DENVER, CO ­— Friday, August 2, 2013 — The Denver Office of Economic Development will hold two public meetings to discuss the results of its year-long disparity study examining its race and gender conscious business certification programs. The meetings will be held August 8, 2013, from 1 to 3 p.m. and from 5 to 7 p.m., at Mitchell Elementary School, 1350 E. 33^rd Ave.

The disparity study examined the utilization of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) and Airport Concession Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (ACDBE). The study also examined the city’s procurement of services and products, the subcontracting participation of prime contractors/service providers who do business with the city, and anecdotal evidence collected from M/W/DBE and non-M/W/DBE firms.

The study was led by the OED’s Division of Small Business Opportunity, which commissioned third-party research firm MGT of America. The study’s purpose was to provide a basis for the possible continuation of Denver’s current M/WBE, DBE and ACDBE programs, which are set to expire at the end of the year. The study is required every five to seven years, in order to provide a foundation for these programs.

M/WBE, DBE and ACDBE certifications are offered through the OED Division of Small Business Opportunity. The programs help connect businesses with construction and professional service contracts throughout the city and concession opportunities at DIA.