HARRISBURG, Pa. — Gov. Tom Wolf wants to involve more small and diverse businesses in state government contracting and Pennsylvania's economy.

The Democrat signed an executive order Wednesday calling for a coordinated effort to ensure contracting opportunities in state agencies for small businesses as well those run by minorities, women, veterans, the disabled and members of the gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender community.

Wolf's order creates an Advisory Council on Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities to coordinate the initiative. Members of the council are scheduled to hold their first meeting Thursday.

The order also renames the Bureau of Small Business Opportunities to the Bureau of Diversity, Inclusion and Small Business Opportunities.