Minority Business Opportunity Week

The Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council, in partnership with the State of Georgia and area cities and counties, will commemorate the annual observance of Minority Business Opportunity Week (MBOW) on September 18 – 22, 2023. 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.

Thursday, September 14 | 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. | Savannah Civic Center | Register

The GMSDC is partnering with the City of Savannah to host a Pre Kick-Off event. The day’s activities will include:

• Navigating Business Opportunities with Corporate America – Hear from Corporate representatives as they share tips and best practices on setting up your business for the best chance of success. Participating Corporations include:
  • Georgia Power
  • International Paper
  • US Department of Energy
  • Savannah/Hilton Head Airport
• Special Keynote Presentation with Mr. Jamie McCurry, Chief Administrative Officer at Georgia Ports Authority – The Georgia Ports Authority is one of Georgia’s most important economic powerhouse. As one of the state’s largest public employers, the GPA directly employs almost 1,300 trained logistics professionals. It is responsible for creating more than 440,000 jobs statewide and generating $106 billion dollars in revenue and income exceeding $25 billion annually.

Monday, September 18 |  9 a.m. to 3 p.m. | The Gathering Spot, Atlanta| Register

Join us for the official kick off of Minority Business Opportunity Week. The day’s activities will include:

• How to Do Business with Corporate America – MBE Perspective – Class IV MBEs Sidd Ahmed of VDart and Adam Walker of Summit Packaging Solutions will share their perspective of growing their business by fostering relationships with Corporate partners.
• Navigating Business Opportunities with the US Department of Energy – Hear from representatives at the US Department of Energy as they share tips and best practices on how to do business in the Federal energy space.
• Reverse Tradeshow – The Reverse Tradeshow is a reversal of the traditional trade show format. MBEs will host exhibit booths while the corporate representatives walk the floor. This unique format creates the optimum environment for networking and relationship building with key decision makers. Limit Space Available

Tuesday, September 19 | 9:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. | Curiosity Lab | Register

• Energizing Transportation: Electric Vehicle Insights and Opportunities – The GMSDC is partnering with Siemens to host an exciting and informative event on Electric Vehicles (EVs). Hear from the Atlanta Regional Commission, Georgia Department of Transportation, and Siemens as they discuss the impact of EV on the transportation industry, advancements in EV technology, challenges, and opportunities for further innovation.

Wednesday, September 20 | 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. | Truist Bank – Conference Room, Columbus| Register

• Navigating Business Opportunities with Corporate America – Hear from Corporate representatives as they share tips and best practices on setting up your business for the best chance of success.

Thursday, September 21 

• PARTNER EVENT – Strategic Cultural Transformations Virtual DEI Conference serves as a catalyst for real organizational change that advances accountability and action for DEI outcomes. The Virtual Conference will take place September 21 – October 20 from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Participants will uncover methods that help to engrain Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion into the very tapestry of company culture with sustainable and meaningful impact . Attendees in all learning tracks will glean strategies and insights that help them champion cultural transformation in their workplaces. Key takeaways include developing tools that enable DEI advocates to amplify and empower equity and inclusion in modern organizations. For more information and/or to register, click here.

If you have additional questions, please contact us at info@gmsdc.org or 404-589-4929.