YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – Businesses seeking to break into government contracting or expand their supply chain reach will get a direct introduction at The Connector, a matchmaking event hosted by the Youngstown Business Incubator’s Minority Business Assistance Center.
The event, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 10 at the Public Library of Youngstown & Mahoning County’s Main Library, is designed to connect local suppliers with institutional buyers and to show small firms how to navigate procurement systems across sectors including government, health care and transportation.
“So the connector is bringing suppliers and buyers into one room,” said Tanisha Wheeler, regional director of the Minority Business Assistance Center at YBI.
Organizers said the program responds to a common gap: Many entrepreneurs already provide the kinds of services public entities need but have not competed for contracts at scale. Wheeler said demystifying the process is part of the point. “Procurement is just a big word for contracts. Procurement is a word that kind of scares people sometimes,” she said.
Attendees will hear directly from agencies that purchase goods and services and can learn where upcoming opportunities are posted and how to compete. Wheeler said representatives are expected from the Ohio Department of Transportation, Youngstown State University, local municipalities and the regional sewer district in Cleveland. “Any companies that are looking to do business with any of those agencies are welcome to attend,” she said.
The format includes breakout sessions with procurement officials, a panel discussion and resource tables with organizations that support supplier readiness.
Registration is available through Eventbrite HERE.
The Connector also serves as a front door to the broader services offered by the Minority Business Assistance Center, which provides no-cost advising to minority-owned and small businesses in the Youngstown region.
Wheeler describes the center as “a support system for minority-owned business and small business within the Youngstown region,” noting its coverage across the Lake to River corridor. The center offers technical assistance, access to capital, help with state certification programs and support with building procurement packages.
Wheeler emphasized that business owners do not need a fully developed plan to seek help. “I think people are misled that they have to have their idea concrete when they come to us. It’s our job to make sure that we walk you through whatever stage of business that you’re at,” she said. “Whatever stage of business you’re at, we can assist you.”
The office can also make referrals through its partner network when a need falls outside its scope. “All of our services are free, and we have certified business advisers on staff who are ready to assist you at any level,” she said.
A recent client illustrates how MBAC support can accelerate growth. Wheeler pointed to Gloris Griffin Counseling Services, which expanded from Boardman to Warren with help from MBAC and Valley Partners. “She’s just a testament of bring us what you have, and we’ll make sure that we multiply it in whatever capacity that we can,” Wheeler said.
In addition to The Connector, MBAC will host a Business Certification Workshop on Sept. 23 at YBI’s main campus. The session will walk owners through the state’s certification pathways, which can improve visibility in public procurement and open doors to set-aside or goal-based opportunities.
You can register for that event HERE.
The center works with four state programs: Women Business Enterprise, Minority Business Enterprise, EDGE and Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise. “We are hosting a workshop on Sept. 23 at the YBI main campus where we encourage those who are interested in certification, even if they just have questions about certification, to apply and attend. We’ll be able to answer those questions for them,” Wheeler said.
She encouraged businesses at every stage, from ideation to acquisition, to use the center as a first call for guidance on strategy, financing and contracting. “We are the hidden gem, I like to say, of the Valley,” she said.