The National Business League’s National Black Supplier Development Program (NBSDP) has generated more than $100 million in purchasing contracts over the past two years, solidifying it as one of NBL’s most impactful initiatives for Black-owned businesses.

“We have progressed far beyond the days of business card exchanges, chicken dinners, empty press conference, and announcements, and we are now steadfastly dedicated to fostering commerce-driven initiatives and purposeful opportunities, going beyond mere words and charismatic speeches,” says Ken L. Harris, president and CEO of the National Business League. “There exists no other program in the nation that produces such tangible and game-changing results for Black-owned businesses.”

In other news, on Sept. 6, the NBL welcomed the latest cohort of Black-owned businesses into the NBSDP. This incoming group, referred to as The Collective, comprises a range of businesses hailing from various regions across the country. They were:

• VMX International, Detroit
• Heritage Vision Plans, Detroit
• Production Spring, Troy
• James Group International, Detroit
• The Advantage Group, Louisville, Ky.
• Mutombo Coffee, New Orleans
• Chatdesk Inc., New York
• HESS Advanced Solutions, Dayton, Ohio
• LED Trail, Portland, Ore.
• Pacific Medical Specialties LLC, Rancho Cucamonga, Calif.
• Polar Group LLC, Oakbrook Terrace, Ill.
• Tucker Technology Inc., Oakland, Calif.

The businesses were selected from a national pool of more than 400 applicants. Then 30 semi-finalists were chosen, and after personal interviews, 12 companies were picked by a committee of the program’s esteemed corporate partners and Black Business Enterprises (BBEs).

“Our goal is to support the development of more than 3.2 million Black businesses nationwide, providing them with opportunities within the federal government, as well as the public and private sectors,” says Forrest Carter, director of the NBSDP.

The NBSDP, launched in 2021 with initial capital support from MPS Group and a significant three-year funding commitment from presenting partner Stellantis, was conceived to address the economic challenges faced by Black-owned businesses during the COVID-19 pandemic. It also emerged as a response to the urgent call for racial equity and inclusion following the tragic murder of George Floyd, igniting the global Black Lives Matter movement.

In its second year, the program gained further momentum with the support of partners like Comerica Bank, Cummins, DTE Energy, Ford, GM, Lear, Magna, and Toyota. Remarkably, a waiting list of Fortune 500 companies is eager to join this successful and impactful program in 2024.