Extend Your Support to Our Cause

The Institute Legacy Fund

As we near our 40th Anniversary, The Institute invites you to be a part of the first circle of donors to our Legacy Fund.

This special fund will ensure that the mission set forth by the late Andrea Harris will be carried forward by the Institute indefinitely - and that we will continue to be present, walking side-by-side with future women and minority leaders in small business pursuits across our growing circle of impact. Whether you contribute today or commit to a multi-year pledge, your gift helps us build that future now. We are grateful to have you be part of that.

Your gift helps us to continue to support women and minority small businesses

The National Institute of Minority Economic Development accomplishes its mission by helping diverse small businesses to grow, compete, thrive, create jobs, become sustainable, and be valued partners within their local communities.

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Diverse Small Business Entrepreneurs Served

Our core competencies include business and entrepreneurial education, technical assistance, research and advocacy, affordable housing and community development (CDFI) financing, and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI). Our work is organized into four synergistic centers to help emerging leaders, business owners, non-profit organizations, HBCUs, and our strategic partners contribute to growth, sustainability, and economic justice in low-to-moderate-income communities:

Research, Policy and Impact Center
Center for Entrepreneurship
Center for Community Investment
Center for Professional Services

Last year across all programs, the Institute provided technical assistance, growth and capacity support, and other services to more than 8,200 diverse small business entrepreneurs across our footprint.

Client Success

A man standing at a office in a light colored outfit.

SGS CONTRACTING LLC

Brandt Smith, President

SGS Contracting became a client of the SBTRC in September 2021. Brandt attended several outreaches including the American Tobacco 2.0 in September. Brandt participated in the Lane I-40 Orange County BEP in October and November. SGS Contracting was also awarded “Outstanding Achievement Award in General Construction” during Durham MED Week 2021

“Over the last several months, the SBTRC has been instrumental in assisting SGS Contracting in growing our capacity to successfully win and perform projects. Through the SBTRC sponsored Bonding Education Program Series, we successfully obtained our first bid bond, and subsequent performance bond, which contributed to SGS being awarded a project with the local ABC Commission. SGS also began developing a relationship with Fifth Third Bank to obtain a line of credit to increase our working capital. SBTRC assisted SGS with the posting of projects for bids, which allows us to increase and diversify our subcontractor pool. The SBTRC has been great to work with and their assistance will continue to enable many years of success for SGS Contracting.” - Brandt Smith

BURNETT DEVELOPMENT

Brian Burnett, Founder

Burnett Development is a real estate development company based out of Raleigh, North Carolina specializing in creating affordable housing solutions. Founder, Brian Burnett grew up in the Southeast Raleigh neighborhood and as a result, is on a mission to develop "legacy-friendly" projects. Whatever community revitalization projects they are involved in, they strive to incorporate historical characteristics to the extent possible.

One of their recent projects involved moving two historic houses from one location to another ideal location where they would be converted to student housing. Mr. Burnett approached Institute Capital (ICAP), our affiliate Community Development Financial Institution (CDFI) for assistance with this project. Institute Capital was able to provide funding to move and renovate the two historic homes to convert to twelve affordable housing units for student. The properties have now been relocated and renovations are near completion.

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ASILANA MARKETING ENTERPRISE

Analisa Wade, Founder & Chief Creative Director

Analisa Wade started a home-based marketing and web design business in February of 2019. She came to the Women's Business Center of Charlotte (WBCC) in April of 2021 seeking business education and counseling. She was frustrated that after 3 years and during the pandemic, her business was growing, but she wanted to see it grow at a faster pace. WBCC identified the need for her to have a more in-depth analysis of her business to develop a sound business plan and strategies for growth. Analisa was invited to participate in the 9-month cohort Supply Chain Management Program. Analisa excelled in the program and was one of the Pitch competition prize winners.

"The Supply Chain course sponsored by Wells Fargo with the Women’s Business Center of Charlotte was an amazing nine-month experience... Since finishing this program, I have formed new business partnerships, re-evaluated my core offerings, streamlined the way I conduct business and deliver services, and most importantly, I have GROWN as a business owner.

Now, nearly a year after starting the program, I have had the opportunity to position my company in front of corporate leaders and business professionals with various referrals from the WBC of Charlotte. I also have setup multiple volunteer opportunities with WBC to give back what has been poured into me as a business owner. I look forward to having the ability to continue to grow with WBC and my peers from the network. Thank you so much for this amazing program." - Analisa Wade