Conference aims to connect small, BIPOC Nebraska businesses with big contracts [Video]

OMAHA, Neb. (WOWT) – Depree Seavers has owned Black Power Redevelopers for five years. He’s used it to open doors for others just like him.

As Seavers’ business grows, so do his goals.

“I would like to secure a million dollar contract,” Seavers. “I’m hoping for it, I’m dreaming for it, I’m praying on it and I’m working hard for it.”

Multi-million dollar contacts have come his way before. However, Seavers said the amount offered often misses the mark of what’s needed to do the job.

“They gave me $100,000 and it’s like what am I going to do with that? $100,000 is my payroll, that’s not to scale,” Depree said

In 2022, the federal government purchased $700 billion of goods and services. However, only 1 percent of those contracts went to minority-owned businesses.

“There are lots of components to that. Systemic racism, poverty, not being in the right space or time to take advantage of those opportunities,” said Wayne Brown, …