What are the benefits of MBE certification?
Certification gives MBEs exclusive access to top corporate purchasing agents, premium networking events, searchable supplier databases, affordable consulting services, technology programs, and vital introductions to nationally known corporations.
Count towards the Minority spend goals of top corporations
Many Fortune 1000 companies in America have supplier diversity programs in place. These programs are specifically designed for large companies to source products and services from minority owned businesses. They do this in an effort to keep their businesses in line with the shifting demographic profile of our country. These companies recognize that a diverse supply base offers a competitive advantage in today’s multicultural business economy.
In other words, large corporations are constantly looking for minority owned businesses to work with. They have supplier diversity programs in place to calculate exactly how successful they are in sourcing products and services from minority suppliers. Therefore one of the top benefits of MBE certification is that any contractual agreement between a corporation and Certified MBE is counted toward that corporation’s supplier diversity goal. Diverse supply chains lend greater innovation, flexibility, and countless other benefits that ultimately, help corporations achieve their business growth goals. These programs are not hand outs or entitlement programs, but instead assist corporations in achieving their own business growth. But certification is a requirement.
Attend personalized events
The MMSDC offers small and large scale, in-person events that help MBEs develop and make connections, where needed. One of the benefits of MBE certification is that you gain access to experts and peers who can offer guidance to you, regardless of what your challenges may be.
- New MBE Orientation / Quarterly Meetings
- MBEIC and Corporate Industry Group Meetings
- Professional Development Sessions
- Mentor-protege and other programs
- Educational programs
- Technical assistance
- Financial assistance and support
- Matchmaking & Networking events
Attend the top business networking events in Michigan
The MMSDC hosts a number of large-scale signature events each year. These events are designed to put corporate members and MBEs in the same place to talk about business opportunities and to showcase MBE capabilities. Signature events include:
- Michigan Minority Procurement Conference & Trade Fair – Detroit, MI
- Annual Golf Invitational – Ann Arbor/Ypsilanti, MI
- Minority Business Women’s Conference – Dearborn, MI
- Annual Awards Program – Detroit, MI
- Chairman’s Scholarship Gala – Varies
Get listed in national supplier databases
When your company becomes a Certified MBE, it also gets listed in the national minority supplier database. This placement allows corporations across the country to find you for contracting opportunities and other business ventures.
Grow your business with the help of the MBDA
The MMSDC is proud to also operate Michigan’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), an agency funded by the Department of Commerce. MBEs can sign up to meet with our team of small business experts, who are happy to provide business consulting services at minimal cost to clients. Whether you need help with financing, marketing, expanding into new markets, 8(a) and other lucrative certifications, our team is here to assist you.
Use our offices for important business meetings
With the MMSDC’s prime Detroit riverfront office space, we are now pleased to offer small meeting space for Certified MBEs. Space is not yet available in our Grand Rapids location.