About Us
How it all started…
In the summer of 2008, efforts were made to improve communications & enhance collaboration between minority businesses in Stark County, Ohio & 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 and businesses to actively partner with minority businesses in Stark County through contract opportunities, 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. We also implement programs for minority-owned businesses and the youth:
ERA [Expanding Resources for All]:
Approximately 25 businesses are selected to learn business fundamentals
through workshops, mentorships, and grant funding that can be used for their businesses.
This program is 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. 12 students received entrepreneurship training from influential business leaders in Stark County. Students created their own businesses and participated in a pitch competition. Each student received a monetary reward to apply to their education, a free laptop, and 100 shares of Hall of Fame Village stock that was gifted by the sponsors of this program.
Lunch & Learn:
One of our most beneficial programs is our Lunch & Lunch series where we invite accredited speakers to share their experiences on special topics of great value to our members. Through the Lunch & Learn Series, we are able to provide opportunities not just to network and educate, but also to elevate our members. Each event features a catered meal, a community resource round table, and a keynote speaker.
300+
Members
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.
300+
Businesses
37% membership growth in the past year!
59%
Women-owned Businesses
6 out of 10 SCMBA businesses are run by women!
Innovative Ideas for an Innovative Future!
Become a Member!
Our team
We are ready to serve you!
◾️Board Officers
Mandwel Patterson, President | Invictus Capital Management Co.
Steve Perry, Vice President | Former CEO, Pro Football Hall of Fame
Will Dent, Secretary | CEO, The ABCD, Inc.
Darlene Knott, Treasurer | Chief Financial Officer, The ABCD, Inc.
◾️Board of Directors
Ken Hill | Integrity Accounting
Raymont Johnson | Alliance Family Empowerment Ministries
Janelle M. Lee | Director of Client Engagement, MAGNET
George Lemon | Former President, Technical Products Group
Steven Meeks | COO, Greater Canton Chamber of Commerce
Steve Schillig | Kent State Stark Development Center | Small Business Development Center
Brenda Stevens | Retired, Malone University
Sandy K. Upperman | Community President, Greater Canton | Regional Marketing & Communications Manager, The Huntington National Bank
Diane Robinson | President & CEO, Greater Stark County Urban League
Wanda Young | Minority Contractors Assistance Program (MCAP)
David L. Reliford, President | Cornerstone Companies
Tiffany Edwards, CFRE | Chief Strategy Officer, The State of Ohio Collective
Dorian Chenault | Charter Communications
◾️Strategic Partnerships
Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce | 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 of Commerce | Ohio Collective | Ohio Commission of Minority Health | Ohio Department 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 | The Greater Stark County Urban League | Timken Company | United Way |
