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Minority Business Development Newsletter - April 2009

Welcome from Aggo Akyea, Bureau Director 

This issue of our bi-monthly Wisconsin Minority Business Development (MBD) electronic newsletter highlights the role of women-owned business enterprises (WBE), celebrating the month of March as Women's Business Month. We bring you representative WBE's from each of the major industrial classification areas to illustrate the depth and breadth of successful WBE's in our economic system.

We also feature minority businesses that have received awards from the Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Loan Fund since the beginning of the biennium. The Minority Business Development (MBD) loan program is designed to provide financial assistance for the start-up and expansion of minority- owned businesses in Wisconsin. This program provides low interest loans to assist in the development of minority-owned companies.

Look for the regular feature article from Entrepreneurial Thinker titled "Suppler Diversity has Changed Forever: A New Economy Demands a Whole New way of Doing Business."

You'll also find a spotlight on newly certified minority business enterprises in the first quarter of the calendar year and links to our on-line directory of certified MBE's , contracting information, up-coming events and other useful information.

We welcome your suggestions to make this newsletter the best information tool possible. Please visit our website at www.commerce.wi.gov/BD or contact is directly at COMMBD@wisconsin.gov.

Happy reading, and thanks for your interest in Wisconsin Minority Business Development.

Marketplace 2009 Governor's Conference on Minority Business Development

Marketplace 2009 will be on Wednesday, September 16 in Pewaukee. Keep the date open. We will provide more details soon. Visit the Marketplace website for the conference flyer and information about last year's conference.

Supplier Diversity has Changed Forever: A New Economy Demands a Whole New Way of Doing Business

No matter what you call our current economic situation two things are clear. The business shift is significant (and unfinished) and how we do business will be different on the other side. The economy is resetting and adjusting to a new normal. New expectations. New realities. What will these changes mean to efforts to include and grow diverse businesses? No one really knows for sure but there are subtle signs of at least four elements likely to be different. Read more.

Reproduced with permission: A Publication of the Institute for Entrepreneurial Thinking - www.entrethinking.com.

Center for Advanced Technology and Innovation

Since 2001, CATI has been helping companies find a purpose for their unused technological assets by linking them with existing and up-start companies searching for solutions to their engineering, design and manufacturing challenges. They also serve as a source of information and inspiration for young businessmen and women looking to utilize the research and development that currently exists within U.S. industry; helping them create new businesses based on that previously unused technology. CATI creates technology opportunities by removing the mystery behind technology transfer. For more information visit the website at www.thecati.com.

Minority Business Development (MBD) Loan Program

The Minority Business Development loan program is designed to provide financial assistance for the start-up and expansion of minority- owned businesses in Wisconsin . This program provides low interest loans to assist in the development of minority-owned companies.

Congratulations to our Minority Business Loans Recipients January 2008-March 2009

March is Women's History Month: Celebrating Minority Women Certified Businesses

The Library of Congress, National Archives and Records Administration, National Endowment for the Humanities, National Gallery of Art, National Park Service, Smithsonian Institution and United States Holocaust Memorial Museum join in paying tribute to the generations of women whose commitment to nature and the planet have proved invaluable to society. In honor of generations of women that pioneered the way, the Wisconsin Department of Commerce would like to celebrate five Minority certified women businesses in various industries: Legal, transportation, recycling, janitorial services and organic raw food. These companies have graciously accepted to share their stories.

 

Figueroa, Jackson and Franklin. LLC.
Figueroa, Jackson & Franklin, LLC was formed April 1, 2008. The law firm is comprised of three female minority attorneys, Michele K. Figueroa, Tamara N. Jackson and Tarena W. Franklin. All of the attorneys are graduates of the University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School. Each has been practicing law for over 10 years individually. Prior to forming Figueroa, Jackson & Franklin, LLC these women ran their own successful law firms. Attorneys Figueroa and Jackson ran the law firm Figueroa & Jackson, LLC from 2001 until they joined forces with Attorney Franklin in 2008. Attorney Franklin also ran her own law firm.

Figueroa, Jackson & Franklin, LLC practices law in the following areas: Family law including: divorce, legal separations, child support modifications, placement disputes, Chapter 7 and Chapter 13 bankruptcies, loan modifications, guardianships, personal injury, collections and small claims matters, as well as other legal matters.

Figueroa, Jackson & Franklin, LLC volunteer at such functions as the free legal clinic that has been sponsored by Greater New Birth Church. Figueroa, Jackson & Franklin, LLC is dedicated to making sure justice is served.

For more information on the law firm or on its attorneys, please feel free to visit their website at www.fjfattorneys.com.

 

Let It Ride Transport, Inc.
As a mother of three children two of which have special needs, I didn't want to rely on transportation services that took me and my family for granted by having us wait for over an hour to be picked up after an appointment or therapy sessions, or in some cases transportation services decided not to pick us up at all after an appointment. I felt compelled that something had to be done to assist myself and individuals who were in the same position that I was in regards to transportation issues. My children were indeed the inspiring driving force behind me starting my own business.

After three years of research, I established Let It Ride Transport, Inc.in the spring 2002. As with any new business, the first couple of years were challenging. My business plan wasn't written well enough to receive funding at that time. I refused to let funding deter me from attempting to reach my goal of business.

Let It Ride Transport has a deep passion for the unserved and the underserved individuals living in Milwaukee and surrounding areas. We focus on meeting the unique needs of all individuals with or without special needs and all age groups. Since 1995, I have attended numerous workshops and training sessions in regards to advocating for individuals that are unserved and underserved. I have been and continue to be an active member of many boards throughout the state of Wisconsin.

Let It Ride Transport is certified with The Department of Commerce as a Minority Enterprise (MBE) and as a Woman-Owned Business Enterprise (WBE). We are also certified with WisDOT as a Black Woman-Owned Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (BWDBE) .

Let It Ride Transport contracts with private and public agencies, institutions, schools, individuals etc. Some of the desired destinations include but are not limited to; doctors appointments, therapy sessions, airport service, schools, etc.

Contact information:
Email: letitridetransport@att.net
Land line: (414) 464-1999
Fax: (414) 462-1909
Cell: (414) 350-3088

Cascade Asset Management
Cascade Asset Management (Cascade) was formed in 1999 to provide information technology equipment retirement services for businesses, institutions and municipalities. Cascade provides a secure, environmentally-responsible disposition that can deliver a positive return for this retired equipment. The company now collects and processes between 400 - 600 tons of computers, office electronics, and consumer electronics each month. Cascade operates eight facilities across the country, including its 46,000 square foot headquarters in Madison. As the only minority business in this industry in Wisconsin, owners Jessica and Neil Peters-Michaud are proud of the company's growth and impact. For more information, visit our website at www.cascade-assets.com.

Ms. Clean Cleaning Service, LLC
This company is solely owned by Nakita Watkins. Ms. Watkins has over 7 years of experience in the cleaning service industry. Read the recent article written about her. She is Emerging Business Enterprise (EBE) certified by the city of Milwaukee and Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certified by the state of Wisconsin . She is also Cleaning Management Institute(CMI) certified through Roder Enterprise Solutions (RES) led by Pat Roder.The company offers quality cleaning services to assist clients with both residential and commercial cleaning needs.

For more information, visit the company website at www.mscleancleaningservice.com.

 

Eden's Market
Eden's Market is a company dedicated to preparing flavorful raw and vegan food products using local, organic, and seasonal whole food ingredients such as vegetables, fruits, natural sweeteners, nuts, seeds, whole grains, herbs, and spices. All of the ingredients used in the products are preservative free, gluten free, dairy free, refined sugar free and are not genetically modified. Currently, Eden's Market's primary products include Caroline's Raw and Handmade Flax Seed Crackers, which are available in four flavors, curry, garlic and onion, original, and sundried tomato, and Caroline's Raw and Handmade Sweet Granola Chunks. Caroline's crackers and granola are 100% raw, vegan, natural, gluten free, and flavorful. It handcrafts each one of these delectable crackers and granola chunks and spend over 30 hours preparing them to ensure that they are immensely satisfying to the palate and naturally packed with the nutrients our bodies need to remain healthy. Eden's Market provides catering services to large and small organizations and teaches classes, to both children and adults, on how to prepare healthy and delicious raw and vegan dishes. For more information, please feel free to visit their website at www.edensmarket.com.

Attention: Women Entrepreneurs - Learn How the Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE Can Help Make 2009 a Breakthrough Year for Your Business

Even in a slumping economy, women entrepreneurs have the opportunity to visualize, create and grow a sustainable and successful business. Wisconsin women are encouraged to join thousands of women entrepreneurs growing their businesses, creating jobs and taking charge of the destiny of their business by joining the Make Mine a Million $ Business RACE.

What Is the M3 RACE?
The M3 RACE is a year-long business growth marathon that will ramp up your business, create jobs and promote economic stability for our families and communities. The M3 RACE officially started on January 27, 2009 but registration is open until June 30, 2009.

Here's How You Do It

  • Step 1 - Sign up for the M3 RACE at www.makemineamillion.org/race.
  • Step 2 - Set a goal by declaring your 2009 revenue target. M3 RACE levels are Walker ($250,000), Jogger ($500,000) or Runner ($1 million). You set the pace and we'll help you design an action plan for success.
  • Step 3 - Use our early registration check list to prepare yourself and build your business stamina for the M3 RACE.

Here's What You Get
As a contestant in the M3 RACE, you have a chance to win the $100,000 cash Grand Prize, along with other prizes throughout the year. Prizes include marketing and promotional opportunities, business resources and access to a support network of thousands of women like you sharing experiences, asking questions and celebrating their successes.

State Supports Make Mine a Million $ Business Program
Both the Secretary of the Department of Commerce and the Office of Lt. Governor support the Make Mine a Million $ Business Race national initiative. A webinar of Wisconsin's Make Mine a Million $ Business Launch event hosted by the Department of Commerce on February 16, 2009 is available on the Commerce website. Testimonials about the impact that the Make Mine a Million $ Business program has had on past winners of the 2007 Make Mine a Million $ Business Conference are also available on the web site.

Congratulations to January, February and March 2009 Certifications

Profile of Minority Business Development in Wisconsin

The US Minority Business Development Agency analyzes economic and population data to understand the economic conditions of minority business enterprises. These analyses help the agency shape its strategies, program design and implementation, and develop its advocacy efforts. A profile of Wisconsin is available.

Upcoming Events

Directory of Minority-Owned Firms

The Wisconsin Department of Commerce offers an online directory that can be viewed and navigated in three ways:

Contract and Bid Opportunities

The Wisconsin Department of Administration maintains a Minority Business Program Business Search which enables buyers to access information on Wisconsin minority-owned firms by product, service area, county, commodity code or ethnic category.