MWBE Times

The Amblyn Group, LLC

Welcome to MWBE Times, Powered by The Ambyn Group. Join us weekly to learn about MWBE certifications and how to leverage them. Listen to subject-matter experts share their knowledge about ACCESSING lucrative contacts and CONNECTING with key decision-makers. New episodes will be released on Thursdays, covering topics that include best practices, compliance, marketing, financing, and more. Twitter and IG @mwbetimes. Inquiries: angelina@amblyn.nyc. Visit us at www.amblyn.nyc.

  1. 10/17/2024

    An Episode With Sonya Smith: Learn about leveraging resources and doing business with the New York Small Business Development Center

    In the season three premiere of MWBE Times, host Angelina Ramirez interviews Sonya Smith, State Director for the New York Small Business Development Center (SBDC). This episode explores how entrepreneurs can start, grow, and succeed in small businesses by leveraging vital resources. Smith discusses the SBDC's role in connecting entrepreneurs with market research, capital access, and innovation support. She highlights partnerships with organizations like Empire State Development, which assist Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (MWBEs) with certification, marketing, bidding opportunities, and revenue stream diversification. The conversation addresses key challenges in small business growth, focusing on workforce development, business expenses, and capital access. Smith emphasizes the importance of understanding HR aspects, including remote work policies and evaluating contractor versus full-time employee ROI. Ramirez and Smith stress the significance of certification and guidance for entrepreneurs, particularly those from underrepresented communities. They underscore the SBDC's role in providing unbiased advice and support to help individuals navigate business challenges. The episode concludes with Smith emphasizing the importance of thorough research, finding a supportive community, and utilizing available resources to enhance business success. Throughout, the discussion highlights the SBDC's commitment to making its services accessible to all communities and supporting MWBE growth and development. https://www.nysbdc.org

    33 min
  2. 04/25/2024

    An Interview with Arnold M. Jolivet II: Gain insight into procurement challenges, corporate readiness, and explore networking strategies for MWBEs collaborating with the University of Maryland

    Episode Bio: In this episode of the MWBE Times Podcast, Host Angelina Ramírez engages in an enlightening discussion with Arnold Jolivet, the Manager of Supplier Diversity for the University of Maryland in Baltimore. Arnold provides a detailed account of his role within the university's supplier diversity program, which is dedicated to ensuring that the minority business community is well-informed about procurement opportunities, ranging from construction projects to daily services. He highlights the program's focus on educating staff members about the advantages of supply diversity. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities inherent in the procurement process, with a specific emphasis on promoting competition, certifying minority businesses, and enhancing awareness of available opportunities. Angelina and Arnold stress the crucial role of competition in the contract bidding process, emphasizing its positive impact on service quality and pricing. Furthermore, they explore the University of Maryland's commitment to promoting inclusion in procurement through its supply diversity program. They also underscore the importance of corporate preparedness, continuous education, and networking for MWBEs seeking to engage with the university, offering valuable insights for navigating the complexities of the small business industry. Tune in to this episode for a wealth of insightful information on navigating the world of small businesses.

    28 min
  3. 04/18/2024

    An Interview with Carrita Cloud: Learn about effective strategies for securing MWBE contracts and the significance of strategic collaboration with other businesses

    In the latest installment of the MWBE Times Podcast, host and founder Angelina engages in a thorough discussion with Carrita Cloud, the Founder & CEO of Creativity Justified. Throughout the episode, they examine effective strategies Carrita employs to propel her business forward, which include optimizing certifications, fostering meaningful relationships, and delivering top-notch customer service. Their dialogue ventures into the intricate details of corporate supplier diversity programs. Carrita argues for a more equitable distribution of resources and advocates for a wider and more inclusive understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Angelina prompts Carrita to provide her insights on how these programs can be optimized for MWBEs, touching on prevalent issues such as understaffing, inadequate funding, and limited investment in diversity initiatives. Carrita suggests that MWBEs should proactively communicate with supplier diversity leaders to fully understand the needs of the organization and to evaluate their engagement with diverse vendors. Moreover, Carrita stresses the critical importance of maintaining professionalism in business. She emphasizes the necessity of a polished appearance, a robust online presence, and a clear, concise elevator pitch. Additionally, she discusses the significance of networking, building relationships, and fostering collaboration within the industry, advocating for a perspective shift to view other businesses not just as competitors, but as potential partners. This episode highlights the essential roles that professionalism, networking, and collaboration play in achieving business success. It offers invaluable insights for entrepreneurs navigating the complexities of supplier diversity programs and aiming to secure MWBE contracts. Be sure to tune into this enlightening episode for more detailed discussions and expert advice.

    43 min

Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
2 Ratings

About

Welcome to MWBE Times, Powered by The Ambyn Group. Join us weekly to learn about MWBE certifications and how to leverage them. Listen to subject-matter experts share their knowledge about ACCESSING lucrative contacts and CONNECTING with key decision-makers. New episodes will be released on Thursdays, covering topics that include best practices, compliance, marketing, financing, and more. Twitter and IG @mwbetimes. Inquiries: angelina@amblyn.nyc. Visit us at www.amblyn.nyc.