Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Charity Dean, CEO, Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA), Detroit, MI.
Hear Charity, and Jeffrey discuss MBBA’s five years of impact, capital access, policy priorities and the next steps for Black-owned businesses in Michigan, click on the SoundCloud podcast shared below:
Jeffrey had several questions for Charity in this conversation:
Welcome, Charity, we weren’t able to fit you in at Mackinac, can you tell us about MBBA?
MBBA is celebrating five years of impact this year. Looking back, what accomplishments are you most proud of, and what do they say about the needs and opportunities facing Black entrepreneurs across Michigan?
MBBA recently released its 2026 Policy Pillars. What are the top priorities you believe policymakers, business leaders, and economic development stakeholders should focus on to help small businesses thrive?
Your report highlights nearly $14.7 million in capital access facilitated or supported, and almost 2,000 entrepreneurs served. What barriers do Black-owned businesses still face when it comes to accessing capital and growth opportunities?
As Michigan looks toward the 2026 election cycle and continued economic development discussions, what role should entrepreneurship and small business growth play in shaping the state’s future?
MBBA has expanded its reach across communities, including Detroit, Flint, and Grand Rapids. What is your vision for the organization’s next five years, and what impact do you hope to have on Michigan’s business ecosystem?
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Michigan Black Business Alliance Marks Five Years with Release of 2026 Policy Pillars Ahead of Mackinac Policy Conference, Calling for Greater Investment in Black-Owned Businesses and Small Business Growth Across Michigan
As Michigan prepares for a pivotal election cycle, MBBA outlines key policy priorities impacting entrepreneurs, economic opportunity and the future of small business statewide
DETROIT — May 2026 — As leaders from across the state gather for the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss Michigan’s economic future, the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) is marking five years of impact with the release of its 2026 Policy Pillars and Five-Year Impact Report, outlining priorities to strengthen Black-owned businesses, expand economic opportunity and support long-term small business growth across Michigan.
The release comes at a pivotal moment as Michigan enters a consequential 2026 election cycle that includes races for governor, U.S. Senate and the Michigan House. MBBA says the conversations shaping Michigan’s future must include entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly Black-owned businesses that continue to face barriers to capital, procurement opportunities and sustainable growth.
Since launching in 2021, MBBA has supported nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs across Michigan, facilitated or supported more than $14.7 million in capital access, connected members to more than 1,500 business opportunities and delivered more than 7,000 hours of one-on-one technical assistance through programs designed to help businesses start, grow and scale.
“This report reflects what happens when entrepreneurs are given consistent access, real resources and a community that shows up for them,” said Charity Dean, President & CEO of MBBA. “Five years in, we are not just measuring programs, we are measuring impact, growth and what becomes possible when Black-owned businesses are fully invested in.”
Ahead of the Mackinac Policy Conference, MBBA is also releasing its 2026 Policy Pillars, which focus on strengthening Michigan’s small business ecosystem through:
- Expanding access to capital and funding opportunities for Black-owned businesses
- Increasing procurement and contracting opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses
- Reducing barriers that limit business growth and scalability
- Strengthening workforce development and entrepreneurship pipelines
- Advancing policies that support equitable economic development and long-term business sustainability
“Small businesses are essential to their future,” Dean said. “As conversations about Michigan’s future intensify heading into the election cycle, entrepreneurs must be part of those conversations in meaningful ways. The decisions being made today will directly impact who has access to opportunity tomorrow.”
This year also marks MBBA’s fifth anniversary, reflecting the organization’s growth from a Detroit-based business support initiative into a leading statewide advocate for Black-owned businesses and equitable economic development.
Through programs including Capital Connect, BLK Print, BizWiz, UpNxt Youth and Hardy Hospitality, MBBA supports entrepreneurs at every stage of business growth while advocating for policies that strengthen Michigan’s broader Black business ecosystem.
A key component of that work includes the continued expansion of the Global Growth Accelerator (GGA), MBBA’s three-year fellowship program designed for second-stage, high-growth Black-owned businesses. Supported by the Gilbert Family Foundation and Huntington Bank, the program provides executive-level consulting, peer strategy and technical support to help established entrepreneurs scale and grow sustainably.
“If we want to close opportunity gaps and strengthen Michigan’s economy, we have to invest differently and at a different level,” Dean said. “The future of economic growth depends on ensuring entrepreneurs have the support, access and visibility they need to thrive.”
According to MBBA’s recent Member Impact & Experience Evaluation, 86% of members reported awareness of MBBA’s advocacy efforts on behalf of Black-owned businesses, while 73% reported strong value from MBBA membership and programming. Members also cited increased preparedness, confidence and access to opportunity through the organization’s work.
As part of its statewide strategy, MBBA continues expanding its presence and engagement efforts in communities across Michigan, including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint, while positioning itself as a leading voice at the intersection of business, policy and economic equity.
As part of its statewide strategy, MBBA continues expanding its presence and engagement efforts in communities across Michigan, including Detroit, Grand Rapids and Flint, while positioning itself as a leading voice at the intersection of business, policy and economic equity.
Current supporters include Bank of America, JPMorgan Chase, Huntington Bank, MEDC, The Kellogg Foundation, The Kresge Foundation, Bedrock, Ballmer, Prudential and additional partners including statewide economic development and community institutions.
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About the Michigan Black Business Alliance
The Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap by developing programs and advancing policies that support profitable, sustainable Black-owned businesses across Michigan. Founded in 2021, MBBA works to expand access to capital, business development resources, procurement opportunities and entrepreneurial support while connecting businesses to public and private economic opportunities. Through programs including Capital Connect, BLK Print, BizWiz, UpNxt Youth, Hardy Hospitality and the Global Growth Accelerator, MBBA supports entrepreneurs at every stage of business growth while advocating for policies that strengthen Michigan’s small business ecosystem and economic mobility statewide. Learn more at https://www.blackbizalliance.com/.
