Gov. Whitmer Signs Executive Directive Expanding Opportunities for Small and Disadvantaged Businesses

LANSING – Today Governor Gretchen Whitmer signed Executive Directive 2019-8 to help expand opportunities for businesses in Michigan’s opportunity zones, or communities that have been cut off from capital and have experienced a lack of business growth. Under the executive directive, the Department of Technology, Management, and Budget (DTMB) must work with other state departments, agencies, and organizations representing small businesses to identify and reduce barriers for geographically-disadvantaged businesses by increasing purchases from and contracts with them.

“Too many Michigan businesses are falling behind because they’re not getting the support they need to thrive in their communities,” said Whitmer. “If we want to call Michigan a successful state, we’ve got to expand opportunities for business owners in our opportunity zones. I’m confident that the cabinet I put together will partner with Michigan business owners and ensure they have the resources they need to create more good-paying jobs. This executive directive will take a much-needed step toward building vibrant communities here in Michigan.”

“Entrepreneurs in Michigan’s opportunity zones deserve partners in state government who will work to expand opportunities for them,” said Lieutenant Governor Gilchrist. “Whether they’re in Detroit, Flint, or Houghton, Governor Whitmer, our cabinet leaders and I are ready to get to work to help disadvantaged businesses thrive. We’re all better off when our local businesses have the tools they need to be successful.”

Under the executive directive, DTMB must adopt policies to increase purchases from and contracts with geographically-disadvantaged businesses for supplies, materials, services, insurance, utilities, third party financing, equipment, printing, and all other items needed by state departments or agencies, including contracts for the construction, alteration, repair, or demolition of a facility.

Geographically-disadvantaged business enterprises are defined in the executive directive as one or more of the following:

• Certified as a HUBZone Small Business Concern by the United States Small Business Administration.
• Located within a Qualified Opportunity Zone within Michigan.
• More than half of the employees have a principal residents within a Qualified Opportunity Zone.

To view the executive directive, click on the link below:

• ED 2019-8 .pdf