Understanding the Mid-South Minority Business Council (MMBC) can be challenging due to the broad scope of its work.
“What we do is so expansive that people often get only a glimpse of it,” says MMBC CEO Jozelle Booker. “They see the surface—what we promote heavily—but there’s so much more beneath that.”
The upcoming Economic Development Forum (EDF), set for September 10-12, offers an opportunity to dig deeper. This year’s theme, “Future Ready: Reimagining, Collaborating, and Transforming,” aims to prepare the Memphis community for a rapidly evolving economic landscape.
Founded by public and private corporations, the MMBC focuses on creating jobs and empowering minority businesses, addressing unemployment in the Black community. Their work includes connecting minority businesses with corporate partners, facilitating certifications, and providing training, all to improve the quality of life for Black people.
The EDF will bring together public and private corporations, small and large businesses, elected officials, and economic development organizations. Key speakers include Jim Clifton, Chairman of Gallup, who will discuss leadership in a post-COVID world, and Lanette Mattison, a technical expert in data science and generative AI at Ford Motor Company, who will explore the impact of AI on business.
Workshops, networking, and panel discussions will focus on what it means to be “future ready.” The EDF isn’t just another conference—it’s a convening of the entire community.
A few weeks ago, I sat down with Jozelle Booker, CEO of MMBC, to delve deeper into what the organization does and what attendees can expect from the upcoming Economic Development Forum. This is an extended version of that interview in which Booker explains certifications and being ready to do business. It’s a GREAT way to prepare for this week’s forum!
Lee Eric Smith: Jozelle, MMBC does so much that it can be challenging to explain exactly what the organization is about. Can you give us a sense of how you describe MMBC’s mission?
Jozelle Booker: Absolutely. The biggest thing to understand is that we were missioned by both public and private corporations to solve for unemployment in the Black community. The outcome of what we do is employment, job growth, and ultimately, the empowerment of Black people. But it’s not just about jobs. When these corporations purchase goods and services from minority businesses, those businesses grow—they hire more people, and that ripple effect improves the quality of life in our communities. It’s about reducing crime, increasing consumable income, and really lifting people up.
Lee Eric Smith: That’s a broad and impactful mission. How does the Economic Development Forum fit into this?
Jozelle Booker: The EDF is a key part of our mission. It’s not just an event about MMBC; it’s a convening of the entire community. We bring together public and private corporations, small and large businesses, B2B and B2C entities, and even elected officials.
This year’s theme, “Future Ready: Reimagining, Collaborating, and Transforming,” is all about preparing businesses and the community for the changes coming our way. Whether you’re a large corporation or a mom-and-pop shop, there’s something for you at the EDF. We’re focused on innovation, strategic partnerships, and adaptability—things that are crucial for any business looking to thrive in the future.
Lee Eric Smith: What can attendees expect?
Jozelle Booker: We have a full schedule of workshops, networking opportunities, and panel discussions. We have speakers like Jim Clifton, who’s going to talk about the evolving business culture and what leadership looks like post-COVID. We’re also focusing on strategic partnerships—how businesses can collaborate to scale up and tackle larger projects. There’s going to be a lot of energy, excitement, and valuable information for anyone looking to grow their business.
Lee Eric Smith: How do you see smaller businesses fitting into such a big event?
Jozelle Booker: There’s definitely a place for smaller businesses. One of the things we emphasize is that even if you’re a small business, you can think big. We have a marketplace for B2C businesses, workshops on business basics, and plenty of opportunities for networking. The EDF is about making connections, learning, and finding the resources you need to grow—no matter the size of your business.
Lee Eric Smith: It sounds like an incredible opportunity for the Memphis business community.
Jozelle Booker: It absolutely is. The EDF is about more than just economic development; it’s about community development. It’s about making sure that Memphis is ready for the future and that our businesses, big and small, have the tools and resources they need to succeed.
Lee Eric Smith: It seems certification is a big part of what MMBC does, but there also seem to be a lot of misconceptions about what certification actually means. Can you clarify that for us?
Jozelle Booker: Absolutely. Certification is often misunderstood. A lot of people think that getting certified is the end goal—that once you’re certified, contracts will just start flowing in. But that’s not the case.
Certification is just one piece of the puzzle. It’s not necessarily about getting the contract; it’s about being recognized as a capable, qualified business that corporations can confidently partner with.
Lee Eric Smith: So, what exactly does being “certified” mean in this context?
Jozelle Booker: Certification means that we, as an organization, have vetted a business to ensure they meet certain standards. This involves a thorough review, including financials, tax returns, and other confidential information. When we certify a business, we’re saying to our corporate partners, “This is a business you can trust. They are who they say they are, and they are capable of delivering on what they promise.” It’s about giving corporations the confidence to do business with minority-owned companies, knowing they won’t face any surprises down the line.
Lee Eric Smith: And without certification, what happens?
Jozelle Booker: Without certification, a business can still get contracts, but the corporation can’t count that spend towards their supplier diversity goals. It’s more than just a checkbox; it’s a way for corporations to track and report their commitment to diversity. That’s why certification is so important—not just for the business owner, but for the corporations that partner with them.
Lee Eric Smith: It sounds like certification is almost like a seal of approval.
Jozelle Booker: Exactly. But it’s more than that. It’s about ensuring that when a corporation decides to work with a minority business, they’re getting someone who is ready and capable of fulfilling that contract. If a business owner says, “I don’t have $300 for certification,” that raises red flags. It’s not just about the money—it’s about showing that you have the working capital and the business infrastructure to handle large contracts. Corporations need to know that when they give you a contract, you have the resources and the capacity to deliver.
Lee Eric Smith: You also mentioned that MMBC doesn’t just certify businesses—it’s much more than that.
Jozelle Booker: That’s right. We’re a 501(c)(6) membership organization, created to connect businesses to public and private corporations that operate in the B2B space. Our role is to ensure that these businesses are not only certified but also prepared to scale and grow. We provide training, one-on-one consultations, and networking opportunities — it’s all aimed at helping businesses not just survive, but thrive and create jobs.
Lee Eric Smith: So, in essence, certification is just the beginning.
Jozelle Booker: Exactly. Certification is the entry point, but our goal is to support these businesses every step of the way. From helping them secure loans and bonds to providing the connections they need to win contracts, we’re there to ensure that they’re not just certified but also positioned for success. We want these businesses to grow, scale, and ultimately create more jobs—that’s the real impact of what we do.
Lee Eric Smith: Jozelle, you mentioned that certification is just the beginning and that MMBC helps businesses position themselves for success. You also talked earlier about the importance of strategic partnerships, especially for smaller businesses that might not have the resources to tackle larger contracts on their own. Can you elaborate on that?
Jozelle Booker: Absolutely. One of the most effective ways for small businesses to grow and scale is through partnerships and joint ventures. We often encourage smaller contractors to team up with others to go after larger projects. This is especially important now, with so many big projects coming to Memphis—things like the Ford electric vehicle plant, St. Jude’s expansion, and even infrastructure investments like new bridges and highway expansions. These are billion-dollar projects, and for many small businesses, teaming up with another company is the best way to get a piece of that pie.
Lee Eric Smith: How does that process typically work?
Jozelle Booker: It’s all about finding the right partner. We help businesses connect with each other, often at events like the EDF, where they can meet potential partners face-to-face. When two companies combine their resources and expertise, they can take on much larger contracts than they could individually. It’s an inorganic way to grow, but it’s incredibly effective. By pooling resources, they can increase their size and scale, enter new markets, and pursue opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
Lee Eric Smith: So even small businesses have a chance to compete in these large projects?
Jozelle Booker: Definitely. The key is to think strategically. Small businesses might not be able to handle a huge project on their own, but by partnering with others, they can play a significant role. It’s about leveraging strengths and filling in gaps. For example, a small construction firm might team up with a larger one that has more experience with big contracts, or a local supplier might partner with another company to meet the demands of a large order. The possibilities are endless, and it’s a win-win for everyone involved.
Lee Eric Smith: It sounds like collaboration is at the heart of what MMBC promotes.
Jozelle Booker: It really is. We’re all about creating opportunities for businesses to grow and succeed, and often that means working together. Whether it’s through certification, training, or facilitating partnerships, our goal is to help businesses of all sizes thrive. The EDF is a perfect example of that—bringing people together, sharing resources, and ultimately, driving economic growth in our community.
