Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council

10/14/2026

There's a difference between discussing opportunity and actually creating it. Today, the ChicagoMSDC Minority Business Enterprise Input Committee hosted their yearly general meeting; a day dedicated to cultivating opportunity and bringing the priorities of MBEs to the table.

Our panelists and speakers shared insights about how to build a business that endures, even among times of uncertainty. It takes all of us—entrepreneurs, corporate buyers, small businesses, government partners—working together to bring Chicago's economy to the next level.

Thank you to our speakers, our hosts, and to the MBEIC for making this event a success!

10/02/2026

We're celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month by recognizing certified MBEs that are doing exceptional work in Chicagoland, such as Edith De La Cruz, President & CEO of Antigua Construction.

Edith’s leadership extends beyond construction—she is committed to developing people, strengthening underserved communities, mentoring others, and building a company positioned for long-term growth and generational impact.

Her advice for growing businesses is to "stay focused on your long-term goals and the vision you have for your business. There will always be obstacles, but consistency, perseverance, and knowing your purpose will keep you moving forward. Stay focused, stay engaged, and never lose sight of where you are going."

09/25/2026

🎉Announcing the winners of the 2026 Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition!

🥇Grand Champion: Faith Anderson, Nouvie
🥈Stellar Champion: Jan Menafee, Ruby Fine Hibiscus Tea
🥉Champion: Vernon Fleming, South Side Consulting

Thank you to all of our participants, mentors, sponsors, judges, and the Young Entrepreneurs committee for your dedication to fostering the next generation of business leaders!

09/25/2026

The future of entrepreneurship is here! Our five finalists have shared their passion for business and their vision for the future. Stay tuned to see who the judges crown as our champions!

09/24/2026

🏆Watch the future of entrepreneurship unfold TONIGHT at the Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition!

Our five finalists have been hard at work polishing their pitches. Thank you to the people who have been behind the scenes helping them prepare! Our mentors, Mike Anguiano, Jerry Fulmer, Jackie Jackson, Bruce Montgomery, and Nick Pantazes, have been sharing insights and feedback throughout the course of the program. Rashid Carter, our pitch prep coach, has helped each finalist put the finishing touches on their business pitch.

Join us from 6-8 PM to support the future of small business: https://form.jotform.com/262372927291160

09/23/2026

In 2025, Jan Menafee co-founded Ruby Fine Hibiscus Tea. Just a year later, he's a finalist in our Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition.

Named after his great-grandmother and created with her belief that "you can taste the love in anything that you make," Ruby has shared almost 20,000 bottles across Chicago in less than a year. Jan is excited to expand the business further. Jan's mentor, Jerry Fulmer, praised him for being "well-prepared to engage with corporate supply chains. He presents well, knows his product, industry, and what he needs to engage."

Join us TOMORROW at the final pitch event to learn more about Jan's plan for the future of his business! Register for free at https://form.jotform.com/262372927291160

09/23/2026

Your next opportunity could start with just one new connection! Today at Meet the Primes, the Chicago Department of Procurement Services & Fleet & Facility Management connected certified MBEs with prime contractors to foster new business relationships.

Stronger partnerships. Stronger city. Stronger futures.

09/22/2026

🐕Buky Ogunleye is bringing transparency to the pet treat market, and is bringing her company, Pearl and Paw to the finals of the Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition! Pearl and Paw openly shares the ingredients used in their products. To Buky, transparency is not a premium feature. It's the standard.

Nick Pantazes, Buky's mentor throughout the program, praised her business acumen and noted how well she "has positioned her company to take the next step." To support Buky and the next step for Pearl and Paw, join us on Thursday for the live pitch event! Register for free at https://form.jotform.com/262372927291160

09/21/2026

🧘‍♀️Care that helps your nervous system exhale. We're excited to have Griselle Quinones joining us in the finals of the Young Entrepreneurs Pitch Competition!

At Inner G Restorative & Holistic Care, Griselle is bridging the gap between physical and mental health through restorative care. Through nervous system-focused massage therapy and bodywork, Inner G helps individuals better manage stress, anxiety, and chronic pain. Griselle wants to expand access to care while improving employee well-being and long-term health outcomes.

Learn more about Inner G and Griselle's vision for its growth on Thursday! Register today 🔗: https://form.jotform.com/262372927291160

09/21/2026

Our CEO, Dan Seals, is in Crain's Chicago Business today with a piece about why the SBA's proposed rule change could be bad for small business. Dan notes that "small businesses are used to competing against larger companies. They do it every day. But they should not have to compete against those same companies for contracts specifically intended for small businesses."

Read more from Crain's on this proposed rule and what it could mean for small businesses: https://www.chicagobusiness.com/opinion/commentary/ccb-small-business-dan-seals-20260921/

Small-business policies should help small businesses grow. It should not redefine them out of opportunity, Dan Seals writes.