Michigan Business Network
Michigan Business Beat | Charity Dean, MBBA, Advancing Black Business Growth Across Michigan
Originally uploaded July 27th, reloaded August 17th. Jeffrey Mosher welcomes Charity Dean, CEO, Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA), Detroit, MI. Welcome, Charity, we weren't able to fit you in at Mackinac, can you tell us about MBBA? MBBA is celebrating five years of impact this year. Looking back, what accomplishments are you most proud of, and what do they say about the needs and opportunities facing Black entrepreneurs across Michigan? MBBA recently released its 2026 Policy Pillars. What are the top priorities you believe policymakers, business leaders, and economic development stakeholders should focus on to help small businesses thrive? Your report highlights nearly $14.7 million in capital access facilitated or supported, and almost 2,000 entrepreneurs served. What barriers do Black-owned businesses still face when it comes to accessing capital and growth opportunities? As Michigan looks toward the 2026 election cycle and continued economic development discussions, what role should entrepreneurship and small business growth play in shaping the state's future? MBBA has expanded its reach across communities, including Detroit, Flint, and Grand Rapids. What is your vision for the organization's next five years, and what impact do you hope to have on Michigan's business ecosystem? » Visit MBN website: www.michiganbusinessnetwork.com/ » Subscribe to MBN’s YouTube: www.youtube.com/@MichiganbusinessnetworkMBN » Like MBN: www.facebook.com/mibiznetwork » Follow MBN: X.com/MIBizNetwork/ » MBN Instagram: www.instagram.com/mibiznetwork/ Michigan Black Business Alliance Marks Five Years with Release of 2026 Policy Pillars Ahead of Mackinac Policy Conference, Calling for Greater Investment in Black-Owned Businesses and Small Business Growth Across Michigan As Michigan prepares for a pivotal election cycle, MBBA outlines key policy priorities impacting entrepreneurs, economic opportunity and the future of small business statewide DETROIT — May 2026 — As leaders from across the state gather for the Mackinac Policy Conference to discuss Michigan’s economic future, the Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) is marking five years of impact with the release of its 2026 Policy Pillars and Five-Year Impact Report, outlining priorities to strengthen Black-owned businesses, expand economic opportunity and support long-term small business growth across Michigan. The release comes at a pivotal moment as Michigan enters a consequential 2026 election cycle that includes races for governor, U.S. Senate and the Michigan House. MBBA says the conversations shaping Michigan’s future must include entrepreneurs and small businesses, particularly Black-owned businesses that continue to face barriers to capital, procurement opportunities and sustainable growth. Since launching in 2021, MBBA has supported nearly 2,000 entrepreneurs across Michigan, facilitated or supported more than $14.7 million in capital access, connected members to more than 1,500 business opportunities and delivered more than 7,000 hours of one-on-one technical assistance through programs designed to help businesses start, grow and scale. ### About the Michigan Black Business Alliance The Michigan Black Business Alliance (MBBA) is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to closing the racial wealth gap by developing programs and advancing policies that support profitable, sustainable Black-owned businesses across Michigan.
