USmallBiz is a vendor database comprised of Minnesota small businesses, owned and operated by women, minorities and persons with disabilities. The database was developed in an effort to provide a tool to the University community that supports its initiative to increase the level of business the University does with WMDBEs through its purchasing activity, as mandated by Regent’s Policy (www.eoaffact.umn.edu).
Specifically, USmallBiz is designed to provide departments and colleges a “one stop” vehicle to identify quality WMDBE vendors that should be considered for contracting on purchases of goods and services up to $10,000, professional services up to $50,000 and for all purchases done using the University Purchase Card.
These vendors have met specific University criteria to be included on USmallBiz in an effort to eliminate user uncertainty regarding the quality of the vendors. This criteria is above and beyond the certification criteria required by the following agencies.
About The Vendors
The Minnesota based vendors listed on USmallBiz are provided by three sources:
- State of Minnesota - Companies which have met the State of Minnesota’s criteria for certification as a Minnesota WMDBE.
- Small Business Administration – Companies which have met the federal government’s criteria for formal certification as a WMDBE.
USmallBiz offers University users quality vendors that have met the following criteria, in addition to the certification criteria required by the above agencies / organizations.
- Business has been in operation for a minimum of 4 years
- Business meets the State of Minnesota’s Small Business Revenue guidelines
- Significant experience with doing business with institutions / corporations similar to the University
U-Wide Contracts
Departments may order from these contracts directly for up to $99,999 ($10,000 for printing services). Firms listed in this section of USmallBiz have been certified as WMDBEs, however, they may not be a Minnesota company and may exceed the state’s revenue threshold for designation as a small business.
