June 13 - 18, 2010

The University of Washington is well positioned to offer a program such as this due to our Business and Economic Development Center (BEDC). For ten years, the BEDC has linked students, faculty, and staff from the UW Business School with a racially and ethnically diverse business and nonprofit community to expand students’ knowledge and skills, help small businesses grow, create and retain jobs, open educational opportunities for under-represented minority students, and stimulate innovative economic development research.

Executive Education and BEDC have created a strategic partnership with the Northwest Minority Supplier Development Council (NWMSDC) to launch the MBEP program which has been designed to increase the competitiveness of Minority Business Enterprises.

For over 30 years, NWMSDC has been an advocate for minority businesses by working with corporations and public agencies that understand the importance of having a diverse supply base that reflects their customers, as well as today's global economy. The organization currently serves the states of Washington, Oregon, Montana, Idaho, and Alaska.

Founding Corporate Partners

A major component in launching the MBEP: Operating Sustaining, and Growing A Minority Business, is the generous financial support from our Founding Corporate Partners: The Boeing Company, Microsoft, Nordstrom, and Zones. Their financial support and expertise have allowed for the development, specialization and launch of this program. The Michael G. Foster School of Business wishes to acknowledge and thank them for their support.

		“Any business owner that enters this program will walk away differently, in a positive way. I’m going to continuously apply what I’ve learned to my organization.” Diane Gaddis | Principal | Gaddis Events, Inc.