The Multicultural Business Association is a non-profit organization based in Springfield, Missouri that acts as a resource center for business owners within the community. Advocacy
At MBA’s initiation, Springfield Public Schools Board of Education approved a policy that all contractors and suppliers must take M/W/DBE participation into consideration to be eligible to compete. MBA leaders are worki
ng with City of Springfield, Greene County, City Utilities, and other public entities to develop guidelines for increasing diversity in contracting/purchasing and recruitment/retention. MBA hosted meet-and-greet sessions with all candidates for the position of Missouri State University Vice President of Diversity and Inclusion
MBA leaders met with MSU Interim President Clif Smart to discuss opportunities for collaboration
Learning Opportunities
How to apply for small business loans: Mick Nitsch and Conrad Griggs, The Bank of Missouri
How to identify and maximize the natural strengths of your employees: Don Harkey, Galt Consulting
How to find contracting opportunities with State of Missouri: Alan Green and Nancy Heyer, Office of Supplier and Workforce Diversity for the State of Missouri’s Office of Administration
How to find contracting opportunities with Missouri Department of Transportation: Lester Woods, Jr., Patricia Weekley, and David Dickey
How to succeed at a big corporation: Shawn P. Calhoun, Associated Electric Cooperative,
How to be a super networker: Kat Williams, marketing director for Masterminds of Biz
How to use social media and email to market your business: Regina Waters and Paige Cahill
Networking
Who have you met at MBA meetings? Successful business owners willing to share their tremendous expertise, bankers, highly placed state officials, new entrepreneurs, accountants, people who are thinking of starting a business, leaders from Missouri State University, Drury University and Ozarks Technical Community College, the Chamber of Commerce chairman and president, lawn-service providers, inspirational leaders, Springfield’s city manager, newspaper editors, marketing experts, architects, executives at public agencies that want to contract with MBE and WBE companies—and more!
