Our Mission
To help close the racial wealth gap by developing programs and advocating for policies that result in profitable and sustainable Black-owned businesses that are connected to public and private economic opportunities, while building trusted relationships.
Core
Values
Our
Our Vision
CONNECTING & TRANSFORMING THE ECOSYSTEM
Our partners align with our values, have demonstrated outcomes for their work with Black entrepreneurs, commit to reciprocity (e.g. a 2-way) in our relationship, and share our visions for Black entrepreneurial success and thriving.
DISRUPTING THE STATUS QUO
We position ourselves in key locations and events to advance our goals for systems change on behalf of Black entrepreneurs.
BUILDING & GROWING STRONG BLACK BUSINESSES
We meet our members where they are in 1:1, in-person, cohort-based and in networking opps.
EXPANDING OUR IMPACT WITH &
FOR BLACK ENTREPRENEURS
We grow our impact by creating value for our current members, nurturing responsible collaborations in under-resources spaces and communities, listening to and meeting entrepreneurs where they are through direct outreach.
OPERATIONAL EXCELLENCE
We practice excellence in our financial and systems to maximize our impact.
Change Starts Here.
KERRY BUFFINGTON
Partner Owner, Kapstone Employment Services
CHARITY DEAN
President & CEO
KANDISS ECTON
Insurance Agent, Kandiss Ecton Insurance and
Financial Services, Inc.
JERMAINE RUFFIN
Vice President, Invest Detroit
JAY WILLIAMS, PMP
Director, Michigan Economic Development Corporation
VINCENT PIERSON
Chief Operating Officer
TENIKA GRIGGS
Director of External Affairs
MICHELLE CAHOON
Executive Assistant to the CEO
MEAGAN DUNN
CEO, Covenant House Michigan
DAVID WALKER
Partner, Bodman Law
Our Commitment to Inclusivity at MBBA
Our Commitment to Inclusivity at MBBA
Since our founding in 2021, a core tenet of the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA)
has been to serve all demographics and populations seeking our support and expertise.
This commitment is central to our mission of directly contributing to efforts that narrow
the racial wealth gap.
Therefore, we want to make it unequivocally clear: our programs, services, and
opportunities are open to all individuals and businesses, without discrimination. We do not
discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, sex, gender
identity or expression, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by law.
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Charity Dean
President & CEO