DENVER – The inaugural Governor’s Minority Business Awards will recognize for-profit businesses that have contributed to the economic diversity and success of minority communities across Colorado. Representatives from the eight winning businesses will be recognized at the 2019 Advance Colorado Procurement Expo (ACPE) luncheon, taking place at the McNichols Civic Center on May 16.
Hosted by the Minority Business Office at the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT), the State and Purchasing Contracts division of the Department of Personnel and Administration, the Colorado Department of Transportation and the Colorado Business Development Foundation, the Advance Colorado Procurement Expo is Colorado’s premier buyers and sellers marketplace which focuses on state and local government procurement.
“The number of businesses in Colorado have grown significantly between 2007 and 2019, increasing from 548,000 to an estimated 660,000-690,000 businesses,” said Rosy McDonough, director of the Minority Business Office at OEDIT. “A large number of these are women, minority, and veteran-owned companies We are in our tenth year of the ACPE procurement expo which has become the premier place for government and corporate networking. In the last four years, attendance has grown from 350 to close to 700 attendees and the number of exhibitors from 80 to 145 exhibitors which tells us in this age of electronics, there is still a need for face-to-face networking opportunities.”
Awards are divided into four small business types: micro, small, medium and large, and the state into four regions. Nominees were rated on several criteria, including how they demonstrate diversity in their hiring practices, effectiveness at engaging community resources, job creation and retention and contributions back to their community.
Winners for the 2019 Governor’s Minority Business Awards are:
Region 1 (Northwest Colorado)
- Micro: Four Seasons Gutter Systems
- Accepted by: Barbara Kinion
Region 2 (Northeast Colorado)
- Micro: Atrevida Beer Company
- Accepted by: Jessica Fierro
- Micro: Brooklyn Barber Academy
- Accepted by: Ja’Mal Gilmore
- Small: Colorado Tech Shop
- Accepted by: Katie Hedrick
- Medium: Flawless Steel Welding
- Accepted by: Victor & Tasha Garcia
- Medium: Magic Rabbit Car Wash
- Accepted by: Shirley & Kevin Leung
- Large: Istonish
- Accepted by: Annette Quintana
REGION 3 (Southeast and Central Colorado)
- Medium: Cortez Construction
- Accepted by: Carla Barela
REGION 4 (Southwest Colorado)
- No applications received for Region 4
Recipients of this award will receive a complimentary training of their choice from the Colorado Small Business Development Center (SBDC) network, a 30-second promo video recording, recognition by a Governor’s office representative during the ACPE Luncheon, an exhibit table at the ACPE to create access to potential procurement opportunities, and a travel stipend for those traveling to the ACPE from outside the front range area.
About Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade
The Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) works with partners to create a positive business climate that encourages dynamic economic development and sustainable job growth. Under the leadership of Governor Jared Polis, we strive to advance the State’s economy through financial and technical assistance that fosters local and regional economic development activities throughout Colorado. OEDIT offers a host of programs and services tailored to support business development at every level including business retention services, business relocation services, and business funding and incentives. Our office includes the Global Business Development division; Colorado Tourism Office; Colorado Outdoor Recreation Industry Office; Colorado Creative Industries; Business Financing & Incentives division; the Colorado Small Business Development Network; Colorado Office of Film, TV &
Media; the Minority Business Office; and the Colorado Innovation Network. Learn more at www.choosecolorado.com.
