2022 was a historic year in the development of the partnership between Indiana University and the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council (Mid-States MSDC)!
IU’s departments of Purchasing and Supplier Diversity collaborated with the Indy Black Chamber of Commerce and the Indy Chamber of Commerce to support the Kelley School of Business and the Mid-States MSDC's efforts to empower minority-owned businesses. The programs facilitated by these organizations resulted in increased economic and educational advancements for historically marginalized diverse businesses.
In September and October, the IU Kelley School of Business in Indianapolis conducted an intense, 3-day course covering a wide variety of topics which empowered attendees to understand the concept of strategy and recognize strategy as an integrative and impactful means to increase the competitiveness and sustainability of their businesses.
September’s session consisted of 29 diverse business owners, and October’s session had 43 participants! These sessions culminated in the awarding of 72 Executive Certificates in Business Strategy. Graduates from the second session are pictured left.
Mid-States MSDC’s inaugural Accelerate 100+ program graduated 112 diverse businesses on October 20, 2022. This 12-month professional development program provided contracting and procurement opportunities, access to capital, increased access to corporate decision makers, partnership opportunities, increased businesses’ understanding of marketing concepts, and support services.
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Mid-States MSDC launched its 2022/2023 Accelerate 100+ program on October 27, 2022, and there are currently 136 actively enrolled and engaged diverse businesses. Mid-States looks forward to continuing and strengthening its relationship with IU Purchasing, Supplier Diversity, and the Kelley School of Business.