Help is on the way for 150 diverse businesses headquartered in Central Indiana that are owned and operated by minorities, women, service disabled and LGTBQ+ individuals.
The Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council (Mid-States MSDC) has
announced the launch of Accelerate 100+ (A100+), a 12-month results and answer-oriented program designed to scale diverse businesses to new heights.
The program will also identify 30 young aspiring entrepreneurs to participate.
Businesses certified by the Office of Minority and Women Business Administration for the City of Indianapolis, and the Indiana Department of Administration Office Division of Supplier Diversity are encouraged to apply. Members of the National Association of Women Business Owners, Indy Black Chamber and the Indy Rainbow Chamber are also encouraged to apply. The program will launch September 2021 and registration is now open.
Combining the resources of Mid-States MSDC with training and professional development, the A100+ program will help participants access local and national contracting opportunities and engage with industry experts. In addition to taking part in coaching and mentoring offered through the program, business owners will conduct market research analysis to gain real-world understanding of their current customers, prospects and partners. They will learn to leverage current and future certifications and experience the Business Model Canvas and Entrepreneur Operating System (EOS). Upon completion of A100+, participants will receive a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from an accredited college/university.
“We are always looking for opportunities to address the supply chain needs of the corporate community while elevating the capacity of minority-owned business."
Mid-States MSDC president and CEO Carolyn Mosby
“While there may be similar programs currently in existence for select groups, none bring the national resources available through the Mid-States MSDC or collectively through partnerships that the organization has with global resources from corporate America, government and the non-profit sector.”
Accelerate 100+ program funders include Lumina Foundation, Old National Bank, PNC Bank, Vectren Foundation, Lilly Endowment Inc., Eli Lilly, Inc., Local Initiative Support Corporation (LISC), FedEx and Fifth Third Bank. To learn more about Mid-States MSDC and the Accelerate 100+ program visit https://midstatesmsdc.org/programs-events/accelerate-100/.
The focus on diverse businesses will lead them through research and business conception, to business implementation, sustainability, education and training – culminating with a Certificate of Entrepreneurship from an accredited Indiana college/university.
The program’s mission is to increase economic access for Central Indiana’s diverse businesses by providing professional development, best practices and access that meets each participant’s individual needs.
This FREE program is led by the team of Daryle Johnson, Program Director and James Knight, Program Manager and will launch in September 2021.
Registration opened on August 16. Click HERE to Register and for more info.