Preference program helps start-up companies
Harry Naden awakes each morning with a sense of dedication to his work. Naden, who has a developmental disability, currently works two jobs as a custodian. "There are too many people who get checks from the government," he says. "People have to work to put money back into Social Security and help the economy."
For the past 30 years, Naden, 51, has received services from CranstonArc. A nonprofit organization, CranstonArc provides support to enhance the independence of people with disabilities.
Over the years, Naden has worked at different jobs. About a year ago, Rory Carmody, Program Developer at CranstonArc suggested to Naden that he might benefit from the Disability Business Enterprise Certification Program (DBE).
The Governor's Commission on Disabilities offers the DBE certification. The DBE program certifies businesses owned or controlled by people with disabilities with 50 or fewer employees; where at least 75 percent of employees have a disability; and nonprofit rehabilitation agencies whose products or services are made by individuals with disabilities.
A major benefit of the certification is that the businesses are listed in a catalog of vendors distributed to state and municipal purchasing departments. Under the state law, Disability Business Enterprise Act, preference is given to DBE-certified companies when competing for state contracts.
The Rhode Island law was enacted in 1987 to expand employment opportunities for people with disabilities and assist entrepreneurs with disabilities to start their own businesses.
CranstonArc, a DBE-certified agency received a state contract for maintenance and employed Naden for the position. Receiving a key to the office was a highlight for Naden who says, "They trust me to do the work."
Carmody explains that Naden's experience with the DBE contract has laid the foundation for him to potentially start his own company. The job has enhanced his independence and self-esteem and has provided him with the opportunity to learn about payroll, scheduling and business finances.
There are currently 30 DBE-certified businesses or agencies in the state.
"Small businesses always have trouble surviving their first few years, until they grow to a point that they can compete with larger more established firms," says Bob Cooper, Executive Secretary of the Commission. "The DBE program gives a short term preference to those small businesses, owned by people with disabilities, until they become established and can compete on their own."
To become DBE-certified, a business registers as a vendor with the State of Rhode Island at http://www.purchasing.state.ri.us/vendor.htm. Once registered, go to the Commission's Web site at www.gcd.state.ri.us and open the regulations form page (Form J).
Once the application is completed it is then sent to Commission's office to be reviewed by the DBE Committee. DBE resources also include workshops on topics such as marketing, developing new businesses, technology, obtaining bids and managing business finances.
The Commission describes the Disability Business Enterprise as a Bridge to Success for Small Businesses. Naden is an example of many people who have crossed the bridge to be contributing members of the workforce.
To find out more about this program contact the Governor's Commission on Disabilities at 462-0100 (v) or 463-0101 (tdd) or visit their Web site at http://www.gcd.state.ri.us.
Kate McCarthy-Barnett, Ed.D., can be reached at kmccarthybarnett@aol.com or via mail c/o Features, Providence Journal, Providence, R.I. 02902.
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