Issuu

July, 2021

ECONOMIC INDEPENDENCE:

THE PATH TO PARITY

A WELCOME FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO COURTESY OF

CONTENTS BUSINESS FUNDING & RESOURCES

Providing you with the resources, information and tools necessary for business development and success.

FEATURED PROGRAMS

The Minority Business Development Agency is an agency in the United States Department of Commerce that promotes growth and competitiveness of the United States’ minority-owned businesses.

GOOGLE SMALL BUSINESS CULTIVATION STATION Google helps drive over 1.9 billion direct connections monthly for American small businesses

333 YEARS TO PARITY: THE 3 ASKS A visual journey through the three things corporations and minority owned enterprises must do to exponentially reduce the 333 years to Parity threshold.

CORPORATE & MBE SPOTLIGHT MMSDC recognizes Corporate Members and Minority Business Enterprises who have joined the council since January 2021.

PRESIDENT’S CORNER MMSDC has taken on a bold charge that has the ability to change the trajectory of minority business ownership in Michigan.

SIGNATURE EVENTS: 2021 MMSDC INVITATIONAL GOLF TOURNAMENT

MMSDC looks forward to joining you on the green for the 36th Annual MMSDC Invitational Golf Tournament at Oakland University on Monday, July 26th.

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BUSINESS FUNDING & RESOURCES FUNDING RESOURCES FOR MBES COMMUNE ANGELS Commune Angels launched in 2020 to expand access to angel investing and capital. We invest in scalable consumer, enterprise, and life science companies that transform lives. Diversity is essential to transformative innovation, and our members are committed to contributing their unique experiences, relationships, and resources to drive better outcomes for investors, portfolio companies, and their customers. Commune Angels is a community of accredited and rising investors who recognize the power of diversity and national deal flow.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

RENDE CAPITAL RPC is proud to announce that we are receiving applications from Excluded Entrepreneurs of color to the RACE4Progress Fund. The fund provides very low interest, deferred payments, extended terms, and other features for Excluded Entrepreneurs in the Grand Rapids Area/Kent County whose businesses have suffered financially due to COVID-19.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF INVESTMENT COMPANIES (NAIC) The National Association of Investment Companies (NAIC) is a Washington DC-based trade association and the largest network of diverse-owned private equity firms and hedge funds. Through education, advocacy, and other innovative programs, the NAIC is focused on increasing the flow of capital to high-performing diverse investment managers often underutilized by institutional investors.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

BLACK AMBITION The truth is Black Ambition is limitless but access is not. Black Ambition is a non-profit initiative working to close the opportunity and wealth gap through entrepreneurship. We invest capital and resources in high-growth startups founded by Black and Latinx entrepreneurs. We believe entrepreneurs historically left out of traditional investment funnels are building the companies of tomorrow and we all have a united stake in opening opportunity. Eligible teams must have at least one member of the founding team who identifies as Black/African/ African American and/or Hispanic/Latino/a/Latinx. Prizes will be awarded as cash and, in some instances, investments. Any earnings from investments will be used to support Black Ambition’s ability to offer Prizes to future entrepreneurs.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

CHASE – ADVANCING BLACK PATHWAYS RECRUITMENT • Original Start date: February 2020, Executed: May 2020 • Original agreement focused on learning modules only • Certification component discussed in July 2020 • US Black Chamber of Commerce • Black Enterprise • National Urban League • Received referrals in August 2020 • Goal: Certify 200 Black Businesses • Requirements • 2+ Years in business • Revenue of $100K+ • Reimbursement upon successful certification • 2-year program • $50K a year • 1 successful completion

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

LOWE’S - RECRUITMENT | RETENTION • Agreement executed last week of January 2021 • Grant will pay for 2 years of certification|recertification at market rate • 1st Priority given to Lowe’s current, previous & prospective suppliers • Grant is approximately $320K • Encourage Black retail-based MBEs to obtain certification • No Council stipulations

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

AMAZON – CONSIDERATION • Request: certify the Black businesses on their platform • Programming included with other Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) • US Black Chamber of Commerce • Minority Business Development Agency • Launch during Black History Month • Potentially 20K businesses • Certification at market price • Next Steps: NMSDC to provide Amazon with a proposal

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

COMCAST RISE In June 2020, Comcast NBCUniversal announced the development of a comprehensive, multi-year plan to allocate $75 million in cash and $25 million in media over the next three years to fight injustice and inequality against any race, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, or ability. Starting March 1, 2021, qualifying businesses may apply for the Comcast RISE Investment Fund.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

FORD & NATIONAL URBAN LEAGUE The Emergency Capital Access Program (ECAP) will provide small grants, combined with technical assistance and advisory services, to Black business owners through National Urban League affiliates in Los Angeles, Detroit, New Orleans, Atlanta, Chicago and New York.

WHAT’S NEXT? TRANSFORMATION POST COVID BUSINESS EXCHANGE SATURDAY, JULY 31, 2021 9:00AM - 12:00PM 8:00AM REGISTRATION Grand Rapids Center for Community Transformation 1530 Madison Ave SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49507

Each city will receive $100,000, enabling National Urban League affiliates to provide crucial economic support to businesses providing a stabilizing influence for communities hard hit by the pandemic.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

GOLDMAN SACHS In partnership with Black women-led organizations and other partners, our new investment initiative, One Million Black Women, will commit $10 billion in direct investment capital and $100 million in philanthropic support to address the dual disproportionate gender and racial biases that Black women faced for generations, which have only been exacerbated by the pandemic.

Keynote Speaker MICHELLE SOURIE ROBINSON

President/CEO Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council

Most importantly, the investment will be grounded in the stories, voices, and experiences of Black women. Together with leading organizations representing Black women, Goldman Sachs is launching with a series of listening sessions to solicit input from across the country of the investments, companies, resources, and programs that can be most impactful in serving Black women and transforming communities.

ADMISSION: $25 Continental breakfast and light lunch included.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE MODERATOR

FHL BANK INDIANAPOLIS Elevate is a small business grant program that assists the growth and development of small businesses, their workforce, and the communities where they are located. MBEs can use up to $10,000 for working capital and up to $20,000 for capital expenditures, workforce training, or a variety of other needs to get the boost that they need.

DENAVVIA MOJET Mojet Consulting

The Business Exchange continues with a Color of Money Business Expo until 2:00PM

VENDOR BOOTHS: $50

S P E A K E R

S E R I E S

This grant is designed to benefit our members and their customers by strengthening relationships they already have. That’s a win for everyone involved. WHO CAN APPLY? The small business must be located in Indiana or Michigan, and they must be sponsored by an FHLBank Indianapolis member to complete the application. Each small business is limited to one application.

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

EMANUEL “CHRIS” WELCH Speaker State Representative 7th District, Illinois

SYDNEY DAVIS Founder/Director of Operations Tequity

NATHAN BEENE Owner/Operator Building Bridges Professional Services

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

FEATURED PROGRAMS The Minority Business Development Agency is an agency within the United States Department of Commerce that promotes growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses within the U.S., including Hispanic and Latino American, Asian Pacific American, African American, and Native American businesses.

ACCESS TO CAPITAL:

ACCESS TO MARKETS:

Weekly Posts in the Newsletter for funding programs. We have Customers and Clients in our CRM system. Once in our system and fee's paid they become Clients and have access to our capital stack opportunities. Detroit PNP Powered by AmplifyD (Start-Up Tech Companies).

Through the Matchmaker 365 Portal and entering into a client engagement with a senior business development consultant you gain access these services. We also offer the Magnify Women’s Master Mind program that engages a cohort of woman-owned businesses through an application process via website.

ACCESS TO CONTRACT:

ACCESS TO EXPORT AND GLOBAL INITIATIVE:

Through the Match Maker 365 Portal and our Strategic Business Engagements with the scaling projects with monthly strategy sessions and business development through MBE companies’ strategy.

We have 2 Team members on staff that support the Global Initiative with MOUs with Government Offices (GOs) and Non-GOs across the board. We Connect businesses with opportunities which require regional presence. Through the Native American initiative we are able to connect Native owned businesses with opportunities globally.

All programming can be accessed via www.minoritysupplier.org or www.detroitmbdacenter.com for initial touch point and needs assessment.

UPCOMING EVENTS: • July 26, 2021 – Workforce development Training 10am EDT Zoom • August 12, 2021 – Ahoy Michigan Part 2: Doing Business with the Navy • August 23, 2021 – Workforce development training 10 am EDT Zoom • August 25, 2021 – DOD Navy opportunities

THE DEAL GURU

DREAM TEAM

BILL GRICE

FEATURED STAFF MEMBER: Bill Grice SUPER POWERS: VP MMSDC and Executive Director MBDA Center SPECIAL SKILLS: DEVELOP – Access to Capital, Markets, Contracts and Export B2B Global Initiative.

SUPER HERO STATS (KPIs) Main Center Score Card

MBDA: 95% AMP: 102%

Grow with D I G I TA L C O A C H E S

Google Small Business Cultivation Station

Boost Your Business’s Online Presence!

Boost Your Team’s Ability to Work from Anywhere!

Google helps drive over 1.9 billion direct connections monthly for American small businesses. Your customers are online, so having a strong online presence is important — even if you don’t sell on the web. Learn ways to strengthen your online presence with Google’s easy-to-use tools.

More than 5 million businesses globally turn to Google Workspace to collaborate and get to get work done. We make it easy to transition from the office to home. Find everything you need to stay connected and productive using Google’s Digital Resources.

To learn more about the Google Digital Resources that will Grow Your Business’s Online Presence:

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

To learn more about all the ways Google can Improve Your Team’s Ability to Work Remotely:

CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE

Meet Katrina Katrina is a digital media and marketing expert as well as the owner of Kanopi Social, a digital marketing firm. Her career took off when companies began to harness the internet for business-to-business interactions. She has a strong reputation for providing innovative solutions using digital tactics and combines her unconventional love for technology with her corporate training in all her business ventures. Katrina will use her powerful teaching abilities to help you reach all your business goals. A fun fact about Katrina is that she hosts the #TechTalkTuesdays podcast. You can ask Katrina about digital marketing, strategy, entrepreneurship, technology, podcasting, and more. If you have any questions, please email Katrina at kturnbow@google.com.

MMSDC is excited to announce that MMPC 2021 is now available to view On-Demand! In addition to the great turnout that we achieved during this year’s conference; the programming offered during the 3-day event was some of the most impactful content that we’ve ever shared with our constituency. If you missed MMPC 2021, or even if you attended, this is your chance to see what all the hype was about! MMPC 2021 Registrants and New Subscribers will have access to the three HR Track Webinars from Industry Day, along with all the great sessions, seminars and keynote addresses from Professional Development Day and Business Opportunity Exchange Day (excluding the Chief Diversity Officer Forum) If you are a Current Corporate Member or Certified MBE, you will also have unlimited access to the 2021 Annual Meeting and Annual Report. Please note, due to the private and sensitive nature of the information covered, ONLY Current Corporate Members & Certified MBEs will be allowed access. Login Credentials are Non-Transferable. Don’t miss out on the opportunity to view or re-visit all the great programming from MMPC 2021!

WATCH MMPC ON DEMAND

333 YEARS TO PARITY:

THE 3 ASKS After receiving the sobering news that it would take 333 years to reach economic equity based on the current growth rate of MBE, supplier.io and MMSDC worked diligently to identify tangible actions that can be taken today to exponentially reduce this time frame from 333 years to just 15 years!

COMMIT TO INCREASING SPEND TARGETS: The revenue gap closes when spending with MBEs increases. Corporations and MBEs must increase their commitment and spend with MBEs by 1% each year (excluding payroll and taxes).

333 YEARS

YEARS

ACCESS TO CAPITAL: Improving access to capital for MBEs can accelerate revenue growth and help create pools of viable and qualified MBEs.

COMMIT TO INCLUDING MBE SPENDING ACROSS ALL CATEGORIES: Conducting business with and driving the growth certified MBEs not only impacts a single entrepreneur - it also creates wealth for communities.

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT EWIE Group of Companies, a 100% minority owned company since 1981, services the Industrial sector with a unique business strategy. EGC is a global leader in commodity management services spanning cutting tools, abrasives, special tools and industrial supplies with over 30 years of experience. This approach has helped EGC deliver over $100 million dollars in engineered cost savings to their customers.

Please join MMSDC in welcoming our newest Corporate Members and Minority Business Enterprises who have either joined the council or achieved certification status since January 2021. All have taken a vital step toward committing to supplier diversity and reducing 333 Years to Parity to 15 years!

WELCOME NEW & RECLAIMED CORPORATE MEMBERS

MBE SPOTLIGHT WELCOME NEW MBEs Digital Office Solutions Big Chief Construction, LLC Eric and Anton Construction Company, LLC Exterior Renovations, LLC Properties by Gomes, LLC T-And-S Construction, LLC Valentina Construction, LLC Quality Vision Construction 2050 Partners, Inc. Ashford Connex, LLC BLAC, Inc. CYBOC - Cyber Operations Capabilities, LLC DiverseNote Enterprise, LLC Ecojiva, LLC Get to Work Isaac Lockhart Consulting nSpace Analytics, LLC Reed Foster Ubiquiti, Inc. SecureService Contractorape Analytics, LLC Sports Data Labs, Inc. Stanley Lean Solutions, LLC Love Empower Inspire Publishing, LLC M Parker Enterprises, LLC Natural Living by Design II, LLC Nimo International LLC Roasting Plant First National, LLC Sellsage, LLC Shabam Company, LLC Supply IQ, LLC Xxtar Associates, LLC A&L Signs and Graphics, LLC S’drol Metals, Inc. 3PI, LLC Better Life Learning Dirt Detectives, LLC Five Crowns Trucking, LLC Genuine Vacation, LLC Granco Security Services, LLC Heels on Wheelz, LLC James Group Inc Jones Cleaning Services, LLC Orion Shredding, Inc. OTR TRUCKS, Inc. Rowe Trucking, LLC Trouble Shooters Technical Support, LLC Tru Colour Merchandising, LLC

MBE TOOLKIT

I’M CERTIFIED, NOW WHAT? If you want to increase your ability to gain access to contracts for your business, then you should be thinking about how to leverage your certification. Being proactive will help you to gain access to contract opportunities with some of the largest and best-known corporations, educational and government institutions throughout the country. Each month, the MBE toolkit provides hints on answering the profound question: I am certified now what? • Join your industry group - MBEIC • Leverage the relationships that the council has with Corporate Members • Do business with other minority businesses to help to close the economic parity gap • Consider Joint Ventures, Strategic Alliances, and Mergers and Acquisitions to take advantage of opportunities that you may not be able to get on your own • Participate in Council activities • Become an MBDA Center client for assistance with business development and consulting, access to capital and contracts, help with matchmaking and sourcing opportunities

PRESI

IDENT’S CORNER Those of you who joined us for our 40th Annual Michigan Minority Procurement Conference (MMPC) this year know that we shared gamechanging data and solutions on how to truly ensure supplier diversity makes a sustainable impact. Our solutions have the ability to change the trajectory of business ownership. And we are up to the task. Our charge was set out for us in 1969 when President Richard Nixon commissioned a task force to create solutions for economic inclusion. In their words, the administration ‘recognized the impact of minority businesses on the nation’s economy and on the general welfare of the country’. The MMSDC is focused on actualizing those goals for all our entrepreneurial partners with deliberate haste. We’ve worked to understand the needs of corporate and MBE businesses and developed our program offerings in line with those needs. We’ve assembled a road map for certification, offer masterminds and other support resources, provide access to innovation and new markets, and have cultivated a staff committed to helping you no matter where you are on your business journey. What we know for sure is that in addition to resources, relationship building is key and that was greatly altered by the pandemic. That’s why I’m excited that our Invitational Golf Tournament is returning on Monday, July 26th. We’ve already sold out more than two courses with some 220 registrants to date. Nearly 70 corporate buyers representing more than 55 active sourcing opportunities will literally be matched with prospective MBEs in foursomes for powerful networking. Reconnecting, refocusing, and rebuilding are on all our agenda, and what better way to do that than on the golf course? And plans are already underway for this year’s Chairman’s Gala and ACE Awards. Nominations are open, and this year’s Hall of Fame will feature the true legends of Michigan minority supplier development, honoring the corporate leaders from 20 years ago that created the high-growth MBEs we know today. You don’t want to miss these inspiring legends as you personally re-examine and re-commit to closing the gap. Minority-owned enterprises have a long way to go to reach parity in this country that will benefit ALL communities. In fact, it is estimated we will gain $8 Trillion in GDP when we create an inclusive economy. By remaining unapologetically vested in true inclusion that impacts ALL communities, we all win. Let’s get to work.

SIGNATURE EVENTS We look forward to having everyone join us on Monday, July 26th, 2021, for our 36th annual golf outing at the Oakland University Golf & Learning Center, located in Rochester Hills, Michigan. This year’s event continues our successful legacy of connecting our members, supporters, and guests for a fun-filled day of golf while facilitating important business connections. There’s something for everyone! Whether you are a scratch or avid golfer, play a round or two each season, or are new to golf, you can enjoy a four-ball format using your handicap to play in a traditional scramble.

WHO’S READY TO PLAY GOLF? WE ARE! MMSDC ANNUAL GOLF TOURNAMENT IS BACK! JULY 26, 2021 OAKLAND UNIVERSITY

As the MMSDC team prepares for our first in-person Golf Invitational in two years, we would like to ensure that we are creating a phenomenal experience for all participants! With that in mind, new to this year’s tournament is a “Buyer-MBE Golf Pairing” feature that matches buyers within specified commodity/service areas with preselected MBEs to form a Golf Foursome. With over 70 Buyers and over 50 Sourcing Opportunities generated through this new feature, the Golf Outing will provide MMSDC with the perfect kick-off as we work to reduce the economic parity gap from 333 years to 15 years.

CLICK HERE TO REGISTER!

GOLF ETIQUETTE Are you a seasoned golfer or novice to the game? Regardless of your handicap, MMSDC has developed this short video of tips that you will find useful during the golf tournament. We look forward to seeing you on the green!

ONE MMSDC is designed to assist corporate personnel and community stakeholders in learning the basics to building sustainable minority supplier development programming. This event works to explain the value and impact that supplier diversity has on its community. The intended goal is to connect-thedots and explain how working together can assist communities with the greatest needs. The program also ensures that our constituency is aware and knowledgeable of current and future initiatives supporting sustainable MBE growth and scale opportunities. The event is tentatively scheduled for September 2021, however, in the coming months, please be on the lookout for the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council to announce the official date, time, and location of 2021 ONE MMSDC. We look forward to seeing you there!

SEPTEMBER 2021 TBD

The ACE awards is the MMSDC’s annual celebration held to honor Ambassadors Championing Excellence in minority supplier development. The top industry leaders, executives, and visionaries in the region gather to celebrate those who are making significant contributions in business.

DECEMBER 9, 2021 A VIRTUAL EVENT ACE Nominations Open Until July 18th.

SUBMIT NOMINATIONS HERE

At this event, minority business enterprises (MBEs) are honored for their excellent service, and corporate members are recognized for their commitment to impactful minority supplier development that results in procurement contracts and other strategic opportunities. In addition to honoring the year’s industry leaders, MMSDC will be announcing the 2021 Hall of Fame Inductees in the August Issue of the Gazette! Also new this year, the ACE Awards will be combined with the biannual Chairman’s Gala. As we celebrate the tenure of our current Board Chair, Scott Thiele of Stellantis, and pass the gavel to our incoming Chair, MMSDC honors both parties by continuing to support to the economic growth of minority business enterprises (MBEs) through the facilitation of successful business partnerships with multinational corporations, government agencies and educational institutions. Through this program, the MMSDC awards $5,000 ($2500 for two semesters) to ten scholarship recipients. In addition to requiring that applicants be members of a minority group (African American, Asian-Pacific American, Asian-Indian American, Hispanic American or Native American) as defined by the National Minority Supplier Development Council, we also insist that each student be currently enrolled in a two- or four-year accredited college, university or community college. For information about sponsorship packages and ticket purchases for this year’s ACE Awards and Chairman’s Gala, please contact Biko Smith at bsmith@minoritysupplier.org.

smile.amazon.com The season for giving is year-round with Amazon Smile. Click Here for more information on how to donate a portion of your Amazon purchases to charity. To ensure that MMSDC receives your donations, please select “Michigan Minority Purchasing Council MMSDC” as your charity of choice. This program costs you nothing, but directly benefits the growth and success of MBEs.