SCMBA On the Move: September 2026 Newsletter Is Here!

The September 2026 edition of SCMBA On the Move is here! This month’s newsletter celebrates another season of connection, entrepreneurship and community impact across Stark County and throughout our growing service region.

September was filled with opportunities to bring business owners, community leaders and partners together. We look back at the Black College Football Hall of Fame Classic Business Reception, which created an afternoon of networking and entrepreneurship, as well as SCMBA’s 7th Annual Golf Outing & Reception, our annual fundraiser supporting continued programming, business resources and services for local entrepreneurs.

Celebrating Our Entrepreneurs

In recognition of Hispanic Heritage Month, this edition celebrates the contributions of Hispanic and Latino entrepreneurs and features SCMBA member E. Gomez & Sons, a family-owned painting business in Louisville focused on quality service, hard work and building a lasting family legacy.

We also introduce readers to Nicholas DuBose of GreenFlow LLC, whose passion for gardening grew into a backyard farming business serving individual customers and restaurants. Nicholas is now looking toward the future with plans to expand into hydroponic growing and eventually build a greenhouse.

Supporting Local Business & Building Connections

This issue takes readers inside the Marketplace on 10th Street, where a growing collection of local entrepreneurs offers everything from fashion and jewelry to wellness products, baked goods, books, artwork, home décor and more. Every purchase is an opportunity to shop small and directly support a local business.

SCMBA member and CLIMB 2026 graduate Channing Hawkins of Zeal Energy also shares how networking has helped expand his business beyond Stark County. His story highlights the importance of making introductions, building relationships and being willing to step outside your comfort zone in pursuit of new opportunities.

Expanding Our Reach

Our commitment to entrepreneurs continues beyond Stark County. This edition highlights SCMBA and MBAC outreach throughout Carroll, Wayne and Tuscarawas counties, including the Tuscarawas County Summer Marketplace & Business Expo and Fueling Business Growth Series.

Readers can also learn more about Ohio’s expanding MBAC network, financial education in the community, SCMBA membership, and our upcoming business and community events.

There’s More Inside!

From our new Stark County Black Business Directory and membership shout-outs to the upcoming Shop the Block Fall Festival & Trunk-or-Treat and end-of-year business programming, there are plenty of ways to connect, support local businesses and get involved with SCMBA this fall.

Read the September 2026 edition of SCMBA On the Move and see how our members, partners and entrepreneurs are continuing to move business forward—together.