Belinda Hooks

Mountain Plains MSDC

Executive Vice President

Executive Vice President's Corner

Get Connected.

Stay Connected.

Be Connected!

**BID OPPORTUNITY**

BID OPPORTUNITY**BID OPPORTUNITY**

BID OPPORTUNITY**

Hickman Mills C-1 School District is seeking proposals for "Produce, RFP 4-2023- 2024.Milk RFP 5-2023-2024 & Bread RFP 6-2023-2024. Bids/Proposals for all 3 RFP's are due at 2:00 PM CST 04-26 and will be publicly opened at that time. Bids/Proposals may be obtained on the District's website at www.hickmanmills.org

Bid/Proposals will be received by the Purchasing Department at 5401 E 103^rd St, Kansas City, MO.64137.

The application process for this year’s Kellogg AMEP cohort is now open.

 LINK FOR INFORMATION AND TO APPLY

Please encourage your MBEs that meet the eligibility criteria to apply. Selection and notification will occur as soon as we are able to fill up this cohort.

1. We seek to have a class that is ethnically, industry , geographically and gender diverse.
2. We have had a request from one of our sponsors in the financial industry to locate MBEs in their industry that they can sponsor.

We have a few events coming up that I want to make sure you have on your calendar. Check them out below, and you can click on the link to register.

• April 18, 4 - 6 p.m. | 1445Connect | Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce
• Sometimes, the best place to connect is where you’re most comfortable. That’s why we’ll open up your Chamber home so you can meet fellow members and grow your leads.

We're here to help your company grow! If you need anything, don't hesitate to reach out to me.

Amanda Brown

​​​Customer Success Manager

Denver Metro Chamber of Commerce

amanda.brown@denverchamber.org | 303-620-8105

What is the MBEIC?

Each affiliate regional council has a Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee (MBEIC) that consists of owners/executives of minority businesses elected by local NMSDC- certified MBEs. As a standing committee of the affiliate regional council's Board of Directors, the MBEIC provides constructive input, promotes council events and activities, develops programs and serves as the liaison between corporate members, staff and MBEs.

MEET our MBEIC Members

NEWS from the MBEIC

April 2024

As members of the Minority Business Enterprise and Inclusion Committee (MBEIC), we steadfastly uphold our mission to advocate for the empowerment and success of small and minority-owned businesses. It is with grave concern that we address the emergence of anti-diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) laws that pose significant threats to non-profit and philanthropic agencies. These laws seek to inhibit organizations from considering race as a factor in their operations, thereby undermining efforts to address systemic inequalities and promote equitable opportunities. We must stay knowledgeable about the changes happening around us and diligent in our efforts for diversity and equity. 

Full article can be read here:

DEI Lawsuits threaten Non-profits

Click here for the updated list of events. Pick one (or all) and we'll see you soon. 

The MBEIC looks forward to other networking and education opportunities across the entire Mountain Plains region.

As always, please do not hesitate to contact the council or any of the MBEIC members if you have any questions or suggestions on how we can better serve our MBEs.  

Andra Hargrave

Director MBDA

Carlene Johns

MBDA Grant Program Assistant

Workforce Tag is excited to be supporting the MPMSDC Council Connect newsletter for 2024. As partners with the MPMSDC. The goal of WFT is to increase resources that will support the success Last month, we provided an overview of the American Job Centers workforce services and links for the states that MPMSDC serves. This month we will provide more details of those services. Reminder, each state may offer different combinations so it would be important to visit their websites to learn more. 

Juntos Crecemos 2024 - Greenhouse Accelerator Program

PepsiCo is launching small-business accelerator, grants.

·      Targeting food and beverage businesses

·      Hispanic-owned businesses operating within the United States

·      $20,000 grant and five-month mentorship program centered around business challenges.

·      One business will receive an additional $100,000 grand prize.

·      Business earnings between $100,000 to $2 million in revenue in the last financial year.

·      Applications close on May 6, 2024. More information on the website

Fast Break for Small Business (legalzoom.com)

LegalZoom expands small-business grant program in partnership with NBA, WNBA.

·      Awarding $1.5 million in grants to 150 small-business owners

·      $1.5 million in products and services to 3,000 entrepreneurs looking to start their own business.

·      Small businesses that have been in operation for at least three months are eligible

·      Individual $10,000 grants or up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services

·      Entrepreneurs are eligible to apply for up to $500 in LegalZoom products and services

·      Action Opportunity Fund will administer the grant awards.

·      Grant applications close on September 13, 2024, at 8 p.m.

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Other small-business grants open to applications as of April 2024

Jobber Grants (getjobber.com)

• Jobber provides operations management software for home service businesses
• 15 businesses could get $10,000 to purchase new equipment, marketing or training its team.
• Applications open until June 12, 2024.

The Kitty Fund Mompreneur Business Grant

·      $25,000 to 25 moms who own businesses. All founders must identify as mothers

·      Annual revenue should not be more than $5 million & between two and 100 employees

·      Applications are due April 16, 2024.

2024 Halstead Grant for silver jewelry

·      Each summer of $7,500 in start-up capital and $1,000 in merchandise and industry  recognition

·      Winner and finalists receive personalized feedback report from all of the judges

·      Deadline: May 1, 2024.

WFT and the MPMSDC will continue to support you in all your business endeavors and welcome your input as you grow. We are trusted advisors who provide resources and technical assistance for small business and nonprofits to implement financial grants, develop grant dashboards, and communicate successful outcomes. 

Liz Ojeda, Founder/CEO and Miguel Jara-Garcia, Admin Tech

Company Name: 

Verde Facilities Services LLC

Owner Name: 

Paul Merced Sarzoza & Jose Jared Rivera

Company Description:

In 2022, Verde was recognized by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) as one of the 50 fastest growing minority-owned businesses in the United States!

​

As a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) with 100% Latino ownership, Verde can help you turn DEI into real green (we're talking dollar-dollar bills, ya'll). Not only will a supplier diversity program make a positive impact in your community, it also makes you eligible for federal and possibly state tax incentives. Now that’s what we call a win-win-win!

Verde Clean is a U.S. commercial facilities services company delivering cleaner, greener workplaces. We specialize in eco-friendly cleaning products and processes that support improved indoor air quality and a healthier planet. 

Website:  

Company Website

• Gary Broils Consulting LLC
• Diverse Talent, LLC
• Antoine Construction, LLC
• Salon One, LLC
• AA Temperature Controlled, LLC

To meet our entire Board of Directors please

check our website:

We’re grateful to our Officers, Executive Committee and Board of Directors for their thought leadership, service and support in making a difference towards minority business enterprises economic inclusion and parity.