MMSDC Gazette November-December 2022

A WELCOME FROM OUR PRESIDENT AND CEO

BUSINESS FUNDING & RESOURCES

FUNDING RESOURCES FOR MBES

GOOGLE AD GRANT

The Google Ad Grant is Google’s fundraising and marketing tool granting $10,000 per month in free advertising credit to approved nonprofits and charities for them to spend on their Google ads campaign(s).

CARTIER REGIONAL AWARDS

META INVOICE FAST TRACK: GET INVOICES PAID FOR IMMEDIATELY

Facebook

BANK BREEZY

Get

ANNUITY FREEDOM.NET SMALL BUSINESS WOMEN’S GRANT

AT&T DREAM IN BLACK

Inspiring.

RENDE CAPITAL

The RACE4Progress Fund provides very low interest, deferred payments, extended

NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE SELFEMPLOYED

and

features for Excluded Entrepreneurs in the Grand Rapids Area/Kent County whose businesses have suffered financially due to COVID-19.

GRANTS.GOV

Grants.gov allows grant seekers to find, and apply for federal funding opportunities.

SMALL

TECHNOLOGY

FOR

This

COMCAST RISE

Comcast RISE Investment funding is now available in Detroit and the application window is 6/1/22 – 6/14/22.

HELLO ALICE GRANT OPPORTUNITY

The Small Business Growth Fund provides the capital entrepreneurs need to make their next big move. Each recipient will receive a $5,000 grant, provided by Mastercard, to accelerate their growth and help make 2022 the year of their small business.

DETROIT REGIONAL CHAMBER

OPERATION HOPE SMALL-BUSINESS EMPOWERMENT PROGRAM

THE AMBER GRANT FOUNDATION

The Amber Grant Foundation awards one $10,000 grant to a small business owner per month. In this case, however, grants are offered only to female entrepreneurs.

DETROIT AND WAYNE COUNTY – RESTORE THE VILLAGE FUND

For Black- and minority-owned businesses in Detroit and Wayne County. There are grants, free coaching services, start-up help, and other advice to help (1) a company get started, or assist current businesses.

MICHIGAN SMALL BUSINESS RESTART PROGRAM

The program will provide $100 million in economic assistance to Michigan’s small businesses, and nonprofits, and, in turn, help support workers and their families, facing economic uncertainty during the outbreak.

STATE TRADE EXPANSION PROGRAM (STEP)

The STEP grant program has helped thousands of small businesses obtain grants, and find customers in the international marketplace since 2011.

USA GRANT

AMAZON BLACK BUSINESS ACCELERATOR

Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator is dedicated to helping build sustainable diversity and provide growth opportunities for Black-owned businesses.

CARESS DREAM FUND

The Caress Dreams Fund will bring 60 founders through crowdfunding accelerator programs culminating in a $5,000 grant for each business, opportunities to pitch, plus the coaching and creative services they need to execute successful fundraising campaigns.

PROSPER US DETROIT

This organization offers entrepreneurs resources to find lenders, crowdfunding sources, and businesses that assist with funding to help you get the capital you need to create and maintain a successful business.

DETROIT DEVELOPMENT FUND

Detroit Development Fund received approval for a $1 million loan from MSF to make micro and small loans ranging from $5,000 to $250,000 to small businesses in Detroit, Highland Park, and Hamtramck.

OLGA LOIZON MEMORIAL FOUNDATION

BIPOC BUSINESS GRANT

Our grant is based on the tremendous impact of COVID-19 on entrepreneurs who are Black, indigenous, or people of color. We want to dedicate some of our knowledge and time to help.

BLACK AMBITION COMPETITION

Black And Latino Early-Stage Businesses Invited To Apply For Second Cohort Of Black Ambition Competition; Win Cash And Investment Prizes Up To $1M.

SHE BOSS UP

Funding women owned buisnesses impacted by COVID-19. Opening Fall 2022

NOW CORPORATION

Nine minority small business grants that can help you secure working capital for your company.

FUNDING CIRCLE

2

NATIONAL FUNDING

It is no secret that the past two (and growing) years have been unprecedented and have presented challenges affecting the ways in which business is conducted. Despite these challenges, several businesses have made great achievements. The Wins Circle recognizes these inspirational milestones as we all strive to achieve our own "win".

Vickie Lewis, President & CEO at VMX International, was featured in Crain’s Detroit Business as Notable Leader in Sustainability, won the Pitch Competition for Next Cycle, and was awarded Phase I grant for End-of-Life Electric Vehicle Battery Recycling Facility. She was also selected for Apple's Impact Accelerator!

Vickie Lewis is passionate about advancing a circular economy, innovation, and growth in the environmental waste management industry supply chain. As a founder and CEO Of VMX International, Lewis is an award-winning executive, growing her business and innovating in Detroit by collaborating with community leaders, automotive and government employers, and environmental technology innovators.

Founded in 2001, VMX International is an environmental firm headquartered in Detroit that works with businesses across the nation to properly recycle and dispose of items ranging from office paper to hazardous materials. VMX currently has over 50 full-time employees managing environmental projects in several states across the nation.

Lewis’s accomplishments have been profiled in the "Work and Wealth" section of Essence Magazine. Motivated by her story, Essence Magazine selected Lewis’s profile for the tabletop book Making It Happen – Creating Success and Abundance.

Stingray Advisory, located in Muskegon, MI and owned by Leandra has been celebrated as a "Top Women Owned Business" and an "Everything Business Corp!" Winner of Michigan's Economic Bright Spots.

"Through our years of experience, dedication to continued professional development and education, as well as regular client interactions, our team is fully qualified and capable of addressing most organizational concerns (or we usually know who can!). We are happy to connect with you and discuss how we can still be of assistance through any of the services we provide."

– Leandra Nisbet, Owner

The Circle

The Wins Circle

Austin Logistics created jobs to support the company's procurement process, which allowed Austin Logistics to be awarded & fulfill 20 more contracts, totaling 32 in the company's lifetime, including clients like the City of Detroit, the Illinois Board of Education, the Illinois State Police, and the National Parks Service.

Due to this success, the company was invited to speak at a small business event in Atlanta, Georgia, advocating for businesses wanting to enter the procurement space. Most recently, their efforts were acknowledged by the Detroit Free Press and the Small Business Administration for their commitment to community and for inspiring young business owners.

"I am sharing the success we have encountered as a member of MMSDC! Overall, it has been an exciting year meeting new people and being part of an organization such as this; we can confidently credit MMSDC as a part of our journey. Again, we appreciate your concern and efforts to help us through our actions."

– Austin Hill, Owner of Austin Logistics

‘STATE’ OF THE COUNCIL

Did you Know….?

The Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council operates an MBDA Center…MBDA Centers fall under The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency and is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises (MBEs.) Your Michigan MBDA Center has been a number one recognized business center with the work they do to help close the parity gap for MBEs.

MBEs are fast-growing, innovative, and represented in every industry sector in the United States. Minority-owned firms directly contribute to the U.S. economy and account for the creation of millions of U.S. jobs.

The Michigan MBDA business Center also hosted the Advanced Manufacturing Center, the Corona Virus Relief Center - assisting those businesses impacted by the Corona Virus and Native American Engagement. Over 117 businesses received services including business development, counseling and coaching, access to capital, matchmaking and sourcing for opportunities, certification application assistance, and government contracting. Four businesses were prepared for and participated in a major pitch session that centered them in front of buyers for opportunities. There were 107 awarded contracts for MBEs resulting in $143,901,321 million dollars infusing dollars back into minority communities and $25,044,500 in financial and Capital transactions completed.

CORPORATE SPOTLIGHT

TERESA BRANSON

Kent County Office of Inclusion & Kent County Fiscal Services Purchasing Division

Teresa Branson is Kent County’s First Chief Inclusion Officer and serves as a member of the Kent County Administrator’s Office executive leadership team. She brings 25 years of local government leadership and public health experience to the job. This new position was established in 2020 and Teresa began working in that role in May 2021 where she provides leadership and coordination of the County’s Inclusion initiatives and works to enhance the integration of diversity, equity, and inclusion as a key driver and enabler of the County’s strategic priorities. In this role, Teresa engages with multiple community partners and organizations to help ensure timely distribution of information and access to County services and business opportunities. She also works in partnership with the Fiscal Services Purchasing Manager, Calvin Brinks, on community engagement opportunities related to doing business with Kent County.

For more information on Kent County Procurement, please visit: www.accesskent.com/purchasing. Also, any company can schedule a one-on-one meeting with one of their buyers to learn how to do business with the County and ask the buyers questions. Go to Kent County Meetthe-Buyer at https://apps.accesskent.com/meet-thebuyer/. This program offering is unique to Kent County.

“It is an honor to serve as Kent County’s Chief Inclusion Officer. I look forward to working with our community partners and businesses, to support our County Departments goals, implement meaningful change, and be responsive to the diverse needs of our employees and community,” Branson said. For more information on the Kent County Office of Inclusion: www.accesskent.com/ dei.

Kent County Purchasing has been actively involved in collaborative community engagement events to bring new learning opportunities to West Michigan and is planning an exciting 2023, with many opportunities for diverse suppliers. Keep an eye on their website and make sure to register as a vendor to receive timely information and business opportunities!

LEVERAGING YOUR CERTIFICATION

An underused tool in the MBE toolkit is the MBEIC. Once you are a certified MBE you will be assigned to an Industry Group of the Minority Business Input Committee, MBEIC.

The MBEIC is the voice of the certified MBEs in the Council, providing learning opportunities and relevant industry insight on a variety of topics that help small businesses grow. Your MBEIC does all of this and more to make sure you are ready now when that opportunity presents itself:

• Act as an advocate for issues related to minority business development

• Provide a platform for suppliers to network and partner for future business opportunities

• Support the mission of the MMSDC

• Recommend and develop programs for the MMSDCs MBEs and our diverse partners

• Serve as a liaison between the MBEs and corporate members and their opportunities

PRESIDENT’S

ENT’S CORNER

As we approach this season of both gratitude and giving what I know for sure is this year has been a whirlwind. The euphoria of being in person both lifted our spirits and seemingly accelerated our lives. It’s likely we are all looking forward to a respite and time to celebrate while also sharing with others.

The MMSDC’s Holiday Marketplace in addition to our exclusive Silent Auction could be just what you need to complete your gift giving list. Our handpicked vendors offer everything from teas to personal care products, gourmet foods to activewear; everything to make you the master mind gift giver. In addition, our Silent Auction features exclusive, often one-of-a-kind, signed sports and entertainment memorabilia. All Marketplace and Auction proceeds support programming for our MBEs.

At this time of year, we also reflect on our accomplishments. As I’ve said many times in these pages our efforts to reach economic parity for communities of color are predicated on accelerating capital, contracts and equity. For example, this year one of our teams successfully assisted and facilitated eight M&A and JV transactions totaling $144MM in revenue growth. That same team also facilitated $295K in capital transactions and created 305 new jobs. And, according to Reuters while the U.S. may narrowly escape recession, our plans remain to accelerate our goal of parity for the companies we represent.

I single this out as one of our achievements but encourage you to read our 2022 Year in Review to see what the council, with your help, has accomplished this year. And while our team has worked mightily to reach our goals, we know it is because of the support of our sponsors and MBEs that our council continues to drive results aligned with our mission.

Yet, even as we take a moment to relish all that was done in 2022, we go into the new year ready for the challenges that this shifting economy will pose. The theme for our 2023 MMPC is Future Ready ... Where Success Equals Economic Parity. Our amazing staff and event planning team are already working to finalize all aspects of the conference as well as our other 2023 programming.

There is no doubt that the season will pass quickly, just as this year has. But know that come 2023 the MMSDC will be prepared with better ideas and better plans, with a goal of bigger change and greater impact as work to create a stronger, more inclusive economy that will benefit all people.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Enjoy this final 2022 issue of the Gazette.

Holiday Marketplace

We offer BBQ Sauces (Original and Spicy) that are derived from a 70-year old family recipe and includes a ketchup base that is made from scratch. We also offer Dry Rubs that are individually designed for 3 distinct meat categories (Beef/Pork, Poultry, Seafood).

https://prspremiumbbqsaucenthings.com

Bra-Less Bra, Instant Cleavage Sculpting Solution is a specially design-engineered breast-lifting tape that lifts, separates and supports breasts all the way to an N-Cup! The solution to the age-old issue of gravity and larger bust-sizes. Made in the U.S.A by a 100% all-woman, MBE certified team.

https://www.BraLessBra.com

We provide custom-made wigs and designer wigs that are cutting edge in the industry. Specializing in hair replacements for over 20 years has enabled them to become experts in this area and they’re honored to provide you with a service that you will love and cherish.

https://www.lehosthair.com

Tayion Collection is an apparel line for stylish men based in Taylor, Michigan. We customize our clothing designs to the diverse personality of our customers. Our wardrobe collection is available online and through our retail partners, Macy’s and Men’s Wearhouse.

https://www.tayion.com

At CommodiTeas, you will find premium quality tea and home goods that reflect your unbelievable style. We supply great products because you demand great taste.

https://www.commoditeas.com

Complete Dominance Athletics is your worldwide leader for health, fitness, and sports. From our apparel for sports teams and leagues, to sports watches with their own equipped ear pods, Complete Dominance Athletics takes pride in enhancing people’s fitness and health.

https://www.cdathletics.store

At Amazing Apparel II, we believe that every customer deserves a closet full of trendy, quality fashion. That’s why we made it a mission to supply women sizes small to 3X with the most up-to-date designer apparel for every occasion.

https://www.amazingapparel2.com

We are a clothing manufacturing company that specializes in activewear for both men and women. Our apparel is comfortable, casual and affordable made of the finest fabric.

https://www.starsactivewear.com

Are a certified minority owned, certified woman owned company specializing in natural and organic skin care products! Our amazing body scrubs exfoliate and moisturize the skin at the same time!

https://amarraglambodyproducts.com/

ARight For U creates unique, memorable, and lovely gifting experiences for people who prefer customized service. Through the power of writing and poetry, we utilize words and thoughts for treasure.

https://arightforu.com/

Kids line and kids toilet tissue line with learning tools and plush toys. https://cherrymonkeys.com/

Pillar & Pride is a family owned and operated health and wellness destination. We provide access to high-quality products to support you on your wellness journey.

https://pillarandpride.com/

A good homemade cookie is hard to find. We make it easy! Our family makes every delicious cookie from scratch. We do the work, you get the praise, making your whole family happy.

https://www.daddysdough.com/

Diamond’s Body Care is a Plant-Based Body Care Line.

https://diamondsbodycare.com/

Earth & Ash makes soap, body butters and other skin care products using a combination of natural, certified organic and plant based ingredients, selling direct to customers through our company website.

https://www.earthandashsoap.com/

We are a promotional brand marketing company.

https://shop.gepromos.com/

Health-e-Bound is an agricultural brokerage company. By leveraging a supply chain that connects West African farmers to American retailers, Health-e-Bound is able to offer a variety of “superfoods”.

https://healthebound.com

Lorraine’s Premium BBQ Sauce is a condiment company that specializes in a full flavor premium bbq sauce. Our products consist of four flavors of Original, Sweet & Smokey, Asian, and Southwest Chipotle.

https://www.lorrainesbbqsauce.com/

Gourmet popcorn business that offers products sold as retail, wholesale, bulk and fundraising opportunities.

https://www.motorcitypopcorn.com/

Mrs. Pruitt’s Gourmet CHA CHA is a family recipe dating back to early 1830’s. It’s a relish, condiment, sauce, an authentic southern cuisine. Plant based; gluten free with ingredients you can trust.

https://mrspruittschacha.com/

“Supplier of Mr. Levi’s MyTFine Soul Sauce.

Our multi purpose BarBQ sauce has the lowest sodium at 50mg per 2tbsp. It’s available in Mild, Spicy, and Habanero XS.”

https://mytfinellc.com/

Natural Living by Design is a certified minority female family-owned supplier of natural deodorant, liquid herbal extract supplements, powders, syrups and more in the City of Detroit.

https://www.naturallivingbydesign.com/

QUALITY VISION CONSTRUCTION, LLC (QVC)

QVC is a family-owned general contracting company skilled in project management, leadership, and training we are also an industry supplier of AllSportsHeadGear the world’s 1st fashion head towel.

https://www.allsportsheadgear.com/

Poppers, a patented product is a revolutionary basketball net that has leather strips attached at the bottom of the net and makes a popping sound when ball goes through the net.

https://www.poppersworld.com/

Kalita Roze is a chic, cozy women’s fashion brand. We are currently selling shoes and plan to add accessories soon. We believe Women should be able to look beautiful and feel comfortable.

https://www.shopkalitaroze.com/

A TALE OF CURRENT MARKETS: USMCA, NEARSHORING, AND MINORITY SUPPLIER DEVELOPMENT INNOVATION TO PENETRATE GLOBAL OPPORTUNITIES.

The USMCA and the Nearshoring strengthen integration and investment in the most competitive region in the world. It reduces logistics and transportation costs, speed delivery times responsiveness, consolidates maquiladora and export industries. It reduces barriers with fewer languages, provides shared time zones, and some shared cultural norms. It also provides specialized and high-quality workmanship along with high-level university and technical trade schools. Offers low real estate costs and brings efficient and experienced sector clusters, departments of economic development and chambers of commerce aside a legal system favorable to investment.

NEARSHORING

Is the relocation strategy by which a company transfers part of its production to third parties that despite being in other countries, are in nearby destinations and with a similar time zone. Using this model allows businesses to move their operations to a closer, more cost-effective location. This proximity allows for fewer time zone differences, cultural discrepancies, and a greater level of control in decision-making processes.

UNITED STATES, MEXICO, CANADA AGREEMENT (USMCA)

The Agreement between Mexico, the United States of America and Canada (“USMCA”) is a trade agreement between said countries that arises 25 years after the North American Free Trade Agreement of 1994 (“NAFTA”) mainly to eliminate tariffs between partner countries and make North America the most competitive and commercially integrated region in the world.

The commercial relationship between Mexico and the United States is of total relevance for the economies of both countries. Historically, the United States has been Mexico's largest trading partner. In 2019, the sum of imports and exports between the two countries was greater than $600 billion dollars according to information from the United States Department of the Economy, and in the same year Mexico surpassed China in the number of exports and imports

USMCA CHAPTER 4 RULES OF ORIGIN

Through this Chapter, the criteria are established to determine the origin of a merchandise and based on it, to know if it qualifies or not for the application of preferential tariff treatment, as well as other benefits of a non-tariff nature (automotive and auto parts).

USMCA CHAPTER 25 SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES

The chapter is divided into various articles, we highlight the most significant article:

Article 25.2: Cooperation to Increase Trade and Investment Opportunities for SMEs. Strengthen collaboration between the Parties in activities for the promotion of SMEs belonging to groups underrepresented, such as women, minorities, and start-ups, as well as to improve cooperation in the exchange of information related to access to capital and credit, to support the participation of SMEs in public procurement opportunities, and to help SMEs to adapt to changing market conditions. The article also encourage participation in platforms, such as web-based, for business entrepreneurs and counselors to share information and best practices to help SMEs link with international suppliers, buyers, and other potential business partners.

The Global Initiative through the MMSDC offers services of international expansion to minority owned companies. The initiative evaluates the readiness of products and services before entering the global market. The initiative develops strategic projects and consortiums to integrate supply chains with re-shoring strategies through the United States, Mexico Canada Trade Agreement (USMCA).

The Global Initiative fosters alliances and partnerships with strategic institutions and trade promotion offices connecting MMSDC Corporate Members to opportunities to expand business abroad with its innovative digital Matchmaker 365 platform.

MMSDC’s proprietary online sourcing platform, Matchmaker365, was developed to connect corporate and MBE purchasing decision makers with minority suppliers across the globe, helping us bridge the gap to economic parity. Not only can suppliers be discovered by buyers searching for specific products and services, but also suppliers can source their own business needs from other qualified minority businesses.

KEY IMPACT

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

On behalf of the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC), its Board of Directors, members, staff and stakeholders, thank you to the many volunteers and donors that have continued to support the Council and its mission during a very active 2022.

With our continued focus on achieving economic parity for Minority Business Enterprises and reducing the time to our goal from 333 Years to 15 Years, this year has been about bridging that gap through A.C.C.E.S.S., Accelerating Capital, Contracts and Equity to Drive Supplier Sustainability. With vital support from you, our valued partners, MMSDC has centered efforts on creating, expanding, and improving programming to achieve real results in a time of persistent transition.

We are happy to announce that the 2023 MMSDC Sponsorship Package is currently available to those eligible for our annual First Right of Refusal (FRR) window. During the FRR window, which ends on December 16, 2022, eligible partners will have the opportunity to secure your sponsorship packages for the next year, while also getting a chance to unlock special discounts! Following our FRR window, all constituents will gain access to the 2023

will have the ability to being selecting sponsorship opportunities on December 17th.

smile.amazon.com

The holidays may be over, but 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.