About Us
Fostering the development and growth of minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in Stark County.
How it all started
In the summer of 2008, efforts were made to improve communications and enhance collaboration between minority businesses in Stark County, Ohio and the Ohio Department of Development.
After several planning meetings, a Minority Business Conference was held in Canton, Ohio to address human resources and finance-related topics for minority business owners.
Following the great success of this conference, it was agreed that a permanent organization should be established to act in the best interests of Stark County minority business owners. Thus, the Stark County Minority Business Association (SCMBA) was born!
What we do
Help close the racial wealth gap in Stark County
Encourage major corporations to actively partner with minority businesses through contracts, mentorships and more
Help to strengthen the economy in Stark County
Foster job creation
Cultivate the youth to become capable entrepreneurs
How We Help
Supporting these businesses means providing them with resources that include technical and professional assistance, access to capital, and connection to business opportunities through our organization.
ERA: Expanding Resources for All
Approximately 25 businesses are selected to learn business fundamentals through workshops, mentorships, and grant funding. Designed to aid minority businesses located in Stark County, Ohio.
YEP: Young Entrepreneurs Program
A free entrepreneurship program for middle schoolers in under-resourced communities. Students create their own businesses, participate in a pitch competition, and receive monetary rewards, a free laptop, and 100 shares of Hall of Fame Village stock.
Lunch & Learn Series
We invite accredited speakers to share their experiences on special topics of great value to our members. Each event features a catered meal, a community resource round table, and a keynote speaker.
SCMBA Impacts Minority Communities
In Stark County, there is a strong need for minority-owned businesses to thrive in our community. Big companies have a history of oppressing small businesses and putting a heavy burden on low-income communities, including Black communities and Black-owned businesses.
Diversity builds economic vitality, uplifts communities, and promotes productivity and resilience. For a growing economy, holistic sustainability is impossible without the inclusion of all.
Our Team
We are ready to serve you!
Leonard Stevens
CEO
Ashley Gantz, PhD
Director of Business Development & Growth
Elise Watkins
Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Ken Hill
Program & Finance Director
Macy Alexander
Membership & Gifts Coordinator
Board Officers
Mandwel Patterson
Steve Perry
Will Dent
Darlene Knott
Board of Directors
Strategic Partnerships
Akron MBAC
Akron/Canton Regional Foodbank
Aultman
Beaver Excavating
Belden Brick
Canton City School
Charter/Spectrum Communications
Chase Bank
City of Canton
City of Massillon
Clayco, Inc.
ECDI
ELITE
Employers Health
Environmental Flooring
Family Life Home Services
Farmer’s National Bank
First Commonwealth
Hall of Fame Village
Hammond Construction
Huntington Bank
JobsOhio
JumpStart
Kenan Advantage
Key Bank
Magnet
Malone University
Marathon Oil
Massillon WestStark Chamber
Ohio Collective
Ohio Commission of Minority Health
Ohio Dept. of Development
Olivieri Construction
PNC Bank
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Quality of Life Healthcare
SCORE
Stark State
Steve & Sonya Perry
Strengthening Stark
The Summit Magazine / Black Pages Ohio
Greater Stark County Urban League
Timken Company
United Way
Become a Member!
Get started today and join a growing network of minority, women, and veteran-owned businesses in Stark County.