TOPEKA, Kan. - Governor Kathleen Sebelius signed an executive order today to open up more opportunities to small, minority and women owned businesses in Kansas.

“A key component of our economic strength is supporting Kansas small businesses,” Sebelius said. “This executive order will make sure that more small businesses can secure contracts and keep their employees working.”

Executive Order 08-08 expands the Kansas Statewide Certification Program, where women and minority businesses can be certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).

Certification increases opportunities for women and minority businesses to obtain contracts and subcontracts from governmental and private entities committed to the inclusion of minority- and women-owned businesses. Program services are free and administered through the Kansas Department of Commerce.

More information on the Kansas Statewide Certification Program can be found at http://www.kansascommerce.com/IndexPages/Pgm01.aspx?mod=bd&rscId=996008588532

Executive orders can be viewed at http://www.governor.ks.gov/executive/Orders/default.htm