Barack Obama was elected to the highest office in the country on the basis that he would fight for change and equality for all. But is he doing enough to help minorities succeed in the business world?

The President recently signed the economic stimulus bill, which will award $787 billion over the next two years to profitable infrastructure projects. Many small business owners originally applauded the plan, hoping that it will jump-start the economy, but it seems that minority entrepreneurs are being left out of the loop.

Nearly 4,000 contracts were awarded to different companies, but only 600 of those have gone to minority-run businesses, leaving many minority business owners worried that they will be overlooked when money is distributed in the future.

“New day, same old fight,” says Richard Copeland, national president of the National Association of Minority Contractors. He states that several of his association’s members are attempting to seek contracting opportunities through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, but many find the process confusing and unfair. Minority business owners are questioning the actions of President Obama’s administration, stating that that they should include a mandate that funds should be distributed equitably as business and communities.

The Small Business Administration reports that out of the $5.9 billion contracting dollars that have been allocated this summer, $1.2 billion has gone to small businesses, with $735 million to minority-owned businesses. While it’s important to keep in mind that many minority-owned businesses don’t register themselves as a minority company, many people are still concerned.

“We need large corporate to know that it’s not business as usual and we’re going to do things differently,” says Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (D-N.Y.), who hopes to get legislation passed that would keep track of where stimulus dollars are going.

The good news is that groups like the Minority Business Development Agency are committed to helping minority business owners learn how to get money from the Recovery Act. If you’re contemplating starting your own business, the best way to find out what contracts are available is to stay informed. Rep. William Clay Jr. (D-Mo.) adds that it’s always helpful to have a proactive elected official help business owners navigate the procurement process. “It helps to have a proactive member working hand in hand with the small businesses to make sure they participate in the recovery,” he said.