About SDO

In addition to its service to minority and women business enterprises, SDO has the responsibility to certify businesses that meet certain criteria.

SDO certification is a marketing tool used to enhance a firm's ability to do business in public markets. Although certification does not guarantee that a business will be successful every time it bids, it may add a competitive edge to a bid. The Commonwealth of Massachusetts spends more than $4 billion each year doing business with firms. More than $240 million of this amount is targeted to SDO certified minority and women businesses. Becoming SDO certified can help firms seeking contracts with the government.

In addition, SDOalso assists government agencies in meeting their affirmative purchasing and contracting goals. It does this by providing business development assistance to certified companies through information on procurement opportunities and business resources.

Finally, SDO publishes a directory of certified minority and women business enterprises and certified minority and women-controlled, non-profit organizations. The directory is searchable online, and may also be downloaded.