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.
- Enhanced Business Performance: You'll secure more contacts, and increase your profits.
- Valuable Connections: You'll build strong trusted business relationships with corporate procurement officials, global partners, and other MBEs.
- Access to Capital: You'll have the resources and support needed to grow your business.
- Improved Image: Your business will gain greater visibility and reputation in the marketplace.
Certification
Become a Certified Minority Business Enterprise Today
You are eligible to apply for MBE Certification if your business meets the following criteria:
- The firm must be a for-profit business (Non-profit organizations are not eligible for certification)
- The 51% qualifying applicant(s) must be an ethnic minority (African American, Hispanic, Asian Pacific (Islander, Asian Indian, Native American)
- The 51% qualifying applicant must be a US Citizen
- The highest executive position within the firm must be held by the ethnic minority owner(s) who holds a majority ownership in the firm. (Chairman, CEO, President, Managing Member, etc.)
- The firm applying for certification may not be a holding company* (A holding company is a company created to buy and possess the shares of other companies, which it then controls.)
- The firm applying for certification with TriState MSDC must be headquartered in our service territory (TSMSDC services Kentucky, Tennessee, and West Virginia)
Learn, Grow, and Get Connected
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Start the application process today, so you can get connected and get more contracts.
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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.
The TSMSDC is a viable nonprofit that advances procurement opportunities among major purchasers and minority suppliers (MBEs). For nearly 30 years, the Council has been an integral part of our marketing efforts.
The networking opportunities, training sessions, matchmaking, mentor-protégé programs, and direct connections, have helped us to improve our infrastructure and significantly increase our revenue.
No doubt, due to my involvement and participation, Atlas Management Corporation is a direct benefactor of the work and worth of TSMSDC!
Warren A. Sawyers
President & CEO
Atlas Management Corporation
Prior to 2020, I was unaware of the TSMSDC, but wish I had known about the organization when I started my business in 2018. Now, being a certified MBE, and having TSMSDC as a client, I am a devoted advocate of this premier organization. I have learned so much over the years on how to scale my business, with exposure to opportunities that I would not be privileged without being a certified MBE.
TSMSDC is the right connection among MBE’s and major purchasers. TSMSDC understands the great need for diversity, equity and inclusion in the marketplace, and how it advances corporate supply chain’s bottom-line to partner with minority businesses.
I am so proud to be a part of what I consider to be a movement that empowers minority businesses to be successful in today’s business economy. Minority business representation matters!
Markeith A. Braden
CEO & Founder
Markeith Braden & Company, LLC
Diversified Supply has been a certified MBE of TSMSDC for 33 rewarding years. Being an affiliate, Diversified has been introduced, and developed viable business relationships with many Fortune 500 companies. TSMSDC has truly been a value add to Diversified’s business as a global distributor of electrical and instrumentation process supplies. I believe it is important for minority-owned businesses to join the TSMSDC to help their business grow and succeed.
Dan K. Anderson
President
Diversified Supply, Inc.
I am proud to have graduated from three prestigious Business Executive Management Programs – Amos Tuck at Dartmouth School of Business, Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, and the University of Wisconsin-Madison. These programs are tailored for ambitious entrepreneurs seeking to elevate their businesses to new heights. Through these intensive programs, I gained invaluable insights into business principles and real-world experiences that have significantly enhanced the infrastructure of my healthcare business. Thanks to the TSMSDC for providing these advanced educational opportunities, as they have truly made a remarkable difference to SourceMark and me.
Richard Manson
President & General Counsel
SourceMark
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.