How These 4 ‘Eagles’ Are Soaring to New Heights in Government Contracts

Government contracting has long been a challenging arena for many businesses, particularly for minority-owned companies.

One of the biggest challenges facing minority-owned businesses is access to capital. According to a report from the U.S. Small Business Administration, minority-owned businesses are less likely to receive loans from banks compared to non-minority-owned businesses.

However, in recent years, there has been a push to level the playing field and make these opportunities more accessible. Policies and initiatives aimed at promoting diversity and inclusion have opened doors for minority-owned businesses, giving them the resources and support needed to compete in this competitive space.

The Rise of Minority-Owned Businesses in Government Contracting

As a result, more minority-owned businesses are now breaking through these barriers, securing government contracts and establishing themselves as key players in industries traditionally dominated by larger firms.

According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, minority-owned businesses received about 19.4% of the total small business contracting dollars, amounting to over $36 billion in Fiscal Year 2020. This marks an increase from previous years.

The rise of minority-owned businesses in government contracting can be attributed to many factors. Programs like the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and the 8(a) Business Development Program have been instrumental in providing support and opportunities for these businesses to compete for and win government contracts

Additionally, policy changes and initiatives aimed at reducing barriers and promoting equity have further facilitated this growth. For examples, the Biden-Harris Administration set a goal to award 15% of federal contracts to minority-owned and small disadvantaged businesses by 2025.

Such policies not only signal the federal government’s commitment to inclusivity but also create new avenues for minority-owned businesses to access the substantial federal marketplace.

“The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to leveling the playing field for entrepreneurs to ensure a diversified supply chain, strong competition, and innovation – and will not be deterred by attacks against these efforts to advance our economy.” said Administrator Isabella Casillas Guzman, head of the U.S. Small Business Administration.

A closer look at the numbers reveals significant strides. For instance, the Treasury Department reported a 23% increase in the dollar amount of prime contracts awarded to Hispanic-owned businesses since 2020.

These efforts are further supported by programs such as the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which plays a crucial role in providing resources, training, and mentoring to minority-owned businesses

Despite these positive developments, challenges remain. Reports show that minority-owned businesses still receive a smaller share of federal contracting dollars compared to their representation in the business landscape.

For example, a 2020 study found that minority-owned businesses would have received an additional $64 billion in contracts if they were awarded contracts proportional to their share of U.S. businesses. This shows the need for continued efforts to level the playing field, particularly in areas where racial bias continues to influence contracting decisions.

The White House Council of Economic Advisers (CEA) has also pointed out racial disparities in government contracting. Minority-owned businesses receive a smaller portion of contracting dollars compared to their share of available firms. These disparities are even more noticeable in areas where racial bias is higher, suggesting that discrimination is a factor.

The Inspiring Stories of Minority-Owned Businesses

Now, let’s take a closer look at four inspiring stories of minority-owned businesses that have defied the odds.

House of Language: Dolgormaa Lkhagvaa Hersom’s Vision for Bridging Language Barriers in Maine  

Dolgormaa Lkhagvaa Hersom’s journey to becoming the Maine Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year in 2022 is a powerful story of hard work, perseverance, and a deep commitment to helping others.

Originally from Mongolia, Dolgormaa came to the United States in 1996 to attend the University of Maine at Farmington, where she earned a degree in Political Science.

“I was always curious about having my own business and I was always interested in languages. My parents actually are both linguists, but after high school, they didn’t want me to study a foreign language. They were worried that I wouldn’t be able to find a job,” she said.

After completing her education, she worked with Catholic Charities and the Greater Portland United Way, where she played a key role in managing interpreter services and formalizing interpreter training programs in Maine.

For 14 years, Dolgormaa dedicated herself to improving interpretation services, but she eventually decided to take her career a step further and start her own business.

With the goal of providing high-quality translation and interpretation services across Southern Maine, Dolgormaa reached out to CEI’s StartSmart program for guidance and support as she launched House of Languages.

“The first type of service help I was able to get from CEI was for matching grants. They were offering people with low to moderate income opportunities to match savings. My husband and I used that opportunity. We saved some money and with CEI’s help we paid for some of his college classes, and we got help with down payment for our first home,” Dolgormaa stated.

With the help of CEI’s business advisers, Dolgormaa successfully built a company that now employs over 70 people. House of Languages has grown over the years, not only in terms of revenue but also in the number of people it serves.

The business provides vital services to hospitals, healthcare providers, social service agencies, and various State of Maine agencies, ensuring that individuals who speak different languages can access crucial services.

Dolgormaa shared, “We offer services currently in 30 languages. Most of our interpreters and translators are refugees and immigrants. Everybody has had a very interesting life and what brought their journey to Maine is amazing. That’s the best part of my job, meeting our interpreters and translators.”

Dolgormaa’s impact extends beyond just running a business. She has played an important role in improving the court interpreter system in Maine’s Judicial System and has even helped educate the next generation of interpreters. One of her employees won an award for teaching a class at Portland High School, which raised awareness about interpreting as a career.

As Maine’s population grows more diverse, with people coming from all over the world, the need for clear communication and help with local programs is increasing. Dolgormaa and her team play a key role in helping these new Mainers manage life in the state, making sure they have the support they need to succeed in their new communities.

Dolgormaa’s commitment to her business and her community shows how entrepreneurship can make a positive difference in society.

That’s why Dolgormaa Lkhagvaa Hersom and House of Languages were honored with the 2022 Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year Award in Maine. Through her work, Dolgormaa has made Maine a more inclusive, welcoming place for everyone.

Maiz: Niky Amaris and Martha Leonard’s Colombian Cuisine Revolution in Maine 

Let’s take a look at another inspiring story about Maiz, the vibrant Colombian food business founded by Niky Amaris and Martha Leonard, which has become a standout success in Maine’s food scene, earning recognition as the 2024 New England Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year.

The couple, who met in Cartagena, Colombia, ten years ago, brought their passion for Colombian food and culture to Maine in 2017. They started small, operating out of the Public Market House incubator space in Portland, but their dream quickly began to grow.

With the support of CEI’s Women’s Business Center, Maiz was able to open its first brick-and-mortar location in Portland within two years. Despite facing challenges, including the disruptions caused by the Covid pandemic, Niky and Martha’s dedication and management allowed Maiz to continue expanding.

The restaurant not only survived the pandemic but thrived, thanks to the assistance of an SBA Economic Injury Disaster Loan and their ability to adapt to the changing business landscape.

The couple’s hard work paid off in 2022 when they opened a second Maiz location in Brunswick, and their presence in local farmers’ markets, from Scarborough to Boothbay, further solidified their place in the Maine food community.

Maiz’s commitment to using locally grown, fresh ingredients is at the heart of their operations, with corn ground in-house and plans to grow their own corn for the restaurant in the future.

But what truly sets Maiz apart is its unwavering commitment to supporting the community. In 2020, during the height of the pandemic, Maiz partnered with Portland Public Schools to provide culturally appropriate groceries to students and families who were struggling without school lunches.

This act of generosity was repeated in 2023 following the tragic shooting in Lewiston, when Maiz provided support to people sheltering in place.

Additionally, Maiz contributed $1 from each sale of a specialty cocktail in 2023 to the Immigrant Legal Advocacy Project, acknowledging the vital role the organization has played in helping many of their employees who have come to Maine from around the world.

Today, Maiz is more than just a place to enjoy delicious Colombian dishes like arepas and empanadas. It’s a cultural hub that connects new Mainers with long-time residents. Maiz has quickly become a favorite in Portland’s food scene, sharing the rich flavors of Colombian cuisine and supporting diversity and the community.

For their rapid growth, dedication to their craft, and the positive impact they’ve made on the Southern Maine community, Niky and Martha Leonard have rightfully earned the 2024 Minority-Owned Small Business of the Year award for Maine and New England.

Latrobe, LLC: Empowering Communities and Creating Opportunities in Arkansas

Another exciting success story you won’t want to miss is Latanyua Robinson, the dynamic President & CEO of Latrobe, LLC!

With over 25 years of experience in industrial manufacturing, logistics, and workforce development, Latanyua has developed skills in business management, problem-solving, and planning.

In 2010, she founded Latrobe, LLC with the goal of closing skill gaps, creating jobs, and helping local manufacturers. Her background in manufacturing and logistics has given her the ability to offer practical, effective support to both her clients and the community.

Initially, the business focused on helping these companies use their existing machining capacity more effectively, which allowed them to reduce operating costs and retool for new industries.

However, in 2019, Latrobe evolved into a consulting firm focused on career, commercial, and community readiness, particularly for individuals, businesses, and institutions.

Latanyua’s commitment to her community and her belief that educating women can uplift entire communities became the foundation for her business model, which seeks to provide livable wage job opportunities and strengthen local economies.

One of the biggest challenges Latanyua faced in growing her business was building trust and relationships within the local community.

The true resilience of Latanyua and Latrobe, LLC was demonstrated during the COVID-19 pandemic. While many businesses were struggling, Latanyua saw the pandemic as an opportunity for growth.

She used the time to build case studies and develop best practices for essential career readiness services, further strengthening the business’s value proposition. Latrobe, LLC also received a $216,000 PPP loan in 2020, which helped sustain operations during the tough economic times.

Since then, Latrobe has continued to thrive, employing 70-80 people and expanding its impact. With the help of the SBA’s resources, including support from the Arkansas Small Business & Technology Development Center and the Arkansas Procurement Technical Assistance Center, Latrobe has grown both its business and its influence in the community.

Latanyua Robinson’s dedication to empowering others, especially women, and her ability to adapt and overcome challenges has made Latrobe, LLC a pillar of economic growth in Crittenden County.

Through her work, Latanyua Robinson has proven that business growth and social impact can go hand in hand.

Foster Hackett’s Advanced Design Contracting: Thriving with SBA Support

Let’s look at another inspiring success story comes from Foster Hackett III, the owner of Advanced Design Contracting. Founded in 2008, Advanced Design Contracting specializes in installing roofing systems for commercial construction, historical renovation, and executive buildings.

“Our foundation is definitely roofing – commercial roofing, high-end residential roofing, and custom sheet metal fabrication. We’ve general contracted several park and buildings for the cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, and other various small buildings throughout the Twin Cities,” he said.

Unlike many competitors, Advanced Design Contracting is a union shop that does all the work itself. This means the company’s employees handle every job, ensuring high-quality work for its clients, including the federal government.

“Being a union contractor is a great advantage for me as a small business owner here in the Twin Cities. We’re signatory with Local 96 (Roofers Union), Local 10 (Sheet Metal Union), and Local 322 (Carpenters Union). Having the ability to hire union labor has definitely helped my business as a minority contractor,” he shared.

Starting with limited business education, Foster sought help from the Small and Disadvantaged Business Opportunities Council’s Procurement Fair, where he connected with buyers, economic development agencies, and experts, including the SBA.

In 2017, Foster enrolled in the SBA’s 8(a) program, which opened the door to major government contracts, including work with the Bureau of Prisons, UNICOR, the Army Corps of Engineers, and the General Services Administration.

To further enhance his business operations, Foster utilized the SBA’s 7(j) Management and Technical Assistance Program, adding a DCAA audit-compliant accounting system and improving cybersecurity. The company also expanded its bonding capabilities multiple times through the SBA’s Surety Bond Program, allowing it to take on larger projects.

Additionally, Foster benefited from the surplus property component of the 8(a) program, which provided him with essential assets like a box truck, milling equipment, and a forklift.

When the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted many of his projects, Foster turned to the SBA’s Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) and Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) programs to help his company stay afloat. These resources allowed Advanced Design Contracting to continue operations despite the challenges posed by the pandemic.

Foster credits the SBA’s support as a key factor in the survival and success of his business. As a minority-owned company in an industry dominated by large, legacy firms, SBA programs have given Advanced Design Contracting the tools and resources needed to compete and grow.

Foster’s story is a prime example of how, with the right support, small and minority-owned businesses can thrive in competitive industries. He sums up his experience with the SBA by saying, “The tools are there. The information is there. Are you willing to take the time to learn it?”.