Why do some small businesses face more challenges than others when pursuing government contracts in Indianapolis? And what can be done to level the playing field?

In this episode of On Air with OMWBD, we take you behind the scenes of the Office of Minority and Women Business Development’s 2025 Disparity Study—a vital project conducted every five years aimed at identifying barriers and uncovering opportunities for economic growth for small businesses in Indianapolis. Joining us is Dr. Sameer Bawa, Managing Director at BBC Research and Consulting, the firm leading the study. Together, we break down what a disparity study is, how it works, and why it matters for both local government and small businesses.

Plus, get the latest updates on OMWBD’s summer outreach efforts and learn how you can get involved in shaping a future for small business success Indianapolis.

Links:

OMWBD Website - https://www.indy.gov/agency/office-of-minority-and-women-business-development

OMWBD LinkTree (Social Media Links, Upcoming Events, and Resources) - https://linktr.ee/OMWBD

For the second episode of ‘On Air With OMWBD’, co-host David Fredricks speaks with our guest, Deputy Mayor Judith Thomas, about the intersectionality of her work with Neighborhood Engagement and the Office of Minority and Women Business Development. Through their conversation, Director Fredricks and Deputy Mayor Thomas seek to situate OMWBD in the context of the City of Indianapolis as a vital pillar of community engagement and economic growth and development. The OMWBD team is endlessly grateful for Deputy Mayor Thomas's collaboration, mentorship, and support - and we look forward to seeing her next great chapter unfold with the Indianapolis Arts Council. The episode concludes with co-host Grace Julian sharing information about our Vendor of the Month initiative, along with upcoming events and other ways to connect with our office. Listen in to learn more about how the Office of Minority and Women Business Development works to uplift small businesses across Indianapolis!

Links:

OMWBD Website - https://www.indy.gov/agency/office-of-minority-and-women-business-development

OMWBD LinkTree (Social Media Links, Upcoming Events, and Resources) - https://linktr.ee/OMWBD

In this first episode of ‘On Air With OMWBD’, co-hosts David Fredricks and Grace Julian discuss the origins and function of the City of Indianapolis’s Office of Minority and Women Business Development (OMWBD). This episode features a conversation between co-host and OMWBD Director, David Fredricks, and OMWBD’s Senior Manager, Fahad Beg, focused on the history of their office and its responsibilities. Towards the end of the episode, Fredricks interviews co-host Grace Julian, the Communications Coordinator of OMWBD, about the developing vision for this exciting new podcast. Listen in to learn more about how the Office of Minority and Women Business Development works to uplift small businesses across Indianapolis!

Links:

OMWBD Website - https://www.indy.gov/agency/office-of-minority-and-women-business-development

OMWBD LinkTree (Social Media Links, Upcoming Events, and Resources) - https://linktr.ee/OMWBD