PBCHA strives to increase business partnerships with Minority-Owned Enterprises (MBEs) and Women Owned Business Enterprises (WBEs). A Minority Business Enterprise is a small business that is owned and controlled by one or more minority persons or women. For definition purposes, a minority person means an individual who is a citizen or lawful permanent resident of the United States and who is: African American, Hispanic, Asian American, American Indian or Alaskan Native, an individual or members of groups found to be socially or economically disadvantaged under 15 U.S.C.637(8). Owned and controlled businesses are defined as being 51% owned by one or more minorities or women, or in the case of a publicly owned business, at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more minorities or women, and one or more such individuals control the daily business operations and management.