The program has awarded 22 scholarships since its launch in 2024; applications will remain open through October 30, 2026.

Puerto Rico, October 13, 2026 — The Puerto Rico Minority Supplier Development Council (PRMSDC) has announced the opening of applications for its 2026 Scholarship Program, through which it aims to support 10 to 12 university students pursuing degrees in Business Administration and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) at universities in Puerto Rico.

The initiative supports students in their efforts to achieve their academic and professional goals. The application deadline is October 30, 2026.

Since its launch in 2024, the program has awarded 22 scholarships. This new application cycle continues PRMSDC's commitment to providing financial assistance to students who demonstrate strong academic performance and need additional resources to pursue their university education.

Through complementary initiatives, including participation in business events and internship opportunities, PRMSDC also seeks to encourage these young professionals to build their careers and remain in Puerto Rico.

The scholarships recognize the dedication and perseverance of students working toward completing their degrees. Through this initiative, PRMSDC aims to help students continue developing their skills and prepare for future professional opportunities.

Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must be full-time university students enrolled in their second through fifth year of study, maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and be claimed as dependents on an income tax return.

Applicants must also have a Student Aid Index (SAI) between −1,500 and 0, as determined by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Candidates must be between 18 and 22 years old as of December 15, 2026, and be pursuing degrees in Business Administration or STEM-related fields.

How to Apply

Interested students must complete the application available at:

https://tr.ee/19EmSa

Application Deadline: October 30, 2026

For additional information about eligibility requirements and the application process, please contact scholarshipfund@prmsdc.org or reach out to Eduardo Quijano at equijano@prmsdc.org.

Program Information Contact:
Eduardo Quijano
equijano@prmsdc.org

Purpose-Driven Artificial Intelligence: How to Implement the Ethical Use of AI in Your Organization

On Thursday, September 17, the Puerto Rico Minority Supplier Development Council (PRMSDC) hosted the hybrid workshop "Purpose-Driven Artificial Intelligence: How to Implement the Ethical Use of AI in Your Organization," presented by Dr. Eliezer Pérez Soto, Founder of Humanix, Co-Founder of T&T Management Group / Boosting Your Future, and Professor.

During the session, participants explored the key opportunities and challenges that artificial intelligence presents in today's business environment, with a strong emphasis on integrating ethical principles, governance, and human oversight into AI implementation. Topics included algorithmic bias, data privacy, transparency, accountability, and the importance of developing organizational policies that promote the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The workshop also introduced international frameworks, including the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, and shared practical tools and best practices to help organizations prepare for an ethical and sustainable digital transformation.

Stay connected through our social media channels and communications to learn about upcoming workshops, webinars, and business development events. We look forward to seeing you at our next event!

Access the recording

How to Submit Your MBE-to-MBE Spend Award Nomination

You have learned about the award, reviewed the eligibility requirements, and understand the scoring rubric. Now it is time to submit your nomination.

Nominations for the MBE-to-MBE Spend Award may be submitted by a national corporate member, a regional or local corporate member from an affiliated Council, a certified MBE, or through self-nomination. If you believe your firm meets the criteria, do not wait for someone else to nominate you—take the initiative.

The nomination form asks for your company information, NMSDC certification number, and primary contact details. You will then provide your Summary Spend Table with your total gross revenue, total MBE-to-MBE spend, and the calculated percentage. Next, you will list each certified MBE partner, the amount spent, and when the partnership began. Finally, you will describe how your MBE-to-MBE engagement supports capacity growth, job creation, innovation, or economic impact.

An important requirement: because collaboration and mentorship must be verified, you will need to secure referrals from existing certified MBEs. These referrals should confirm your business collaboration—evidence of alliances, partnerships, or subcontracting with other MBEs—and your mentorship—confirmation that you have provided guidance or support to fellow MBEs.

Regional awards are evaluated by each Regional MBE Input Committee, and regional winners advance to the national level, where the National MBE Input Committee selects the national award recipients.

Start gathering your documentation now, reach out to your MBE partners for referrals, and prepare a nomination that tells the full story of your commitment to the MBE community. The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is your opportunity to be recognized for the work you are already doing—and to inspire others to follow your lead.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is more than recognition. It is a call to action for every certified MBE to invest in our community’s collective success.

For more information, please contact:

• Lisette Villavicencio, MBEIC Chair: lisette@va-contractor.com
• Eduardo Quijano, Performance & Administration Coordinator: equijano@prmsdc.org

nmbeic.org

Understanding the scoring rubric is essential for preparing a competitive nomination. The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is evaluated on a 100-point scale across three categories.

The largest category—worth 80 points—is Documented MBE-to-MBE Spend. This evaluates your measurable spend over the previous two calendar years relative to your total revenue. Evaluators consider your total gross revenue, total MBE spend, the percentage of MBE spend, year-over-year trends, and the completeness of your documentation. To score in the top range of 72 to 80 points, you need exceptional spend with a high MBE percentage, a strong or increasing trend, and thorough documentation.

The second category—worth 15 points—is Depth and Quality of MBE Partnerships. This looks at the number of MBE partners, the amount spent with each, the longevity of your relationships, and the diversity and depth of your collaborations. Top scores of 13 to 15 points go to nominees with multiple strong partnerships and clear, sustained engagement.

The third category—worth 5 points—is Impact on Capacity Building and Economic Growth. This measures how your MBE engagement supports development, capability expansion, or economic uplift for other MBEs. Examples of mentorship, collaboration, job creation, and supplier development are key here.

In the event of a tie, the first tiebreaker is the highest total dollar amount of MBE spend, followed by the number of certified MBEs you conducted business with. This ensures that both depth and breadth of engagement are recognized.

The bottom line: document thoroughly, build lasting partnerships, and invest in the growth of fellow MBEs.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is more than recognition. It is a call to action for every certified MBE to invest in our community’s collective success.

 For more information, please contact:

• Lisette Villavicencio, MBEIC Chair: lisette@va-contractor.com
• Eduardo Quijano, Performance & Administration Coordinator: equijano@prmsdc.org

NMBEIC.ORG

Prepared by the National MBE Input Committee (NMBEIC)

Beyond spend and partnerships, the MBE-to-MBE Spend Award recognizes firms that invest in the growth and development of other MBEs. Mentorship and capacity building are worth up to 5 points on the scoring rubric—and they represent the heart of what makes the MBE community strong.

Mentorship can take many forms. It might mean coaching an emerging MBE through the certification process, providing introductions to key contacts, sharing business advice based on your own experience, or helping a smaller firm build the operational capacity needed to compete for larger opportunities.

The evaluation looks for strong, specific examples of measurable impact. If you helped an MBE secure their first corporate contract, expanded their capabilities, or contributed to job creation within their business, those are the kinds of stories evaluators want to hear.

Active participation in your local NMSDC Affiliated Council also matters. Volunteering on committees, supporting Council events, and contributing to programs that benefit the MBE community all demonstrate a commitment to giving back—not just benefiting from certification.

When you lift up other MBEs, you strengthen the entire network. You build a more capable, more competitive supply chain that benefits corporate partners and minority-owned businesses alike. That is exactly the kind of leadership this award was designed to celebrate.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is more than recognition. It is a call to action for every certified MBE to invest in our community’s collective success.

 For more information, please contact:

• Lisette Villavicencio, MBEIC Chair: lisette@va-contractor.com
• Eduardo Quijano, Performance & Administration Coordinator: equijano@prmsdc.org

NMBEIC.ORG

Prepared by the National MBE Input Committee (NMBEIC)

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award does not just measure how much you spend—it also evaluates the depth and quality of your partnerships with other certified MBEs. This is worth up to 15 points on the scoring rubric, and it can set a strong nomination apart from the rest.

Evaluators look at several factors. How many MBE partners have you engaged? How much did you spend with each? How long have these partnerships been in place? Do your MBE partners represent diverse industries, capabilities, and backgrounds?

The strongest nominees demonstrate sustained, meaningful collaboration. A partnership that has lasted several years and involved multiple projects signals real trust and mutual value. Breadth matters too—working with MBEs across different sectors shows a commitment to strengthening the broader community, not just a single relationship.

Consider how you can deepen your existing MBE partnerships. Are there additional scopes of work you could direct to MBE partners? Could you invite an MBE firm to join a teaming arrangement for an upcoming bid? Even small, intentional steps can build stronger alliances over time.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award recognizes that true impact comes from relationships built on trust, collaboration, and shared growth. Invest in your partnerships, and the results will follow.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is more than recognition. It is a call to action for every certified MBE to invest in our community’s collective success.

 For more information, please contact:

• Lisette Villavicencio, MBEIC Chair: lisette@va-contractor.com
• Eduardo Quijano, Performance & Administration Coordinator: equijano@prmsdc.org

NMBEIC.ORG

One of the most important parts of the MBE-to-MBE Spend Award nomination is documentation. Evaluators need clear, verifiable data to assess your commitment. Here is what you should prepare.

Start with the big picture. You will need to provide your total gross revenue and your total MBE-to-MBE spend for the previous two calendar years. The award uses a percentage-based evaluation—your MBE-to-MBE spend divided by your total revenue, multiplied by 100. This levels the playing field, so businesses of all sizes compete fairly based on proportional commitment rather than total dollars.

Next, prepare a detailed breakdown. For each certified MBE you did business with, list the company name, the amount spent, and the date the partnership began. This information demonstrates not just how much you spent, but the depth and longevity of your MBE relationships.

Keep your supporting documents organized. This might include purchase orders, contracts, invoices, or financial reports that verify your spend figures. Completeness and accuracy matter—the scoring rubric specifically rewards well-documented submissions.

A helpful tip: if you are not already tracking your MBE-to-MBE spend, now is the time to start. Create a simple tracking system that captures each MBE transaction as it happens. This makes future nominations much easier and also helps you identify opportunities to increase your MBE engagement throughout the year.

Strong documentation is the backbone of a winning nomination. Take the time to get it right.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is more than recognition. It is a call to action for every certified MBE to invest in our community’s collective success.

 For more information, please contact:

• Lisette Villavicencio, MBEIC Chair: lisette@va-contractor.com
• Eduardo Quijano, Performance & Administration Coordinator: equijano@prmsdc.org

NMBEIC.ORG

Understanding the MBE-to-MBE Spend Award Requirements

Wondering if your firm qualifies for the MBE-to-MBE Spend Award? Here is a clear look at the eligibility requirements.

First, your company must be an active, NMSDC-certified MBE in good standing. This ensures that all nominees meet the national standards for certification and ethical business practices.

Second, you must demonstrate a consistent track record of purchasing products or services from other certified MBEs over the previous two calendar years. This is not about a single transaction—it is about sustained commitment. Evaluators want to see a pattern of intentional MBE engagement over time.

Third, you must have formed meaningful business partnerships with other certified MBEs. This can include alliances, teaming partnerships, subcontracting arrangements, joint ventures, or providing integrated or complementary services. The key is that these collaborations support the delivery of products or services to corporate or government clients.

Fourth, you must participate in and actively contribute to your local NMSDC Affiliated Council. This can include volunteering on committees, task forces, or Council-led events, as well as financially supporting Council programs and initiatives.

Fifth, you must demonstrate active mentorship of other MBEs—whether through coaching, introductions, business guidance, or support for capacity building and market access.

If your firm checks all five boxes, you are ready to prepare your nomination. Next week, we will cover exactly how to document and present your MBE-to-MBE spend.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award is more than recognition. It is a call to action for every certified MBE to invest in our community’s collective success.

 For more information, please contact:

• Lisette Villavicencio, MBEIC Chair: lisette@va-contractor.com
• Eduardo Quijano, Performance & Administration Coordinator: equijano@prmsdc.org

NMBEIC.ORG

A national execution pathway for entrepreneurs ready to prepare, position, and compete.

Capital Is Culture is a national readiness movement powered by a collective of mission-aligned leaders and organizations committed to helping underserved and under-resourced businesses compete, scale, and win.

Through execution-focused pathways, Capital Is Culture connects capital education, procurement intelligence, strategic relationships, operational discipline, AI adoption, and market positioning into one coordinated framework for business growth.

PREPARE

Strengthen financial, operational, and business-readiness foundations.

POSITION

Sharpen strategy, storytelling, capital access, and buyer-facing readiness.

PROSPER

Move toward contracts, funding pathways, and scalable growth with confidence.

Program Begins October 2026

Official start date and launch details will be shared closer to the start date.

ENROLL NOW

Enrollment link:
https://survey.nmsdc.org/zs/dMCKLN

For more information:
mbdacrp@nmsdc.org

Capital Is Culture

NMSDC Capital Readiness Program

NMSDC.ORG NMSDC HUB

Access the flyer in PDF

Steps to Recertify as an MBE

• Log into theNMSDC Hub.
• Select the“Recertify”option.
• Complete the application.
• Complete all required fields marked with an asterisk (*).
• Upload all required documents.
• Complete Certification Affidavit.
• Submit the Application Fee.
• Monitor your email and the NMSDC Hub for application updates/requests.
• Please respond promptly to any requests for more information by uploading the requested documentation and resubmitting the application.

Application fees are non-refundable. Recertification processing time may take up to 45 days. Applications with missing or invalid information may require additional processing time.

Helpful Things to Know

• MBE certification is valid forone yearand requires annual recertification prior to the expiration date. All currently certified MBEs must submit a recertification application every year regardless if business ownership or operations have changed.
• Failure to recertify on time may result in lapse or loss of certification, or the need to restart the certification process if certification has been expired for one year or longer.
• Timely submission supports continuous certification status and helps prevent processing delays or gaps in certification.

Need Assistance?

Technical Support:
thehubsupport@nmsdc.org

Certification Support:
certification@nmsdc.org

Phone:
212-944-2430

NMSDC.ORG NMSDC HUB

• Flyer in PDF format
• Flyer in PDF format (Spanish)