Successful Black-Owned Businesses Partner with PMBC for New Growth Opportunities

Michigan is a place of incredibly rich cultural and racial diversity ensuring equitable economic opportunity for all Michiganders continues to be imperative for the Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC). MEDC’s Pure Michigan Business Connect (PMBC) program brings access and exposure to the state’s network of suppliers through matchmaking initiatives and other events and makes it a priority to facilitate connections with traditionally underserved businesses to ensure more equitable access to procurement opportunities statewide.

This month, the PMBC team is recognizing black-owned businesses that have found success through various initiatives within the program. From engaging with these companies at matchmaking events, working with them to identify industry opportunities, and watching them grow and thrive, PMBC is seeing these businesses make a positive impact on our state’s economy and culture.

The Michigan Office of Outdoor Recreation Industry, along with the Outdoor Recreation Roundtable and PMBC, will host the first Michigan Outdoor Industry Supplier Summit on Tuesday, March 23, providing a platform for supply chain matchmaking between Michigan product and service suppliers and the outdoor recreation industry. The free virtual event will highlight industry trends and the scale of opportunity available, as well as provide networking opportunities and one-on-one buyer-supplier meetings.

Buyers will include member companies of the American Sportfishing Association (ASA), International Snowmobile Manufacturers Association (ISMA), Motorcycle Industry Council (MIC), National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA), and the RV Industry Association (RVIA). Suppliers who have capabilities relevant to these industry sectors may be selected for one-on-one meetings with purchasers.

Registration is required for general attendance and a supplier application is required for one-on-one meetings.

Shifting the Future of Fashion with Advanced Manufacturing

As the fashion industry grows across Michigan, so does the state’s diverse manufacturing heritage and entrepreneurial mindset. Creativity and innovation not only help generate economic growth, they also help push the technological advancements in the fashion industry. The resources provided through MEDC’s Industry 4.0 are helping Michigan become a leader in apparel manufacturing. Pure Michigan Business Connect’s Bobby Chasnis shines light on some of the businesses leading the way in the state’s growing fashion industry.

Partner Resources

Certify Your Business Video Series

Certifying your business opens up doors and opportunities to increase your customer base and support network. Learn more by watching Lakeshore Advantage’s video series on diversity certification to help woman, veteran, minority, and LGBTQ-owned businesses become certified.

Upcoming Events

March 20: US – Canada Cyber Security Supply Chain Challenge

April 13: Virtual Healthcare Summit
Registration & Supplier Application open

April 29 – May 6: Making It In Michigan