CONNECTIONS | AUGUST 2024

From the Director | National Black Business Month

August is National Black Business Month. Hopefully you have had the opportunity to actively support Black-owned businesses in your community this month and year-round. Black Business Month is a time to recognize and celebrate the contributions of Black-owned businesses to the economy and communities. It highlights the importance of supporting these businesses, which have historically faced systemic barriers to success, such as limited access to capital and resources.


By promoting Black-owned businesses, we help foster economic empowerment, close the racial wealth gap, and contribute to the diversity and innovation that strengthen our communities and economy as a whole. Black Business Month serves as a reminder to uplift and invest in Black entrepreneurs, ensuring their continued growth and success. It is organizations like the U.S. Black Chambers, advocating on behalf of Black owned businesses, that keep us informed and engaged.


It's that time of year; the fall is a prime season for business training conferences, marking the beginning of a busy period for professional development events. Hopefully as you complete your summer break you are returning to the office refreshed and ready to go. In this issue of our newsletter we highlight several events you may want to attend. These events are hosted by our center or partnering organizations. I encourage you to join us for the Regional Manufacturing Institute's and MD MEP's Artists as Manufacturers event, September 26, and Celebration of Stars event, November 14; the National MBE Manufacturing Summit, September 22-24; Leaders & Legends event hosted by the Capital Region Minority Supplier Development Council on November 19; National MEDWeek and the National Minority Supplier Development Council's Annual Conference and Exchange in Atlanta October 20-23. Also, on October 17 we will be hosting a unique event, the Minority Made to Wear Runway Show.


I hope to see you at one or more of the many events where we can network, learn, and collaborate.

N. Scott Phillips



Director

Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center

Coming This Fall

MBDA & Partnering Events

NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange

& MBDA MED Week

Join us at the 2024 NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange and MBDA National MED Week in Atlanta, Georgia October 20-23, 2024. Help rewrite the rules and propel us toward a future of inclusivity, prosperity, and equity!

Learn More!

National MBE Manufacturing Summit

The Seventh National MBE Manufacturers Summit returns in person this year, September 22-24, 2024, at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center in Atlanta, Georgia.

Don’t miss this national, once-a-year event that brings leading Minority Business Enterprise manufacturers together from around the country to acquire new knowledge, analyze global market trends, and meet one-on-one with corporations and original equipment manufacturers (OEMs). 


Join colleagues of the Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center at this event.

Register

Our 2024 Cornerstone Event

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Leaders & Legends

Awards Nominations & Ceremony

CRMSDC’s Annual Leaders & Legends Awards Ceremony recognizes those enterprising minority entrepreneurs, corporations and government entities that have made courageous decisions in the support and development of supplier diversity and inclusion programs.



The Top 100 MBE awards recognizes enterprising minority business owners who are living their dreams and making significant contributions to their clients, professions, industries and communities. Their stories are real and their contributions are inspiring.

Sneak Preview
Awards Application

RMI – MD MEP Fall Line-up Features

These Two Fantastic Events

They are manufacturers. They are artists. They are designers & creators. And they are economic drivers for Maryland’s economy. Join RMI of Maryland, Magma Build Studios, and Maryland MEP on September 26, 2024, from 4 to 7 p.m. for a unique business networking event and marvel at the products made by some of Maryland’s most creative minds.


The Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center is a Program Partner for this event.

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Center Clients | Click for Discounted Registration Info
Learn More | Submit Your Stars Stories Today

The Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center is a Program Partner for the 2024 Maryland Manufacturing Celebration of Stars. This RMI of Maryland and Maryland MEP celebration recognizes “Maryland Manufacturing Stars” – people who work in business, education, government, or nonprofits who have made meaningful contributions to Maryland’s manufacturing industry.


The stories of these exemplary Marylanders are being featured in the Directory of Stars and will be celebrated at the Stars Celebration dinner to be held the evening of November 14, 2024, at Martin's West in Baltimore County.  


The Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center is a Program Partner for this event.

More Stellar Fall Events

...By Partnering Organizations & Friends!

Register Now!

MBDA AMC CLIENT HIGHLIGHT

National Black Business Month

August is National Black Business Month, a time dedicated to recognizing and celebrating the invaluable contributions of Black entrepreneurs and businesses to our economy and communities. At the MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center (AMC), we proudly support Black-owned manufacturing businesses, helping them scale, thrive, and drive innovation in the industry.


MBDA AMC: Supporting Black Manufacturing Businesses


At the MBDA AMC, we are proud to support Black-owned manufacturing businesses as they navigate the complexities of the industry. Our clients span various sectors, including automotive, consumer goods, aerospace, and more. We serve as advocates, liaisons, and a source of support, helping these businesses scale, innovate, and succeed. By providing resources such as access to capital, technical assistance, and strategic partnerships, we work to ensure that our Black business clients have the tools and opportunities they need to thrive in today's competitive market.


A Brief History of National Black Business Month


National Black Business Month was established in 2004 by Frederick E. Jordan and John William Templeton, two entrepreneurs who recognized the need to highlight and support Black-owned businesses across the United States. They understood that while Black businesses play a vital role in the economy, they often face unique challenges and barriers to success. By dedicating August to the celebration and support of Black businesses, Jordan and Templeton aimed to raise awareness, encourage patronage, and advocate for policies that promote economic equity.


Supporting Black Businesses: A Collective Effort


While National Black Business Month is a great opportunity to spotlight Black entrepreneurs, supporting Black businesses should be a year-round commitment. Here are some ways we can all contribute to the success and growth of Black businesses every day:


Shop Black-Owned: Make a conscious effort to purchase goods and services from Black-owned businesses.

Spread the Word: Share your positive experiences with Black-owned businesses on social media and with your network to help them reach a wider audience.

Invest in Black Entrepreneurs: Consider investing in Black startups or providing mentorship and resources to help them grow.

Advocate for Policy Change: Support policies that promote economic equity and provide equal opportunities for Black businesses to thrive.


Learn More and Get Involved


We encourage everyone to learn more about the power and potential of Black businesses by visiting the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC), the national voice of Black business. The USBC provides valuable resources, networking opportunities, and advocacy to support Black businesses and ensure their continued growth and success.


This National Black Business Month, let's celebrate the rich history, resilience, and entrepreneurial spirit of Black business owners. Together, we can help create a more inclusive and prosperous future for all.


For more information on how you can support Black-owned businesses and learn about our work with Black manufacturers, please visit our website or contact us directly.


Happy National Black Business Month from the MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center!

Join Our Team

Interlink

2024 T.I.P.S. Small Business Business Webinar Series | Twice Monthly thru December, 2024 | Maryland Governor's Office of Small, Minority & Women Business Affairs | Virtual | Learn More


M&T Bank's Diverse Supplier And Small Business Banking Luncheon | Baltimore, MD | September 18, 2024 | View flier here.


22nd Annual Virginia Environmental Health & Safety (VEHS) Conference | Richmond, Virginia | September 19, 2024 | Register


Mid-Atlantic Region Specialized Manufacturing Industry Training | MEP Network | Delaware, District of Columbia, Maryland, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia | Fall 2924 | Learn More


Artists as Manufacturers | RMI of Maryland & MD MEP | September 26, 2024 | Register


Minority Made to Wear | Baltimore MBDA AMC | Baltimore, Maryland | October 17, 2024 | Hold the Date


The 2024 WiM Virginia Leadership Conference | WiM Virginia Chapter | October 28 2024 | Register


NMSDC Annual Conference & Exchange 2024 & MBDA MED Week | NMSDC & MBDA | Atlanta, Georgia, October 20-23, 2024 | Read More


Virginia Manufacturing Gala | Virginia Manufacturers Association | November 8, 2024 | Register


Maryland Manufacturing Celebration of Stars | RMI of Maryland & MD MEP | November 14, 2024 | Details


39th Annual Leaders & Legends Awards Ceremony | CRMSDC | November 19, 2024 | Sneak Preview


TechTrends 2025 | SMART | April 3-4, 2025 | Atlantic City, NJ | Drive for Data Across America | Spring 2025 | Read More

PLUS | Visit Baltimore City SourceLink

Events, services, resources, more for small businesses operating in Baltimore City.

SourceLink is hosted by our Center's operator, the Baltimore City Mayor's Office of Small & Minority Business Advocacy & Development.

More Events

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