Supporting MBEs

You shouldn’t have to struggle to find opportunities simply because you are a minority-owned business. Everyone deserves an equal and equitable chance to thrive and succeed in the business world. Discover how TSMSDC supports Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) in achieving success and growth.

Unlocking Opportunities for Certified MBEs

We know how challenging it can be to break into the corporate supply chain as a minority-owned business. With years of experience helping businesses like yours, we understand the unique obstacles you face and are dedicated to providing the support you need to overcome them.

Certification

Become a Certified Minority Business Enterprise Today

You are eligible to apply for MBE Certification if your business meets the following criteria:

Learn, Grow, and Get Connected

Networking Events

Connect with industry professionals and expand your network.

Get Certified Today

Start the application process today, so you can get connected and get more contracts.

Business Development Programs

Expand your skills and develop your business knowledge with our national programs.

Success Story

Success Stories: From Small Business to Master Supplier to Major Health Centers

Richard Manson, President and General Counsel, of SourceMark, LLC, attributes the growth of his company to the TriState Minority Supplier Development Council (TSMSDC).  With a business relationship though the council that dates back to 2005, the company has grown to become one of the largest minority-owned businesses in the region offering innovative solutions as a master supplier for hospitals, health systems, pharmacies, ambulatory surgery centers, clinical laboratories, and physician offices throughout the United States.  In 2009,  they secured the first contract to sell medical devices to HealthTrust HCA members, due to the direct involvement with TSMSDC.

Success Story

Bridging Opportunities for Minority-Owned Businesses

The TriState Minority Supplier Diversity Council (TSMSDC) continues to excel in creating pathways for minority-owned businesses to thrive. A remarkable success story showcases our pivotal role in connecting Kaiser Permanente, a leading US-based integrated managed care consortium, with Guy Brown, an exceptional Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) in the contract office products sector.

When Guy Brown was initially overlooked for a pre-bid meeting with Kaiser Permanente, they reached out to TSMSDC for support. Recognizing the potential of this partnership, we swiftly advocated for Guy Brown’s inclusion, ensuring they received an equitable opportunity to compete.

This intervention proved transformative. Guy Brown not only secured a substantial procurement contract with Kaiser Permanente in 2011 but has consistently exceeded expectations, maintaining this valuable partnership for over a decade.

Guy Brown’s success with Kaiser Permanente stems from their commitment to excellence and innovation. Their white glove service has set new standards in the industry, ensuring Kaiser Permanente receives personalized attention and prompt resolution to any concerns. By leveraging advanced analytics, Guy Brown provides Kaiser Permanente with data-driven insights, driving increased productivity and cost-efficiency across their operations. Furthermore, Guy Brown’s ability to tailor their offerings to suit Kaiser Permanente’s unique needs has resulted in a seamless integration of services, enhancing user experience and satisfaction.

This enduring partnership exemplifies the transformative impact of diversity in the supply chain and underscores TSMSDC’s crucial role in empowering MBEs to access and sustain valuable business opportunities.

Frequently Asked Questions

Learn more about the MBE certification process, requirements, and benefits.

Pursue the NMSDC certification, as well as federal & local certifications for minority-owned businesses. However, if a business wants its operation to be formally recognized as a minority-owned business or enterprise, it should seek to get an official certification. This shows first that the business is credibly established and second that it is ready to work with large public and private entities.

MBE certification is the gold standard for minority-owned for-profit businesses, and it is the certification that NMSDC has offered for its more than 50-year history. It requires that businesses are at least 51% owned, managed, and controlled by qualified minority group members. A qualified minority group member is a U.S. citizen who is at least 25% Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, or Native American*. Minority eligibility is established via a combination of document reviews, screenings, interviews, and site visits. Ownership, in the case of a publicly owned business, means that at least 51% of the stock is owned by one or more qualified minority group members. The  process to join NMSDC includes an application, a review of your business, payment of a certification fee (amount varies by location) and extensive onboarding to help you learn about the benefits available to your business. Many government agencies and private companies set aside a portion of their contract budgets for multicultural and diverse-owned businesses to promote diversity. Certification could help you secure contracts that grow your business.
*a tribal card and a blood degree certificate must be provided for Native American certifications.

TSMSDC offers a wide range of opportunities that help certified MBEs with visibility and access to America’s largest and most influential companies worldwide by increasing their overall growth and success.  

Yes, TSMSDC can connect businesses to capital resources.  Access to capital is crucial for the formation and growth of small businesses, serving as the lifeblood that fuels their success. Unfortunately, minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) often face challenges in obtaining the necessary capital to thrive. The relationship between access to capital and access to contracts is symbiotic for MBEs. Both are essential for their survival and growth. However, these vital resources do not always come at the same time. MBEs frequently struggle to secure the funding they need, both during the startup phase and in the years that follow.  It is imperative that TSMSDC continues to address the disparities in access to capital faced by MBEs to ensure their success in the competitive business landscape. By providing support and resources to help MBEs overcome these challenges, TSMSDC can foster a more inclusive and thriving business environment for all entrepreneurs.

Established in 2001, the Global Link initiative played a critical role in the creation of partner organizations in Australia, Canada, China, South Africa, and the United Kingdom. In 2023, we reignited and expanded the program and established partnership with India, Brazil, and Chile.  These international partner organizations are a gateway for U.S.-based MBEs to meet international MBEs who may be potential partners to help them gain access to the global marketplace. We recognize that our nation-wide network of corporate members have a global reach and are pushing diversity initiatives to their locations around the world. The Global Link program assists our network corporate members in meeting their supplier diversity requirements overseas by promoting and building pathways to increase global spend.   

Start Your MBE Certification Journey

Take the first step towards becoming a certified MBE and unlocking new business opportunities.