Keep them flying.

QA I am an airplane mechanic working in the airline industry since 1979. I'm interested in becoming a minority business supplier of aircraft components and parts. I'd like any information on how to get started.

-- Kaamil Abdul Kemet Chicago

Since you've been working in the industry for quite a while, you're already ahead of the game. By checking with the Small Business Development Council (under the auspices of the SBA; www.sba.gov), you will find information regarding start-up loans and business counseling.

The Boeing Co. (www.boeing.com) in Seattle has a Supplier Diversity Program whose mission is to be "the corporate leader in promoting and providing opportunity for small business, small disadvantaged business, and women-owned small business concerns ..." Sandra Sanders is in the Regional Supplier Diversity Program office in Renton, Washington. Her telephone number is 253-657-8013. Teklam (www.teklam.com) and FMC Jetway Systems (www.fmc.com) also offer diversity programs.

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (www.nmsdcus.org serves as a direct link between corporate America and minority-owned businesses. The regional councils certify, and match more than 15,000 minority-owned businesses with member corporations that want to purchase goods and services.

The National Black Chamber of Commerce (www.nationalbcc.org) is in the process of putting together a listing of companies looking for minority suppliers in various industries.