(a) The Division of Minority and Women-owned Business Enterprise of the Arkansas Economic Development Commission shall promulgate rules to create a certification process for minority business enterprises and women-owned business enterprises.(b) The certification process shall include without limitation:(1) Criteria for certification that shall include without limitation: (A) A determination that the business is structured as a minority business enterprise or a women-owned business enterprise;(B) Verification of minority or woman ownership and control of the business; and(C) Annual updates indicating continuing minority or woman ownership and control;(2) A formal application process;(3) An education program to assist minority business enterprises and women-owned business enterprises in achieving certification; and(4) An outreach to ensure the broadest possible participation of minority business enterprises and women-owned business enterprises and persons proposing new minority business enterprises or women-owned business enterprises.(c) The Office of State Procurement shall cooperate with the division to the fullest extent possible in sharing information concerning certification

ss enterprises or women-owned business enterprises.(c) The Office of State Procurement shall cooperate with the division to the fullest extent possible in sharing information concerning certification and registration of minority business enterprises and women-owned business enterprises carrying out the purposes of this section.Amended by Act 2017, No. 1080,§ 1, eff. 8/1/2017.Acts 1991, No. 698, § 6; 2009, No. 1222, § 10.