How Gwinnett County’s Disparity Study Will Empower Minority and Underrepresented Businesses

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Understanding the Disparity Study
Gwinnett County has partnered with Griffin & Strong, P.C., to conduct a comprehensive Disparity Study. This study aims to analyze the utilization of Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBEs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs), Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprises (PDBEs), Small Business Enterprises (SBEs), Veteran-Owned Enterprises, and LGBTQ-owned businesses in government contracting and purchasing. The objective is to identify potential disparities or barriers these businesses face in accessing opportunities within the county.

Informational Session: Get Involved in the Disparity Study
An Informational Session is being held for local business owners and community members to learn more about this Disparity Study. This session is a valuable opportunity to ask questions, connect with Griffin & Strong, and understand how the business community can actively participate. The goal of the study is to create a more inclusive business marketplace in Gwinnett County, ensuring that all businesses interested in working with the county have equal opportunities.

Why Your Feedback Matters in the Disparity Study
Gwinnett County Government is seeking feedback from local businesses as it embarks on its first-ever Disparity Study. Partnering with Griffin & Strong, P.C., the county aims to identify and address potential disparities or barriers that small and underrepresented businesses may encounter in government contracting and purchasing. As the county’s inaugural Equity Officer, I will be co-leading this collaborative effort to analyze the study’s findings and implement its recommendations.

How You Can Participate in the Disparity Study
Your input is crucial to the accuracy of this Disparity Study. Whether you have had positive or negative experiences working with Gwinnett County or within the greater Gwinnett County economic market, your feedback will significantly contribute to the study’s findings. The study’s team will engage with local business owners, community members, organizations, and advocates through public events, interviews, and surveys. When Griffin & Strong, P.C. contacts you, we encourage your full and candid participation.

Register for an Informational Meeting on the Disparity Study
To ensure everyone has the opportunity to participate, Gwinnett County is hosting both in-person and virtual informational meetings:

In-Person Meeting
Date: Wednesday, September 18
Time: 6:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Location: George Pierce Park, Community Room, 55 Buford Highway, Suwanee

Virtual Meeting
Date: Thursday, September 19
Time: 2:00 PM
Platform: Zoom

Participants’ comments will be recorded and may be used in the study to help Gwinnett County better serve all businesses in the community.

The Importance of Your Participation in the Disparity Study
As Gwinnett County undertakes this vital Disparity Study, your involvement is essential. The information you provide will guide the county in developing policies and practices that foster a more inclusive environment for all businesses. I am personally grateful for your support and participation in this study, and I look forward to working together to create a more equitable business landscape in Gwinnett County.