Back 2 Basics Part 1: Breaking Down the EMSDC 2025 Strategy
Since its formation in 2014, the EMSDC has been transforming the supply chain, not only at home in Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware but also across the U.S. — and we have no intention of slowing down our progress! To quote the NMSDC, “Ensuring equitable access for certified MBEs to participate in the business ecosystem is critical in moving our nation forward.”
As we begin the New Year, the EMSDC is heading back to basics in an effort to best support our certified MBEs in the days, years, and even decades to come. Our 2025 Strategy is based on the theme of Transformation, and each quarter, we will be focusing—in real-time—on one of four pillars:
- Development
- Partnership
- Investment
- Growth
Read on to learn more about our plans for the coming year, and stay tuned for part two of this series, detailing the 2025 strategy for the MBEIC (dedicated ambassadors that serve as a liaison between our corporate members and our MBE community).
Development
Our goal in the first quarter is to equip our certified MBEs, especially Class 1 suppliers, with fundamental business knowledge and practical skills, from defining and developing business acumen to building a strong foundation and sustainable plan for success. Topics include core business principles, strategic planning, goal setting, marketing and website tips, improving customer retention, capabilities (cap) statements, finding and responding to RFPs, developing your executive presence, pitching like a pro, and more.
Partnership
In the second quarter, we will share information on fostering collaboration through strategic partnerships and why this is valuable, especially for Class 2 suppliers. Identifying and maximizing opportunities for business partnerships, finding the right partnerships, and how to solidify partnership terms are just a few of the topics we plan to touch upon. We will also be exploring channel partnerships and how to align with larger corporations, as well as joint ventures, networking and relationship management, partnership spotlights, and more.
Investment
For the third quarter, we will shift our focus to financial literacy, funding access, and reinvestment. Helpful topics will include Finance 101 for MBEs, access to capital, grants available to small business owners, and how to prepare and apply for grants and other sources of funding. We’ll also cover investments and financial growth for Class 3 and 4 suppliers, mergers and acquisitions, private equity financing and venture capital, and funding success stories.
Growth
To wrap up the year in the fourth quarter, we will showcase the important topics of business expansion, scaling strategies, and long-term sustainability. Content will center on scaling and expansion strategies, tips for growing a business, customer expansion, breaking into new markets, future planning, and more. Before we turn our attention to 2026, we also want to highlight what some of our incredible MBEs have learned and achieved by following our 2025 theme of Transformation.
Stay engaged, connected, and up-to-date on EMSDC news by following us on LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, and Threads, and help us continue to grow a thriving and dynamic supply chain in Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, Delaware, and beyond by donating to the EMSDC in 2025. Thank you for your support!
The mission of the EMSDC is to stimulate and support economic development with minority-owned businesses (Asian, Black, Hispanic, and Native American) throughout Pennsylvania, Southern New Jersey, and Delaware. As a 501(c) (3) non-profit organization and regional affiliate of the NMSDC, we certify and connect MBEs with member corporations to create a more dynamic supply chain. We invite you to explore our website at emsdc.org to learn more.