In 2005, the RCI and the MWDBE Governmental Committee formed a public-private partnership to create a comprehensive one-stop shop to assist with well-documented challenges and barriers that have faced disadvantaged business enterprises in Southwestern Pennsylvania. Our collective goal was to develop disadvantaged entrepreneurs and small businesses into self-reliant businesses that are better prepared to stimulate economic development in the region.

As a result, the creation of the Diversity Business Resource Center (DBRC) was formed as a business resource to provide a single point of contact for minority, women, Veterans and disadvantaged business owners seeking information and referrals to start, sustain and grow their businesses.

The DBRC serves the (10) county region in Western Pennsylvania which includes Allegheny, Armstrong, Beaver, Butler, Fayette, Greene, Indiana, Lawrence, Washington, and Westmoreland Counties. The DBRC provides a nurturing, instructive, and supportive environment for entrepreneurs during the critical stages of starting a new business. The DBRC has assisted more than 4,500 entrepreneurs/microenterprises.  DBRC clients add to the $204 million annual output to the regional economy; add to the 5,087 job created and retained, and 806 of the 1,958 total certified minority operated firms are DBRC clients.