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Office of Access Compliance and Education

Small Business Support and Development

As part of its mission to the state and the country, Clemson University desires to assist diverse suppliers in their economic growth and intellectual development. The University’s commitment to procurement inclusion for all segments of society is accomplished through developing and maintaining of a strong Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) program.

The policy of the Minority Business Enterprise program ensures that businesses owned by diverse suppliers are given an opportunity to be involved in the procurement process. Clemson University has procedures in place to ensure equal access for all businesses in the awarding of contracts and subcontracts.

Clemson utilizes an online, electronic bidding system, allowing potential bidders to register, where they will then electronically receive notifications of solicitations that match the commodity code for goods or services in which they select at the time of registration.

On large projects, including capital construction projects, Clemson recognizes the value of dividing up larger projects to maximize MBE subcontractor utilization. By utilizing alternative delivery methods such as Construction Manager at Risk (CM@R), the University is able to require a general contractor to have an MBE Utilization Plan. The general contractor is then responsible for managing MBE utilization throughout the project and reporting progress toward goal attainment.

Resources for You

  • The South Carolina Division of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification (SMBCC) — The mission of the S.C Division of Small and Minority Business Contraction and Certification is to promote the interest of small and minority-owned businesses as a part of the free enterprise system; thereby, enhancing economic growth and development in South Carolina.
  • SCDOT Minority and Small Business Affairs (Certification, Training, Business Development Center) — Business Development Resource Overview
  • SC Small Business Development Center
  • Minority Economic Development Institute, Inc. (MEDII) — MEDII is a non-profit economic development organization founded in 2007 to serve as a state-wide resource which aims to increase the economic assets of minority individuals and minority-owned businesses. MEDII intends to function in the Upstate from a main location in Greenville, South Carolina. Plans are to develop and implement programs to increase the per capita income of minorities through several initiatives including business development, research, policy, advocacy, and education and training.
  • Carolinas-Virginia Minority Supplier Diversity Council (CVMSDC) - The mission of CVMSDC is to expand business opportunities for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) and create mutually beneficial links between Corporate Members and MBEs. Adding economic value to the supply chain while increasing economic opportunities for the minority business community is its ultimate goal.