FEATURED PROGRAMS
MMSDC announced its partnership with Plug and Play in 2020 and the program “Plug and Play Detroit, Powered by AmplifyD” (for Amplify: Diversity) launched last August – an accelerator for technology startups focused on mobility and the inclusion of women and underrepresented minorities. The program’s inaugural cohort, Batch Zero, was selected in November 2020 and graduated from the 6-month program this February. Batch ONE was selected in April, and its startup industries include: New Mobility & Autonomy, Industry 4.0, AI & Machine Learning, and Electrification & Sustainability. AmplifyD startups truly represent the economy of the future, both in their technology and the diversity of the founders and their teams’ minority representation. Here are some facts about Batch One: 14 startups selected 57% minority-founded 1 Certified MBE – ChargerHelp! 64% minority and/or women founded 33% Midwest-based $2.9M Average $$ raised In comparison to Batch Zero, Batch ONE is a smaller group of earlier stage startups, includes about 20% more underrepresented founders than the previous cohort, and has a broader range of technology areas. If you are interested in getting involved, there are many ways you can leverage its benefits both for Corporate Members and MBEs. Learn more by attending program events Engage in a Deal Flow session and hear pitches from 5–10 relevant startups, which can lead to innovative insight and even a pilot project Work with the MBDA to co-invest in a startup, side-by-side with Plug and Play JOIN the platform as a startup or as Corporate Partner – apply here: https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/join/ Please visit the Plug and Play Detroit website for more information! https://www.plugandplaytechcenter.com/detroit/
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A primary theme at MMPC 2021 was addressing the “333 Years to Parity” – how long it will take to reach economic equity in communities of color based on the current growth rate of U.S. MBEs. The Collaborative Growth Initiative (CGI) is a prime example of results-driven programming that allows MMSDC Corporate Members a real opportunity to assist in closing this gap by accelerating MBE growth. This program is intended to drive business growth for both Corporate Members as well as support high-performing MBEs. This type of sustainable growth enables MBEs to better serve their customers, while also helping major corporations achieve their business goals. Corporate Members sign on to Champion 1-to-3 MBE suppliers. The Corporations’ Chief Procurement Officers work with MBEs to develop a sourcing pipeline and introduce suppliers to Internal Buyers and other potential customers, including suppliers within their supply chains. Success is measured by tracking the total dollar value of awarded contracts for MBEs. CGI Phase I includes 8 Corporate Members in the automotive industry championing 12 indirect suppliers. This program has proven results with the initial success of Phase I, with participating MBEs being collectively awarded $96 million in contracts during 2020. We are thrilled to announce the launch of Phase II, including 6 Corporate Members in a range of industries working with indirect suppliers. Phase III will target automotive Corporate Members and direct production suppliers.
