Stark County Minority Business Association

09/01/2026

We can’t wait for this exciting weekend!

08/31/2026

We are so excited to join the YStark! community!

Tomorrow's Sunrise Session speakers are Ashley Gantz and Elise Watkins of the Stark County Minority Business Association (SCMBA)!

Ashley Gantz, PhD, is a scholar, author, and artist from Canton, Ohio. A proud graduate of Malone University, Northwestern State University, and Faulkner University, Ashley holds a doctorate in Humanities with a concentration in Language and Literature.

Her multifaceted career began as an intern with the American Kennel Club in Raleigh, North Carolina, where she contributed to the Legislative Affairs Department. Today, she brings a unique blend of academic rigor and creative vision to SCMBA’s business development efforts.

Elise Watkins, a native of Akron, Ohio, serves as SCMBA’s Marketing & Communications Coordinator. She earned both her bachelor’s degree in Communication and master’s degree in Marketing from Walsh University.

With a strong connection to Stark County, Elise has held several positions within the Stark County Catholic Schools marketing department, most recently serving as Director of Marketing for St. Thomas Aquinas High School. She is motivated by the difference this work can make for generations to come and is dedicated to contributing to the economic betterment of communities across Stark County and beyond.

Join us tomorrow morning at 8:30 AM at the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank to hear more about their work with SCMBA and their upcoming golf outing!

08/30/2026

⛳ Your business could be seen front & center on the golf course!

Purchase a SCMBA Hole Sponsorship for just $125 and get your business in front of golfers, community leaders, and local professionals — all while supporting SCMBA’s mission and programs.

Get your hole sign today before our Annual Golf Outing & Reception on Friday, September 18!

Visit www.bit.ly/SCMBAGolf26 or email [email protected] to learn more.

08/28/2026

We had to hop on the trend… because supporting small businesses is kinda chic.

And so is golfing for a good cause, making new connections, supporting future business leaders, bidding in our silent auction, and spending a Friday afternoon giving back to our community.

Join us for the SCMBA 7th Annual Golf Outing & Reception Fundraiser on Friday, September 18 at The Quarry Golf Club!

Whether you golf, sponsor, advertise, attend the reception, donate to our auction, or simply help us spread the word, every bit of support helps SCMBA continue providing resources, opportunities, and programming for entrepreneurs and small businesses throughout our region.

⛳ Golf: $125 individual | $500 foursome
🥂 Reception: $35
🤝 Sponsorships starting at $125
📣 Digital ads starting at $25

Learn more: www.bit.ly/SCMBAGolf26

08/27/2026

Earlier this week, we traveled to Carroll County and visited the new Van Horne Tea Room for another stop in our Fueling Business Growth event series!

We connected with new MBAC clients and shared valuable information on marketing, building partnerships, and accessing capital to help local businesses grow and become funding-ready.

Thank you to everyone who joined us! As we continue expanding our reach, we look forward to building lasting relationships with entrepreneurs throughout Carroll County and beyond and connecting more businesses with the resources they need to succeed.

08/26/2026

Your business deserves room to grow.

Whether you’re looking for an affordable place to sell your products or a professional space to work, meet with clients, and grow your business, we have options for you at 500 10th St. NW in Canton!

Retail vendor spaces at the Marketplace on 10th Street start at just $25/month, and professional office spaces at the Kirk Schuring Business Development Center start at $199/month.

Start your business. Grow your business. Scale your business.

Spaces are limited! Contact Ken Hill II at [email protected] or 234-716-6209 to learn more.

08/25/2026

A huge THANK YOU to Leonard Washington and ALW Consulting for stepping up as the Title Sponsor of SCMBA’s 2026 HBCU Business Reception with a generous $2,500 sponsorship!

Leonard’s continued commitment to SCMBA and our business community is a true example of leadership through action. His support helps us create opportunities for entrepreneurs and small businesses to connect, grow, and build meaningful relationships throughout our region.

Join us Sunday, September 6, from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at the Nash Family Event & Conference Center on the Pro Football Hall of Fame campus!

Our FREE RSVP list is nearly full, so secure your spot TODAY before we reach capacity!

Want to support this event like Leonard? Sponsorship opportunities are still available from $250–$500, offering your business visibility while directly supporting SCMBA’s mission.

Thank you again, Leonard and ALW Consulting, for investing in our businesses, our community, and our mission!

08/24/2026

Golf skills optional. Supporting SCMBA required. 😂⛳

Join us Friday, September 18 for SCMBA’s Annual Golf Outing & Reception!

There’s still time to get involved:
⛳ Golfing spots available
🤝 Sponsorship opportunities
📣 Digital program ads starting at just $25
🎟️ Reception tickets available — no golfing required!

Come golf, network, support small businesses, and have a little fun along the way.

08/23/2026

RSVPs are filling up quickly for our Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic Business Reception!

Join SCMBA on Sunday, September 6 from 11:30 AM–1:30 PM at the Pro Football Hall of Fame for an afternoon of food, networking, raffles, giveaways and meaningful business connections.

This event is FREE, but RSVP is required and space is limited. If you’re planning to attend, reserve your spot soon before we reach capacity!

RSVP: www.bit.ly/2026MBR

08/22/2026

Next week, we’re hitting the road!

MBAC is excited to travel to Carroll and Wayne Counties to connect with local entrepreneurs and small business owners and share the resources available to help you grow.

Join us for Fueling Business Growth:

Carroll County: Tuesday, August 25 | 3–5 PM
Wayne County: Thursday, August 27 | 3–5 PM

RSVPs are still being accepted, and both events are FREE to attend!

Come ready for free professional headshots, food, networking, and plenty of practical information on becoming funding-ready, accessing capital, finding funding opportunities, strengthening your marketing and operations, and more.

Whether you’re just getting started or ready to take your business to the next level, we want to meet you. RSVP today using the links on the flyers!