Shelby County in Tennessee is promoting the relaunching of its M/WBE (Minority and Women Owned Business Enterprise) and LOSB (Locally-owned small business) programs.

The county's Equal Opportunity Compliance (EOC) office is taking the lead in promoting efforts to involve these small business with county projects and procurement. 

The county website explains:

“Shelby County Government believes that a successful community is one where all levels of society and business are given equal opportunity to enjoy economic success and prosperity. Shelby County Government believes that locally-owned small businesses and minority/ women business enterprises represent a major part of our business community and offer a wide variety of products and services needed by the county. When the county utilizes this segment of the community through its Purchasing Department, it enriches the owners, employees, and families of these businesses and the community as a whole with success and prosperity.”

The programs are seeking to increase the dollars awarded to minority and women owned firms and small businesses. 

Halted in November of 2020 because of a lawsuit, after a recent county-wide disparity study the programs are being relaunched.