Minority Business Opportunity Week

The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, in partnership with the Great State of Georgia and area cities and counties, will commemorate the annual observance of Minority Business Opportunity Week (MBOW) on September 19 – 23, 2022. MBOW is a weeklong recognition of the rich history, singular achievements, and many contributions of the minority business community to the state’s economy. The State of Georgia and cities and counties across the region issue proclamations annually setting aside this week to celebrate MBOW.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s Annual Business Survey, minority-owned businesses make up more than 25% of the economic landscape in the United States. In Georgia, minority businesses play an integral role in creating jobs, spurring investment, and strengthening communities of color by stimulating our economy. Widely recognized as a national leader in minority business development, Georgia is known for its business-friendly climate, widespread deployment of advanced technology, and strong economic development policies that have spurred unprecedented numbers of entrepreneurial ventures and minority business startups.

In addition to celebrating high achievement, Minority Business Opportunity Week will focus on helping minority businesses connect to new opportunities. As the US economy continues to move toward a post-pandemic recovery, the most important resource we can provide to a minority business is to put that company to work. The key that unlocks the door to sustainable growth is opportunities. Opportunities create a domino effect in communities by enabling local companies to generate revenues, employ local people, build wealth in communities of color, and sustain long-term success.

This week is crucial to support minority business in pursuing new relationships and identifying ways to take advantage of new opportunities.

Spread out across 5 days the MBOW will include the following elements –

Corporate Opportunities Fall Series – The GMSDC’s new Corporate and government procurement partners will present to small business owners a summary of upcoming opportunities in the waning months of 2022. Potential suppliers will then have a clear picture of who is looking for what, where they might fit in corporate supply chains and which opportunities they would like to pursue. Instructions will be provided for how to submit for the opportunities that are presented.

Corporate Connections – Suppliers will be able to meet one-on-one with corporate buyers. Preregistration is required.

GHCC and Insight Partnerships – The GMSDC continues to expand its portfolio of resources for the business community through strategic alliances and reciprocal relationships with agency partners. MBOW will feature the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding to work collaboratively with the Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Insight, a technology solutions provider.

Let’s Talk Small Business – The GMSDC will relaunch its long-running radio show, Let’s Talk Small Business, during Minority Business Opportunity Week. Hosted by GMSDC President and CEO Stacey Key, along with other guest hosts, LTSB is a vital source of information and resources for small and minority business. LTSB features interviews with procurement leaders, business owners, elected officials, business development partners, and supplier diversity experts from Georgia’s business community. Interviews and activities will be taking place in the LTSB suite throughout the week.

One Percent Pledge – From the GMSDC’s 2021 State of Minority Business – A National Discussion, the report determined that it would take 100 years for minority firms to reach economic parity with their mainstream counterparts. The cycle time for economic parity could be reduced to 15 years if corporate supply chains commit to increase their spend with diverse suppliers by one percent per year. The One Percent Pledge is an opportunity for global supply chains to take tangible action on their commitments to diversity and inclusion.

Resource Monday – On Monday, September 19, the GMSDC has invited small business partners to share information, education, and resources for business owners. There will be a live panel discussion and one-on-one meetings with the business experts.

Statewide Candidate Forum – As we prepare for the upcoming General Election in Georgia, it’s imperative that our small and minority businesses are well informed about the future decision makers. The Small Business Alliance, consisting of , Candidates of the top statewide offices will be invited to participate in the candidate forum, where they share their plans and present their vision small business in Georgia.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at communications@gmsdc.org or 404-589-1828.