by Jeremy Nulik

So many minority business owners know that there are opportunities to work with the government and other larger corporations.   But, when they jump into the ring to get started, they find they are facing a very large and formidable opponent. 

The process alone can be daunting.  They often end up asking themselves questions: Where do I get started?  How do I fill out the paperwork?  Who do I need to talk to again?

Sometimes, these ambitious business owners resort to calling corporations and government offices out of the telephone (anyone reading this who has tried this knows how difficult this prospect is).

Luckily, St. Louis’ business community has taken action to help those business owners who have a desire to find new opportunities.  One such example is the St. Louis Minority Business Council (SLMBC).  For 33 years, the SLMBC has worked to create new and expanded profit opportunities for minority-owned businesses.  The SLMBC also provides financial training and education for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs).

One tradition that the SLMBC has had great success with is the Business Opportunity Fair (BOF).  The BOF offers MBEs the opportunity to meet face-to-face with business leaders that can help take their business to the next level.  There are receptions, networking, learning opportunities and an exhibit show floor that features corporations and government entities that are hungry to do business with MBEs.  Leading MBEs also exhibit on the show floor.

In a year that has seen sweeping change, the SLMBC is also changing things up at the BOF and hopes that the revised schedule of events will enhance the experience.
The real change that the SLMBC and the greater St. Louis business community wish to see is more growth opportunities for MBEs and other locally based businesses.
That desire for a positive change can be heard in the voices of that community of ambitious minority businesses owners. 

Here are some of those that have participated in Business Opportunity Fairs:

“Normally a minority company will start a the back door at a very low level trying to get an appointment.  Whereas, if you display at the minority fair all the companies that you want to see are going to be there.  You’ve got participation within those organizations of people who you’re not going to get to see if you’re just knocking on the door.  You have excellent exposure from a time-management point of view.  In one day you can touch base with several companies, saving yourself time and money.”

“The SLMBC is great at helping organizations and people and guiding businesses to opportunities.  The council holds the door open so you can walk through and do what you have to do from there to close the deal.  The Business Opportunity Fair is important  It gives you a captive audience and the council does a great job following up to make sure that things happen.”

“The second year that I was a member at the Council, I displayed at the BOF and built a relationship with Enterprise Rent-A-Car.  That relationship has continued and grown.  Minority-owned businesses should come with the expectation to plant a seed for growth.”

“Minorities need to look long term and not chase every dollar.  The BOF is the opportunity for corporations to come see what minority businesses have.  That is the cool part about it.  It is the face-to-face contact.  Do they buy at the event? No, but it is up to the minority exhibitor to knock on the door and follow up.”

Business Owners can get involved in the SLMBC and the BOF by registering at www.slmbc.org.