Watch our Diversity Data Collection Promotional Video: Promoting Supplier Diversity in State Contracting

Voluntary Diversity Data Collection Brochure

If you have questions about this information, please email SupplierDiversity@dgs.ca.gov

For technical assistance, please email Certifications@dgs.ca.gov

The State Procurement Media Dashboard is an interactive data visualization platform that provides a transparent view of statewide media spending and helps departments:

• Benchmark their activity
• Identify new supplier opportunities
• Give businesses and the public a clear understanding of how state dollars are used

To explore the dashboard, click here. 

To schedule a dashboard demonstration, click here.

California Supplier Diversity Symposium

The California Supplier Diversity Symposium is a signature event hosted by the California Statewide Coalition on Diversity Initiatives every March during National Procurement Month. It brings together partners from across the state to share knowledge, resources, and connections that support economic growth. Through this collaboration, the Symposium helps expand access to business resources and contracting opportunities for California’s small and diverse businesses.

What to Expect

Experience a day of learning, networking, and hands-on support. Through breakout sessions, one-on-one guidance, and a large resource expo, you can gain practical tools, insights, and connections to grow and compete in California’s marketplace.

Get Involved

Attend the Symposium

Check back often for updates. We will post the registration link here and send out communications once it becomes available. We look forward to having you join us!

Become a Community Partner

We would love your support! We couldn’t offer the Symposium without the generous contributions of our community partners. If your organization is interested in collaborating or supporting the event, please email SupplierDiversity@dgs.ca.gov.

State Certifications

Get certified as a small business and/or Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise if you are interested in pursuing state contracting opportunities.

• Visit the California State Government Marketplace to find information on registration and certification, public procurement information, training resources, outreach events and more.

The DGS Office of Small Business and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise Services provides support and assistance with:

• Small and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise certification assistance to Small and Diverse Businesses interested in doing business with the state. For eligibility requirements and benefits of becoming certified with the State of California, visit Apply For or Re-apply as Small Business, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (ca.gov).
• Training, education, and one-on-one appointments for Small and Diverse Businesses on how to effectively do business with the state.

For more information please visit the How to do Business with California State Government website. 

Federal Certification

Get certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise if you are a minority and/or woman-owned business interested in pursuing federal contracts:

• Visit the California Unified Certification Program (CAUCP) for a selection of certifying agencies.

Utilities Certification

Get certified if you are a minority and/or women-owned business enterprise, Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise, LGBT Business Enterprise, or a Persons with Disabilities Business Enterprise interested in contracting with utility companies:

• Visit the Supplier Clearing House for information on how to get started.

Access FREE resources to develop and grow your business

• State Small Business (SB) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise (DVBE) Contracting and Procurement Training
• Small Business Development Centers for assistance to start, run and grow your business.
• Procurement Technical Assistance Center (PTAC) [APEX Accelerators] for government contracting assistance in your location.
• Small Business Advice from SCORE to find a Small Business Mentor.
• California Capital Financial Development Corporation provides access to capital and business development services to California's small business community.
• California Office of the Small Business Advocate (CalOSBA) provides a wealth of information to help businesses succeed at every step.
• California Grants Portal is your destination to find grants and loans offered on a competitive or first-come basis by California state agencies.

• CalSavers is California's state retirement program that provides a simple, low-cost way for employers to enable their workers to invest in their futures.

Vantage ID – Small Business Success Story

Beat the Rhythm

Quality Cleaning Professionals

The Minority-Owned Small Business (MOSB) Task Force is a forum for diverse small businesses and affiliate organizations to identify ways to improve the state’s procurement process for state-certified small and micro businesses. The MOSB Task Force is not a policy-making body. It can advise or make recommendations to the Department of General Services (DGS) and the Government Operations Agency (GovOps) regarding state procurement policies and practices, disseminate information regarding specific state projects and programs, and provide a forum for an interactive discussion with interested parties.

The MOSB meetings are not open to the public at this time; however, to inquire about how to get involved or for more information, please email SupplierDiversity@dgs.ca.gov.

• Summary of Legislation Impacting SB/DVBE and State Strategies A document highlighting the legislative bills that support and uplift small business participation in state contracts.
• Executive Order N-16-22 summarizes state equity measures to improve outcomes and deliver better services by making its procurement policies simpler, faster, and more human-centered for buyers and businesses.
• Senate Bill 1045 (Polanco) (Chapter 1165, Statutes of 2002) Public employment and contracting updated by Senate Bill 1442 (Liu) (Chapter 870, Statutes of 2016) Discrimination: regulations and enforcement authorize focused outreach activities in addition to general outreach for the purposes of increasing diversity in the state’s contracting and procurement activities.