Two-time Emmy and Three-time NAACP Image Award-winning, television Executive Producer Rushion McDonald interviewed Dr. Tiffany Bussey.

Director of the Morehouse Innovation and Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC). Here are some key highlights and themes from the conversation:

🔑 Key Themes & Takeaways 1. Empowering Black and Brown Entrepreneurs

• MIEC focuses on helping scalable, mid-sized Black and Brown businesses grow.
• Over 400 businesses have been supported, resulting in:
  • 850+ new jobs
  • $34M+ in new capital
  • $82M+ in new revenue

2. The “Three C’s” of the Small Business Executive Program

• Capital: Access to funding.
• Connections: Building meaningful relationships with decision-makers.
• Contracts: Securing business opportunities with large firms.

3. Breaking Stereotypes

• Dr. Bussey emphasizes the need to challenge the narrative that Black communities lack skilled labor or entrepreneurial drive.
• Entrepreneurship is described as being “in our DNA,” rooted in resilience and survival.

4. Strategic Partnerships

• MIEC collaborates with major corporations (e.g., JPMorgan Chase, Wells Fargo) to fund training programs.
• Partnerships with organizations like Goodwill provide free job training and even stipends for participants.

5. Sustainability as a Business Opportunity

• Dr. Bussey highlights the massive potential in sustainability sectors:
  • EV Infrastructure: $163B industry
  • Green Building: $324B
  • Agriculture: $20B
  • Renewable Energy: $952B
• Encourages entrepreneurs to think beyond traditional business models and tap into these emerging markets.

6. Access to Opportunity

• Beyond capital, access to opportunity is a major barrier.
• MIEC connects small businesses with large “primes” (e.g., general contractors) to help them enter supply chains.

7. Mindset Shift

• Dr. Bussey discusses the psychological and historical barriers that prevent some from pursuing entrepreneurship.
• Emphasizes the importance of resilience, preparedness, and community support.

#SHMS #STRAW #BEST

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