Minority Business Enterprise – Indianapolis Business Journal

Home » Minority Business Enterprise

Federal grant helps IEDC expand minority services to small businesses

July 21, 2023

Sam Stall

The agency last year received $1.6 million from the federal Minority Business Development Agency and added $400,000 in matching funds.

0Comments

Council imposes penalties on vendors that don’t meet minority-contracting goals

September 16, 2020

Samm Quinn

The changes would allow officials to withhold payments from vendors, terminate their contracts or ban them from future city contracts if they don’t comply with the program.

9Comments

Indianapolis startup bank Generations set to launch early next year with two retail locations

October 15, 2025 |

Susan Orr

Generations is set to be Indiana’s first minority depository institution—and one of only 153 operating in the United States and its territories. But the bank will be open to anyone.

State targets ‘discriminatory’ DEI practices, cancels minority business conference

August 25, 2025 | Whitney Downard, Indiana Capital Chronicle

The 17th annual Business Conference and B2Bloom Expo, hosted by the Department of Administration’s Division of Supplier Diversity, showcased ways for underrepresented companies to contract with the state.

Minority-owned firms face ‘crisis’ as affirmative action programs fall

November 11, 2024 | The Washington Post

Minority- and women-owned businesses are bracing for the end of affirmative action in federal contracting—and the potential loss of contracts worth at least $70 billion a year.

Indiana 250: Emil Ekiyor

July 28, 2023

Emil Ekiyor is founder and CEO of InnoPower, an Indianapolis not-for-profit that works to encourage and highlight innovations in minority communities.

New restaurant, Block Bistro and Grill, opening downtown

February 5, 2021 |

Susan Orr

Local restaurateur Terry Anthony said his goal is lure people back downtown and attract repeat customers. The Block opens Sunday in the historic Block Building.

Council considers penalties for vendors that don’t meet minority-contracting goals

September 1, 2020 |

Samm Quinn

The proposal gives more power to the Office of Minority-Owned and Women-Owned Business Enterprise in ensuring city contractors work to meet the city’s goals for utilizing minority-owned, women-owned, disabled-owned and veteran-owned businesses.

Justice center project hitting minority-contracting targets, but are they too low?

July 17, 2020 |

Samm Quinn

Roughly $162 million has been committed so far to minority-owned businesses helping to build the city’s $575 million criminal justice center complex in the Twin Aire neighborhood.

New campaign aims to raise awareness, support for local Black businesses

June 30, 2020 |

Susan Orr

The campaign, which launches Wednesday, has two goals: Supporting local Black-owned businesses and helping other companies do a better job of supporting the Black community.

Local business leader Bill Mays dies at 69

December 5, 2014

William G. Mays, who built one of the nation's largest minority-owned companies and saved one of its oldest African-American newspapers, died Thursday in Indianapolis on his 69th birthday. “Indianapolis has lost a titan of industry and philanthropy,” Mayor Greg Ballard said.

Annual diversity luncheon set

March 6, 2014

The Indiana Professional Association will host its annual networking luncheon March 30 at Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse at Keystone at the Crossing.

Minority business group crosses state borders

January 16, 2014

The Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council has changed its name to Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, as it executes its national office's plan to consolidate to 24 councils from 36.

Small businesses angle for piece of the big game

January 20, 2012

More than 400 companies statewide qualified for this year’s NFL Emerging Business program, an initiative that aims to open doors for minority- and women-owned enterprises seeking a sliver of Super Bowl spending.

New minority supplier council chief aims to raise agency’s profile

June 29, 2011

Carolyn Mosby brings a wealth of experience to the Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council, which she hopes to lead to the next level of success.

Effort to save minority car dealer lands Bill Mays in ditch

June 9, 2011

PNC Bank last month sued Mays, one of the city’s most prominent black businessmen, charging he defaulted on a $3.5 million loan he received in 2008 that has an unpaid balance of $2 million.

Minority supplier group selects new leader

March 31, 2011

Directors of the Indiana Minority Supplier Development Council have appointed Carolyn E. Mosby the organization’s new CEO.

Two Indianapolis firms make Inc. magazine list

August 26, 2010

The firms are among the 10 fastest-growing black-owned businesses in the nation.

Indiana Black Expo Summer Celebration schedule

June 30, 2010

Indiana Black Expo kicks off its 40th annual Summer Celebration July 12 with a full schedule of events.

Athletic entrepreneur helps clients build camaraderie, improve leadership

April 7, 2010

Deseri Garcia’s Vida Aventura consulting firm uses challenge courses, other unusual techniques to improve teamwork, morale.

Minority-owned logistics firm lands high-profile investors

January 21, 2010

Wireless phone distributor Brightpoint Inc. is among the backers of a new logistics company that says it might employ 250 by 2012.

Freight Masters files bankruptcy after losing business from Chrysler, Boeing

December 17, 2009

The minority-owned logistics firm is also involved in a legal battle with a Washington state firm over the loss of its Boeing
business.

MAY 22-28, 2026

Digital Edition

Lilly goes on $21B buying spree to build drug pipeline

Daniel Bradley

Health care summit uses IMS to draw together leaders from across sector

Tom Murphy / Special to IBJ

Q&A with Schahet Hotels CEO Jeffrey Brown about collaboration with Ball State

Dave Lindquist

Previous Issues See Full Issue

Events

IBJ will honor Indiana nonprofits, foundations, organization leaders, businesses who work with nonprofits and philanthropists at the inaugural Nonprofit Excellence Awards presented by KSM CPA & Advisors.

RSVP HERE!

More events

Nominations

IBJ’s 20 in their Twenties honors emerging leaders who are making an impact on their communities at the very start of their careers. These 20-somethings are entrepreneurs, engineers, volunteers and social justice advocates — and people who will continue to contribute in the decades ahead.

NOMINATE HERE!