NJ Diverse Business Advisory Council
Advocating for small & diverse businesses in the state of New Jersey
NJ Diverse Business Advisory Council
Advocating for small & diverse businesses in the state of New Jersey
The NJDBAC
Our Mission
Our Experience
Our Mission
Our mission is clear – we are a group of individual chambers and advocacy groups who have come together to advocate for and facilitate increased procurement opportunities for small and diverse businesses across New Jersey. Through collaboration with government agencies, corporations, and community partners, we strive to create a procureme
Our mission is clear – we are a group of individual chambers and advocacy groups who have come together to advocate for and facilitate increased procurement opportunities for small and diverse businesses across New Jersey. Through collaboration with government agencies, corporations, and community partners, we strive to create a procurement landscape that reflects the diversity and potential of our great state.
Our Values
Our Experience
Our Mission
The NJ Diverse Business Advisory Council envisions a future where small and diverse businesses thrive, contributing significantly to the prosperity of New Jersey. Join us in this journey towards a more inclusive and economically robust state.
Our Experience
Our Experience
Our Experience
Our team has decades of combined experience in the business industry. We have worked with businesses of all sizes, from startups to multinational corporations, and have a deep understanding of the unique challenges facing each one. We represent the diversity seen here in the state of New Jersey.
Strength In Numbers
The NJDBAC represents over 20,000+ businesses across various industries in New Jersey. We represent Women Owned, Black Owned, LGBTQ+ Owned, Hispanic Owned, Asian Owned, Veteran Owned & Disabled Veteran Owned Businesses.
What our members have to say
Sandra Eberhart, President & CEO, Women's Business Enterprise Center Metro NY & DMV
Why is it important to improve procurement with diverse businesses?
Since small business employs over 46% of our workers, their success and sustainability it is critical to the GDP of our country. Women owned businesses have been the fastest growing segment of small business that supports the local economy since 1997. As the employers of over 9.2% of US workers, the impact of women owned businesses must continue. Local economies depend on viable employment opportunities. As quoted from the Impact of Women owned Business study done by Wells Fargo: Between 2019 and 2023, the impact women-owned businesses made on the U.S. economy was palpable—adding 1.7 million firms, $579.6 billion in revenue, and 1.4 million jobs to the economy.
Gus Penaranda, Executive Director, NJ Pride Chamber of Commerce
What did the disparity study mean to you?
The Disparity Study did not include the LGBTQ+ or Veteran community but the overall results prove that the millions that have been provided to state agencies and organizations to try and help businesses in NJ hasn't worked and the money would have had a bigger impact if provided to the chambers who are actually doing the work on the ground.
The state is the biggest customer spending millions of dollars in contracts for a multitude of industries and projects across the state. There are over 800,000 registered businesses in the state and having a small percentage of businesses collect almost 80% of the contracts in the state is not just unfair, it is unethical.
Indy Samra, President, Punjabi Chamber of Commerce
Why is the Disparity study important to you?
As a trustee with the Punjabi Chamber of Commerce, the disparity study holds profound significance for us. It serves as a stark confirmation of what many of our members have experienced firsthand: the glaring disparities in the allocation of state contracts. This study underscores the urgent need for change in how contracts are awarded, particularly for minority-owned businesses like ours.
Luis De La Hoz, Chairman, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
Why is it important to improve procurement with diverse businesses?
The Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is one of the largest chambers in the state of New Jersey. Our members represent various industries and have not gotten their fair share of contracts with the state. We believe that the state should recognize and celebrate diversity in procurement opportunities and welcome these diverse businesses into the process. The disparity study showed that the state has not done their due diligence to be inclusive of diverse businesses. We need immediate change to happen today.
Terrence Clark, President & CEO, NY/NJ Minority Supplier Development Council
Why do you want to be a part of the solution to improve procurement to diverse businesses?
The goal of our organization since its inception in 1973 has been to:
- Certify and develop ethnic-minority business enterprises to build a sustainable diverse supply chain.
- Provide a platform to connect suppliers with private and public sector procurement opportunities.
- Advocate for the growth and development of our Corporate Member and MBE business relationships.
- To grow, develop and scale minority businesses.
The Council actively seeks viable ethnic minority suppliers for procurement opportunities with its membership. The Council enables large corporations and public agencies to diversify their base of competitive suppliers and strengthen the corporate supply chain. This “linkage process” increases opportunities for diverse suppliers and helps facilitate the employment and economic development of our communities.
While some progress has been made, much more needs to be done. The ability of diverse businesses to have an opportunity to enter public and private sector supply chain leads to business growth which enhances community and economic development across New Jersey and the US. As these businesses grow, they can hire additional local residents that providing employment opportunities for those that may not have them, along with enhancing the tax base of New Jersey and the US. The more diverse businesses that are able to enter the supply chains of procuring agencies and corporations, the better pricing, and more options for product and service delivery can occur.
Jeff Cantor, Colonel, US Army (RET), Founder & CEO, NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce
Why is it important to improve procurement with diverse businesses?
The NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce has been fighting for better procurement opportunities for veteran owned, disabled veteran owned, and military spouse owned businesses. There has been a 3% disabled veteran business set aside law since 2015. The state finally published data for the set aside in 2021. In that year, the state procured 0.51% with disabled veteran owned businesses. The state can do so much better with outreach and procurement with the military-connected community. The state also needs to value veteran owned and military spouse owned businesses as a diversity certification. It's time for the state to value its commitment to those who have raised their right hand and worn the uniform in defense of our nation. They need to be included in this economy for all.
Komal Dangi, Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce
Why is it important to improve procurement with diverse businesses?
Diverse procurement drives economic growth, fosters innovation, and ensures corporate responsibility. Partnering with diverse suppliers enhances competition and promotes a more equitable and inclusive business environment, creating a win-win for enterprises and the broader community.
Elizabeth Walsh, President, Women's Business Enterprise Center East
Why is your organization a member of the NJDBAC?
WBEC-East is proud to be a part of the NJDBAC. The inclusivity of historically underrepresented groups, including minority, women, veteran, individuals with disabilities, and LGBTQ+ communities, fosters a more equitable business environment. Women-owned businesses account for about 40% of all businesses in the United States, yet still face bias and challenges in accessing capital and entering certain markets/industries. It is critical that we level the playing field so that all have a seat at the proverbial table in today’s economy.
Robin Berg Tabakin ESQ, Public Policy Leader, NJ Association of Women Business Owners
Why is it important to improve procurement with diverse businesses?
NJDBAC is dedicated to addressing the systemic barriers and disparities faced by diverse businesses in accessing state government procurement opportunities. These barriers have been highlighted by the findings of the disparity study, which underscore the need for proactive measures to promote fairness and inclusivity in procurement practices. NJDBAC's advocacy for fair and inclusive procurement policies is aimed at leveling the playing field for diverse businesses. By promoting government procurement opportunities for these businesses, NJDBAC seeks to empower them economically and facilitate their participation in state contracts and projects. By providing diverse businesses with greater opportunities to compete and succeed, New Jersey Association of Women Business Owners (NJAWBO) join all NJDBAC member organizations in playing a crucial role in job creation, economic development, and community revitalization across the state. By ensuring that diverse businesses have access to these opportunities, NJDBAC helps to build stronger and more prosperous communities throughout New Jersey.
Rajeev Krishna, President of the Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce
Why is it important to improve procurement with diverse businesses?
Enhancing procurement with diverse businesses promotes innovation, informed decision-making, and economic growth. It aligns with corporate responsibility, compliance, and global competitiveness. Overall, it contributes to a more dynamic, resilient, and competitive business environment.
Collectively, working through the NJBDAC ensures better outcomes for all.
Carlos Medina, CEO, Statewide Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of New Jersey
Why do you want to be a part of the solution to improve procurement to diverse businesses?
It has been proven over and over again that diverse organizations perform stronger economically. I was born in NJ and love this state. I want to see NJ businesses grow and thrive. Our business ecosystem needs fresh ideas.and diverse partners.
Subir Saha, CEO, National American and Indian Chamber of Commerce
Why is your organization a member of the NJDBAC?
The National American and Indian Chamber of Commerce (NAICCO) proudly associates with the NJ Diverse Business Advisory Council (NJDBAC) due to shared values centered on fostering the growth of small and diverse businesses for the betterment of the local economy. NAICCO recognizes NJDBAC as a vital platform where diversity, innovation, and economic development intersect. By advocating for increased procurement with small and diverse businesses, NJDBAC aligns with NAICCO's commitment to amplifying the voices of over 20,000 business owners which NJDBAC represents. Together, We believe in leveling the playing field for small and diverse businesses, ensuring equal opportunities with the government, ultimately bolstering communities and the state's economy.
Leandra Joseph, , Chief Operating Officer, Women's Business Enterprise Council, Metro NY & DMV
Why is it important to improve procurement with diverse businesses?
At the heart of procurement is the principle of inclusivity, which means recognizing the value that different businesses bring to the table every day. Companies who have embraced this principle often report not only a positive impact on their procurement strategies, but they also experience a ripple effect that extends into their community relations and market expansion efforts. Enhancing procurement strategies with diverse businesses is not just good for the bottom line; it also aligns with a broader mission of empowering underrepresented business owners and fueling a more inclusive economy.
Francisco Cortes, Founder & President, NJ State Veterans Chamber of Commerce
What did the disparity study mean to you?
The release of the State's disparity study showed that diverse businesses are often overlooked. NJ has a 3% Service-Disabled Veteran set-aside mandate for all state contracts and has fallen short of meeting this goal since becoming public law over nine years ago. Our brave men and women who served ask for little in return, and deserve better. Working in unity with The NJ Diverse Diverse Business Advisory Council, we will continue to hold agencies and corporations accountable until this is fixed.
Kathleen Waters, Vice President of the Board of Directors, NJ Pride Chamber of Commerce
Why do you want to be a part of the solution to improve procurement to diverse businesses?
For the Pride Chamber our Mission is to advance the business interests of LGBTQ+ and allied professionals. Supporting economic growth and development of our members is key to our success. Having an increase in our members ability to access opportunities within the State’s procurement would be a huge win overall. Breaking down any barriers to being included in the procurement events for diverse business enterprises is one of the first steps, while full certification and recognition of diverse status is right behind. To improve the overall state of including diverse businesses, we need to have education for our business community and for the State entities responsible for sourcing. Awareness will go a long way.
Michele Siekerka ESQ, President & CEO, NJ Business & Industry Association
Why is your organization a member of the NJDBAC?
NJ is one of the most diverse states in the nation and our business community reflects that. As such, it is imperative that this great diversity be present in our policy discussions and that our policy outcomes benefit all, not just some. NJBIA is proud to work alongside our sister associations in advancing inclusive policy that benefits our great diverse business community here in NJ.
Tom Bracken, President & CEO, NJ Chamber of Commerce
Why is your organization a member of the NJDBAC?
The state chamber of commerce is very happy to have helped the NJDBAC organize and is pleased to continue to advise the group as it grows. Strength in numbers is the best way to get results in NJ and the diverse chambers involved in the NJDBAC will benefit economically and culturally from their collective commitment. We are proud to be part of the NJDBAC.
Neha Mahajan, Board of Directors, Asian Indian Chamber of Commerce
Why is it important to improve procurement with diverse businesses?
Improved procurement with diverse businesses is not only the right thing to do for our society but it's good for the financial returns of your business. Studies after studies have shown that companies with a larger racial/ethnic and gender diversity are more likely to have superior financial returns. An improved relationship with diverse businesses not only fosters innovation, supports different markets but increases talent retention, expands access to talent and skills, and improves problem-solving. It is a win-win for businesses.
Elisa Charters, Co-Founder, Latina Surge
Why is your organization a member of the NJDBAC?
Latina Surge National and our Lean In Latina Surge Network started its advocacy nearly 10 years ago as a grass roots organization in Montclair, NJ to help multicultural women close parity gaps and to create opportunities for access, inclusion and wealth generation. Incredibly, the data reflects too little positive change from year to year, and sometimes even less than 1% despite exponential growth in entrepreneurship within these specific communities. Our most underrepresented and underserved business owners realize that partnerships yield more control towards economic access. As we approach 2025, joining the NJDBAC offers collaboration in the pursuit of fundamental growth goals, applied innovation and the implementation of new participation strategies for the long-term success of our diverse New Jersey businesses.