As the year comes to a close we’re taking time to reflect on the opportunities and successes. MBR was created to highlight expert minority voices and amplify diverse voices and diverse perspectives. From the first issue “Reimagining the Table” we explored the importance of ensuring business leaders and organizations reflect on the importance of inclusion and equity amongst decision-makers in the various organizations. It is evident that for businesses to succeed they must reflect the communities they serve.
The conversations from contributors across the country continued to explore topics like charting a path forward for women in the workforce and the importance of ownership as a means to drive equity. Equally important was hearing from Dr. Vidal, Director of the United States Patent Office on how her office is working to ensure more minority businesses are aware of the importance of patents and the numerous tools the government is providing to ensure they own their patents and protect their intellectual property.
Branding and Small business expert, Ramon Ray also shared his views on how small businesses can best position their businesses for success through human connections and creative marketing.
These contributors and many more showcase the expert voices MBR looks to continue sharing nationally. Finally, the recent JP Morgan report speaks volumes about why we can’t ignore minority businesses. The middle market business accounts for 300,000 midsize businesses that generate $13 trillion in annual revenue and employ more than. 40 million people. Diverse-owned businesses are roughly 30% of the middle market but generate only about 20% of the total market revenue. If minority-owned businesses are given the necessary tools and support they need, there’s an opportunity to close the gap and generate an additional $1.3 trillion in revenue.
As we look to the year ahead there’s more to come with the year kicking off with the annual Champions of Diversity Awards. The Minority Business Review will be hosting several events in 2024 to further engage the community. In February we’ll be hosting a black excellence event on the sidelines of the All-Stars in Indiana. Following this will be the Entrepreneurs Awards and conference held in New York in partnership with ZoneofGenius.com These and several others planned for 2024 seek to ensure we bring the value of MBR to several communities across the country.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors, contributors and corporate partners who without their partnership none of this would be possible. We look forward to a promising 2024. Join us as we strive to highlight more minority voices in the United States and abroad.
Robert is proud to lead one of the country's oldest and most respected African-American newspapers as well as two minority business magazines.