The Minority Business Enterprise Council (MBEC) was established in 1982 to ensure that Minority ("MBE"), Woman ("WBE"), or Disabled ("DSBE") owned business enterprises (collectively "M/W/DSBEs") are afforded equal access and opportunity to compete for and secure contracts within the City of Philadelphia.

As part of its role, the MBEC promotes the economic development of M/W/DSBEs through its certification program; contract review and monitoring activities; as well as ongoing interaction with other City departments, quasi-public agencies and the local marketplace.

The MBEC currently operates under the Mayor's Executive Order 02-05, the City's regulation that governs the MBE, WBE, and DSBE business program, and 49 C.F.R. Part 26, under the federal guidelines that govern the Disadvantaged Business Enterprises ("DBE") business program.