Annual Business Expo
The SFMSDC's Annual Business Expo is Florida's largest minority business event. MBEs have the opportunity to meet and showcase their products to Corporate and Government buyers in a relaxed and professional setting. The Council tailors learning opportunities and social gatherings for the two-day event to maximize face-to-face time between MBEs and buyers.
Special Events
From the boardroom to the exhibition hall, and on and off the greens, the SFMSDC creates invaluable relationship-building forums for its members and MBEs. Awards and social events occur throughout the year, including a Family Fun Day Picnic, Networking Receptions and the Annual Awards Gala.
PowerNets
A PowerNet is a Corporate sponsored matchmaker targeting MBE attendees with the capabilities, products and services the corporation seeks. Vendors present to a target audience of buyers and procurement managers in an open setting for the opportunity to spark a new business relationship. As buyers assess “the fit” of potential vendors, MBEs also determine whether the corporation offers viable opportunities. National Referrals Through our affiliation with the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and its network of 37 regional Minority Business Supplier Development Councils, the SFMSDC can provide referrals to thousands of certified MBEs and major corporations.
Partners in Business Progress Mentor Protégé Program
This program creates a “big brother” relationship in which a major corporation or large MBE works one-on-one with a certified minority-owned business for a specified period of time. Corporate partners help MBEs address a range of issues - from daily business challenges to long-term strategic planning. Every attempt is made to match corporations with future potential suppliers to maximize benefits for both mentor and protégé.
Business Consortium Fund (BCF)
A service of the SFMSDC and the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the BCF provides MBEs exclusive access to working capital and term loans, equipment financing and leasing, accounts receivable financing, subordinated debt, and equity - all on reasonable terms. Long-term financing is also available through the BCFs Specialized Small Business Investment Company (SSBIC).
Business and Financial Advisory
The BCF Business and Financial Advisory Services, Inc. is a consulting firm of the Business Consortium Fund exclusively dedicated to assisting minority-owned companies by offering the services of experienced professional consultants. At costs below market rates, the firm specializes in Business Plan Analysis, Financing Preparation, Financing Placement, Cash Management, Capital Structure Analysis, Business Valuation and Human Resources Management.
SFMSDC Procurement Portal
The SFMSDC Procurement Portal allows Corporate buyers to post and issue bid opportunities (RFQ or RFP) and related events (Pre-Bid Conference) to targeted MBEs who may have the capabilities to fulfill the products and/or services. Business Opportunity Alert Via faxes, e-mail bulletins and internet postings, we alert our MBEs of opportunities real-time. Corporate members come to us because they value the access we provide to quality suppliers. We pride ourselves on rapid turnover, beginning with a briefing to our MBEs on how best to qualify for the opportunity.
MBISYS
The NMSDC's Minority Business Information System (MBISYS) provides national exposure and exclusive access to each of our members and MBEs. A database of over 16,000 certified minority-owned suppliers are indexed by industry classification code. The database provides essential information about potential partners, including business references, key contacts and annual sales.
Connection Newsletter
The “Connection” newsletter identifies business opportunities, market players and trends that are vital to success. The Newsletter keeps Corporate members and MBEs up-to-date on events, key players and opportunities that affect business and growth.
Industry Groups
Industry Groups were created to further develop relationships between MBEs, Corporate members and Government agencies. All companies are encouraged to assign a representative to be their voice within their industry as well as with the Council. The Industry Groups promote business opportunities, create additional means of networking, showcases the capabilities of Minority Business Enterprises and identifies the purchasing needs of Corporate members and Government agencies.
Doing Well While Doing Good®
Many of the SFMSDC’s MBEs and Corporate members are engaged in civic, philanthropic and volunteer initiatives that are making a difference in our community. Some of our companies have established their own charitable organizations to assist their favorite causes or they are doing acts of kindness and giving generously to assist the less fortunate. Our members are driven by the desire to find solutions to challenges, improve communities and involve their employees in meaningful projects. Many of these stories are often overlooked. The Council developed this program to celebrate, encourage and thank our MBEs and Corporate members for what they do that has a positive impact on our community. |
