Who is the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council?
We are a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization and one of 23 regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). Our network is the nation’s most dynamic force in developing successful relationships between America’s top corporations and supply-chain providers from the Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American communities.
Our mission is to accelerate economic growth by driving opportunities and collaboration between corporations and minority businesses.
Our main office is located in Indianapolis, IN and we have a second office in St. Louis, MO.
What areas of the country do you cover?
The Mid-States MSDC’s footprint includes Central Illinois, Indiana and Eastern Missouri and we connect our corporate members with qualified minority-owned suppliers of all sizes – Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) – that meet a high standard of excellence. The other regional affiliates cover other areas of the country. See map
What is a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE)?
An MBE is a for-profit enterprise, regardless of size, physically located in the United States, which is owned, operated, and controlled by minority group members. Minority group members are U.S. citizens who are African-American, Hispanic American, Native American, Asian-Pacific American, and Asian-Indian American. Ownership by minority individuals means the business is at least 51% owned by minority individual(s). The minority group owner must control the management and daily business operations.
Does the Mid-States MSDC certify women-owned businesses?
The Mid-States MSDC certifies only ethnic minority-owned businesses. Certification of women-owned business in Central Illinois, Indiana and Eastern Missouri may be provided by the local city municipality, state agency or other organizations.
Does the Mid-States MSDC assist individuals in starting their businesses?
The Mid-States MSDC works with established minority businesses to help them expand their business opportunities. There are other agencies and organizations which are very helpful in business start-up, business planning, etc. Please see our Resources page for a listing of these organizations and agencies.
What is the value of a Mid-States MSDC MBE certification?
Certification through the Mid-States MSDC is a national certification, recognized in all 50 states by some of the largest corporations who have demonstrated a commitment to minority supplier development and diversity. Our MBE certification process is designed to assure that the business is owned, operated and controlled by minorities: Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native Americans.
We seek to build strategic, mutually beneficial partnerships in which corporate needs are met – and often exceeded – by MBEs who want nothing more than an opportunity to bid for and do the job.
MBEs certified by our organization are recharging the American economy with their success and growth.
The success of MBEs has a positive impact on the economies of minority communities as they move closer to becoming the majority of the U.S. population.