesses in the Richmond metropolitan area. We are actively evolving to better serve our clients and foster business success.

We Want Your Business to Succeed

We recognize that your success is directly tied to ours. Both the City of Richmond and OMBD are committed to expanding contracting opportunities for minority-owned businesses (MBEs) and emerging small businesses (ESBs) across all sectors.

Expanded Contracting Opportunities

The City of Richmond’s MBD policy now encompasses all contracts, both construction and non-construction. If your business is minority-owned or located within a City of Richmond Enterprise Zone and provides professional or non-professional services, you may be eligible for unique opportunities with the City of Richmond.