Minority business owners (Ethnic minorities) are arguably the most underutilized segment of the American marketplace. They are least likely to be awarded lucrative contracts from the government or large corporations, least likely to be tapped as partners in business alliances, least likely to be engaged as research partners or beta organizations, least likely to be adequately funded and least likely to be valuated adequately by potential investors.

That said, minority business owners are more likely to start new enterprises, more likely to lease or purchase real estate when starting a new venture, most likely to locate their businesses in areas in need of development/investment, most likely to employ minority managers and staff from the communitiies in which they operate and most likely to purchase products targeted at business-minded consumers (business-related software, computer peripherals, business how-to guides) and most likely to create a tax base for underdeveloped areas by moving their homes and businesses into those communities.

When I say that they are underutilized I mean that minority businesses have the potential to be pivotal to the success of our nation's economy, if only there was greater investment in their viability. What I am suggesting is not "business welfare", but a genuine commitment to ensure that current resources provided by Federal and state government agencies, or by agencies funded by the government, are the absolute best quality, most relevant, most appropriate and most accessible. And, that corporations that establish diversity supplier programs and diversity initiatives be held to "results-based" standards (what are the results, not the efforts?). If our government and organizations targeting minority communities are to be allowed to reap the benefits (PR, brand, revenue, "Best Places to Work"), then there must be an assurance that they are delivering more than websites featuring Latinas or South Africans, more than just glossy brochures and self-serving promotional events. They must validly and reliably deliver equitable opportunity.

I want to ensure that no one believes that minority businesses are charity cases of any kind; they are the backbone of our economy. Minority businesses employ more minorities, drive down unemployment, increase the number of wage-earners, consumers and tax payers in a community and add over $700 billion per year to the U.S. economy.

What you will see on Mainstreet MBA in the coming months is business owner profiles, commentary, news, resources and of course, critiques of resources, all around the subject of minority businesses.

The goal of the Main Street MBA blog is to be the resource of choice for minority business owners and those who serve and ally with them.