Minority Business News USA (MBN USA)

We’re just one week away from the 2024 National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) Conference & Exchange, and Minority Business Development Agency - U.S. Department of Commerce MED Week joint conference. I can’t wait to see our corporate members, MBEs, NGO peers, government buyers, and policymakers come together in one place. It’s an incredible opportunity to build connections and unlock growth opportunities. Looking back at the past two years, we’ve shared the stage with incredible leaders like Magic Johnson, Secretary Pete Buttigieg, Adminstrator Guzman, Gov. Wes Moore, Donald Cravins, Jr., Esq., Deputy Secretary Don Graves, Calvin Butler, MARC MORIAL, Janice Bryant Howroyd, James H. Lowry, Harriet Michel, Jose Mas, Arian Simone —and the energy has been electric. This will be my 3rd conference as CEO, but my 18th NMSDC Conference overall, and I truly believe the best is yet to come. Let’s make this year the most impactful yet. If you haven’t registered, now’s the time to reserve a spot https://lnkd.in/dxPZ72X5

The countdown is on! Our team is packing their bags for the 2024 NMSDC Conference & Exchange, and we can’t wait to welcome you all to Atlanta, our host city this year! Get ready for an action-packed few days, and let’s make it easy for attendees to connect with YOU! ? Attendees: React with a ?? (love) and share which Impact Labs, Power Talks, and receptions you’re planning to attend! ? Speakers: React with ?? (insightful) and tell us which session you’re presenting. ? Exhibitors: React with ?? (celebrate) and drop your BOOTH number so we can all be sure to visit you during The EXCHANGE. Let’s make this an unforgettable event together! #NMSDCConference #Atlanta #TheExchange #DefineNewNorms

Did you know there are $500 billion in federal grant opportunities available each year? MBDA is turning this potential into reality for minority business enterprises (MBEs) by funding organizations that run Business Centers nationwide. These centers offer everything from expert business advice and contract assistance to financial support, helping MBEs build capacity and reach new markets. Make sure to follow along as we share live updates on our social channels from the 2024 National MED Week Oct. 20-26, where we’ll explore the innovative ways we’re expanding access to capital and driving business growth for MBEs nationwide. https://lnkd.in/g-mg_q5e

As President of Indeed Construction Clean Up, Jacklyn Enriquez transformed her business dream into a $1.7 million success story, making waves in the construction field where women make up just 10.9% of the workforce. With the support of the Los Angeles MBDA Business Center, Jacklyn secured a major contract with AECOM/Turner Construction for the Intuit Dome project. Her partnership with MBDA helped her navigate the industry, connect with key decision-makers, and showcase her company’s excellence. Today, Indeed Construction Clean-up stands tall as a testament to what’s possible when collaboration and determination come together. As we celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, Jacklyn's success not only breaks barriers for women in construction but also highlights the vital contributions of Hispanic entrepreneurs to our economy. Read more about her journey with MBDA here: https://lnkd.in/ec7waxJZ #WeAreMBDA #HispanicHeritageMonth #Entrepreneurship

Unstoppable Together – was the powerful theme of this year’s The Executive Leadership Council (ELC) Annual Gala, celebrating the remarkable achievements of Black leaders and their supporters. I was honored to attend my first ELC gala, hosted by Cushman & Wakefield, and I couldn’t be more inspired. The room was filled with legendary leaders in policy, business, and nonprofit sectors, all coming together to honor bold, courageous, and impactful leadership. Congratulations to all the awardees: D. Keith Pigues, Christophe Beck of Ecolab, Cynt Marshall of Dallas Mavericks, and 130 scholars who collectively received over $2.5 million in scholarships. Thank you for your leadership - Michael Hyter. I was humbled to connect with so many trailblazers and meet new faces who are shaping the future of business and beyond. I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together! Mia Mends (she/her)MARC MORIAL Derrick Johnson Clint Grimes Nedra Dickson Natalie Madeira Cofield Sabina Ewing Maria Prince, M.B.A., NACD.DC Ron Busby, Sr. James H. Lowry Kala Gibson Eric Kelly #Leadership #ELCGala

NMSDC is deeply concerned about a federal judge's recent decision to grant an injunction on the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) program. This ruling undermines vital efforts to ensure economic inclusion for minority and disadvantaged businesses in transportation and infrastructure sectors. Now is the time to stand together in defense of programs that promote Economic Inclusion and Minority Business success. Learn more about the DBE program and its importance: https://hubs.li/Q02RGHm90 #MBE #DBE #EconomicJustice #MinorityOwned #Infrastructure #Transportation #InclusionMatters

National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and WEConnect International have joined forces to empower Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) by connecting them with international corporate buyers. This new strategic partnership is a major milestone for supplier diversity and economic inclusion, enabling MWBEs to expand their reach in the global marketplace. https://buff.ly/3XMHtu7

Last night, MBDA and the Department of Commerce’s Office of Legislative Affairs (OLIA) hosted its annual Hispanic Heritage Month Reception to honor the rich culture, history, contributions and economic power of Latinos in America. The event featured special guest, Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair, Congresswoman Nanette Barragan, and highlighted the U.S. Department of Commerce's work and commitment to fostering an economy of equal opportunity. #SomosMBDA #MesDeLaHerenciaHispana #WeAreMBDA #HispanicHeritageMonth2024

Entrepreneurs face a frustrating paradox: They need funding to build a thriving business, but without a thriving business, it feels nearly impossible to secure funding. Sound familiar? MBDA’s Capital Readiness Program (CRP) is breaking this vicious cycle. The three pillars of CRP are designed to address the key challenges MBEs face in scaling their businesses. They are: ?? Capacity Building ?? Access to Capital ?? Access to Networks With $125 million in funding to support underserved entrepreneurs, CRP is creating pathways to success for businesses that have historically faced barriers to growth. Learn more about how the CRP can help you capitalize on the resources you need to take your business further: https://www.mbda.gov/crp #WeAreMBDA #BusinessCapital #Entrepreneurship

?? 2025 NMSDC Board of Directors Nominations Now Open ?? We are pleased to announce that the 2025 NMSDC Board of Directors nomination form is now available. Nominate yourself or an individual who is a C-Suite executive, a chief purchasing officer, C-Suite holder or someone in an equivalent position, who is an employee of an NMSDC national corporate member in good standing. Other Important Dates in the Process September 10, 2024 – Application deadline. October 16, 2024 – Election closes at the end of the business day. October 23, 2024 – Results shared at National Corporate Members Meeting. January 1, 2025 – Board terms begin for elected directors. Apply today: https://hubs.li/Q02Mx_Kb0 #BoardOfDirector #Leadership