Pennsylvania has seen a notable rise in state contracting dollars being directed to minority-owned businesses. In the 2022-23 fiscal year, under the leadership of Gov. Josh Shapiro and Lt. Gov. Austin Davis, the state allocated nearly $700 million, with $136 million going to Black-owned and Hispanic-owned businesses. This marks a 30% increase from the $104 million recorded in the previous year.
The figures, disclosed through a news release, come in the wake of an executive order signed by Gov. Shapiro that established the Pennsylvania Advisory Council for Inclusive Procurement (PACIP). The 16-member council’s role is to guide state agencies on enhancing inclusivity in state contracting opportunities. Expanding access to funds for small and diverse businesses, according to the administration, promotes economic participation for all and helps build generational wealth.
