In 2004, Boston played host to the Democratic National Convention, an event that raised the region's global profile and presented an unprecedented opportunity for Greater Boston businesses. In connection with its preparations for the Convention, the local host committee, Boston 2004, invited minority and woman owned businesses to participate in its vendor directory for the Convention. Once the Convention had concluded, Boston 2004 asked the Greater Boston Chamber of Commerce to build on its initial efforts and launch a permanent directory of minority and woman-owned businesses in the region.

The Chamber welcomed the opportunity to carry forward Greater Boston's tradition of revolution and leadership in positive social change. It also recognized that, with 25 percent of the region's businesses owned by women and 16 percent owned by minorities, promotion of these businesses would help to maximize economic growth and job creation in the Greater Boston area. Thus in 2005, the Chamber launched the MWO Business Directory, a searchable resource of large companies and organizations seeking to connect and do business with certified minority and woman owned businesses throughout Greater Boston.

The site makes essential profile and contact information available to entities seeking vendors and services and provides information about how vendors can become certified and eligible to participate in the Directory. The site also enables businesses to sign up as Directory Partners and to post RFPs targeted at the vendors listed in the Directory.

In early 2006, the Urban League of Eastern Massachusetts assumed responsibility for the Directory. ULEM is an interracial, nonprofit, community-based organization that has long been dedicated to increasing economic opportunities for African-Americans and people of color in Greater Boston and to promoting equal economic opportunity for all. ULEM is excited to support this powerful network and plans to further develop the site to better serve all segments of the business community.