Building Equity Through Access: How the City of Indianapolis’ OMWBD is Fueling Business Growth and Inclusive Opportunity
In a city as dynamic and diverse as Indianapolis, economic inclusion requires deliberate strategy, unwavering commitment, and robust infrastructure to make opportunities accessible. The City of Indianapolis’ Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD) is at the forefront of this mission, actively reshaping equitable economic development within the region.
Under the leadership of David Fredricks, a seasoned professional in supplier diversity and community development, OMWBD serves as a crucial bridge between government procurement opportunities and the diverse entrepreneurs who drive the local economy. Despite being one of the city’s smaller municipal agencies in size and budget, its influence and impact are substantial.
“We may be a small department, but the mission is mighty,” said Fredricks. “We’re creating connections that move the needle on economic equity in a very real way.”
The Gateway to Opportunity
Central to OMWBD’s efforts is the certification of businesses as Minority-, Women-, Veteran-, and Disability-Owned Enterprises (MBE/WBE/VBE/DBE). This certification is more than a formal recognition; it is a strategic tool that opens doors to government contracts and projects that might otherwise remain inaccessible.
The significance of such certifications is underscored by the city’s established utilization goals for small and diverse businesses, which can be viewed on the organization’s website. These targets reflect Indianapolis’s commitment to fostering an inclusive economic environment where all businesses can thrive.
Strategic Connections and Access to Resources
But Fredricks was quick to note that certification is merely the initial step.
“Our main goal is to get folks certified,” Fredricks explained. “But even more important is helping them understand how to use that certification—to grow their business, build relationships, and position themselves competitively.”
To that end, OMWBD offers free one-on-one consulting to walk business owners through the certification process—an invaluable service that helps level the playing field for small and emerging enterprises.
OMWBD further extends its support by facilitating networking events, providing educational resources, and connecting certified businesses with city department heads, procurement officers, and buyers. This proactive approach ensures that diverse vendors are present and active participants when opportunities arise.
Moreover, OMWBD collaborates with major institutions such as Eli Lilly, Cummins, and the Indianapolis Airport Authority, serving as a referral hub that links small diverse businesses with larger corporate entities. This network amplifies the reach and potential of small and diverse businesses across Central Indiana.
The Economic Landscape: Data Insights
Understanding the broader economic context highlights the importance of OMWBD’s work:
- Small Business Dynamics: Between March 2021 and March 2022, Indiana witnessed the opening of 18,944 establishments and the closing of 13,583, resulting in a net increase of 5,361 businesses. Notably, small businesses accounted for 17,443 openings and 12,752 closings during this period.
- Employment Impact: In the same timeframe, opening and expanding establishments in Indiana added 319,109 jobs, while closing and contracting establishments led to a loss of 208,081 jobs, culminating in a net gain of 111,028 jobs. Small businesses were responsible for a net increase of 71,992 jobs, representing 64.8% of the total employment growth.
- Black-Owned Business Growth: The Indianapolis area experienced a 59% increase in Black-owned business openings in 2023, the third-highest growth rate in the nation. This surge surpasses the national year-over-year increase of 24% for Black-owned businesses, with significant growth observed in sectors such as travel, home services, local services, and automotive services.
- Gender Pay Disparity: Despite these advancements, challenges persist. In Indiana, women earned a median salary of $35,800 annually in 2023, approximately $14,500 less than their male counterparts. Factors contributing to this disparity include discrimination, job segregation, and inadequate workplace policies supporting family caregiving.
Navigating Challenges and Embracing Change
As federal and state policies evolve, particularly concerning race- and gender-based procurement goals, small and diverse businesses may face new challenges. OMWBD remains committed to preparing entrepreneurs for these shifts by emphasizing the importance of competitiveness, innovation, and strategic partnerships.
The office encourages businesses to:
- Understand financials: Gain a comprehensive understanding of cost structures and financial health.
- Enhance efficiency: Identify and eliminate inefficiencies to operate more effectively.
- Strengthen proposals: Develop compelling proposals that highlight unique value propositions.
By focusing on these areas, small and diverse businesses can better navigate the changing landscape and seize emerging opportunities.
For C-suite executives, procurement directors, and corporate leaders in Central Indiana, engaging with OMWBD offers a pathway to diversify supplier bases and foster inclusive growth. With a database of over 1,000 certified vendors, OMWBD is well-equipped to support organizations in achieving their procurement objectives.
“We tell our businesses, we can’t promise you a contract—but we can promise you access,” said Fredricks. “What you do with that access is up to you.”
Spotlighting Success
Indianapolis has been undergoing a renaissance in recent years. The city has seen unprecedented growth as one of the nation’s greatest “host cities”, attracting major sporting events, conferences, and performing artists to the heart of the Crossroads of America. An ever-expanding tourism industry calls for the development and maintenance of innovative, sustainable infrastructure. Director David Fredricks prides his agency on its ability to connect vendors with the proper people and resources to get involved in building the future of Indianapolis.
“It is exciting to see so many of our vendors becoming instrumental to revitalization of downtown [Indianapolis] through projects with the InterContinental Hotel, Elanco, IU Health, and more”, said Fredricks. “There are countless opportunities in the pipeline for local businesses to make their mark on Indianapolis’s next chapter, and our office is here to help business-owners pick up the proverbial pen and get started.”
Millions of dollars are flowing into small and diverse businesses across Indianapolis as current and future developments take form. The Office of Minority and Women Business Development works closely with other City, County, and Municipal agencies to encourage and track project spending for XBE involvement. In 2024, these agencies awarded almost $200 million to XBE firms, which comprised nearly a quarter of project vendors.
Furthermore, several prime contractors across the City of Indianapolis have committed millions of dollars to small and diverse business involvement in current and future Public-Private Partnership (P3) projects. Indianapolis’s unprecedented growth as an entertainment and business destination is reflected in the steady rise in infrastructure and construction initiatives. The Office of Minority and Women Business works to connect all business owners to bidding opportunities for these large projects, along with helping with navigating contracts, compliance, and more.
Director David Fredricks encourages local business owners to take advantage of Indianapolis’s renaissance and seek out opportunities to get involved with the vast array of new and developing projects across the city. The Office of Minority and Business Development provides services to all business owners and is here to help your business take strides towards success.
Equity Requires Intention—and Infrastructure
Equity doesn’t happen without intention. It requires leadership, resources, and the infrastructure to ensure that opportunity reaches those who have long been excluded from the economic mainstream. That’s precisely what the Office of Minority and Women Business Development delivers.
OMWBD is doing more than certifying businesses—it’s building a new blueprint for how cities can invest in inclusive economic development. With the right partnerships, bold leadership, and ongoing investment, the office is helping to ensure that Central Indiana’s growth includes all its people.
