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)

NMSDC® certification provides minority-owned businesses with increased visibility, credibility and access to a national network of corporations, enterprises and business leaders committed to competitive and inclusive supply chains.

MBE Eligibility Requirements

To qualify as a Minority Business Enterprise, a business must be:

• At least51% owned, managed and controlledby one or more minority individuals who are members of a recognized minority group.
• Afor-profit businesslocated in the United States or its territories.

A recognized minority group member for purposes of MBE certification is an individual who is a United States citizen and who identifies as:

• Asian Indian
• Asian Pacific
• Black or African American
• Hispanic or Latino
• Native American or Alaska Native
• Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander

Learn more about the NMSDC Certification process ›

How to Get Started

• Complete thePrequalificationform.
• You will receive an email with a link to log into theNMSDC Hub.
• Click“Apply for New Company”on the dashboard.
• Uploadrequired documents.
• Submit the application fee and complete the electronic signature.

Note that certification fees are non-refundable.

WHAT HAPPENS NEXT

• Your application is reviewed by an NMSDC Certification Specialist.
• If additional information is required, you will receive a Request for Updates.
• A virtual site visit will be scheduled.
• A final determination will be issued.

Please allow up to45 daysfor processing. If additional or corrected information is required, processing time may be extended.

APPLY NOW

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)

When certified MBEs choose to do business with other certified MBEs, the impact goes far beyond a single transaction. Every dollar spent within the MBE community circulates and multiplies, creating jobs, expanding capacity, and building a stronger supply chain for corporate partners.

Think about it this way: when you hire an MBE subcontractor, partner with an MBE vendor, or source materials from an MBE supplier, you are directly contributing to the growth of businesses that share your experience and your mission. You are building a network that benefits everyone.

Corporate members notice this too. Companies increasingly value Tier 2 supplier diversity, which means they want to see that their MBE partners are also engaging diverse suppliers. Demonstrating strong MBE-to-MBE spend can make your firm more competitive and more attractive to corporate buyers.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award exists to recognize and celebrate this intentional commitment. It validates what many of us already know: that investing in each other is not just good business—it is the foundation of a thriving MBE ecosystem.

Ask yourself: How much of your annual spend goes to fellow certified MBEs? If the answer surprises you, there is an opportunity waiting.

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

Celebrating MBEs Who Lift Each Other Up

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) has long been a catalyst for minority business growth. Now, the National MBE Input Committee (NMBEIC) is shining a spotlight on a powerful driver of that growth—MBEs doing business with other MBEs.

The MBE-to-MBE Spend Award recognizes certified Minority Business Enterprises that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to partnering with fellow certified MBEs. It honors firms that intentionally create business opportunities, form sustainable partnerships, and contribute to economic development within the minority business community.

This award sends a clear message: NMSDC certification is not only about pursuing opportunities with corporate partners. It is equally about building meaningful, revenue-generating relationships with fellow MBEs. When we buy from each other, we strengthen the entire ecosystem.

Over the coming weeks, this series will walk you through everything you need to know—from eligibility and documentation to scoring and submission. Whether you are considering a nomination or simply want to understand how this award works, stay tuned.

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

Altura Capital GP, LLC and the Puerto Rico Minority Supplier Development Council (PRMSDC) have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to launch the Scaling Up and Expanding Puerto Rican Companies Collaborative Program. This three-year initiative aims to accelerate growth, investment, and corporate engagement for high-potential businesses serviced by the PRMSDC.

Through this alliance, Altura Capital will invest $20 million to $50 million from its family of funds in PRMSDC-certified and other qualifying local businesses. The program unites private capital, corporate procurement, and economic development organizations to strengthen Puerto Rico’s business ecosystem and expand opportunities for scalable local companies.

The initiative focuses on Business Services, Consumer Goods, Specialty Manufacturing, and Healthcare. It targets companies with over $5 million in revenue or $1 million in EBITDA that show strong growth potential or are experiencing ownership transitions.

In addition to direct investment, the partnership will offer leadership and capital-readiness programs, convene corporate and investment stakeholders through strategic roundtables, and encourage collaboration among entrepreneurs, private equity firms, and corporations seeking quality local suppliers. The initiative also supports intergenerational wealth creation by enhancing supplier development, diversifying procurement, and expanding market access.

Ecosystem Impact

• For Corporations: Access to a stronger pipeline of investment-ready Puerto Rican suppliers who meet world-class standards.
• For Entrepreneurs: Access to growth capital, strategic partnerships, executive guidance, and national corporate connections.
• For Investors: A disciplined, impact-driven opportunity in underserved lower-middle-market segments.
• For Government Stakeholders: A scalable model that aligns with policy priorities, leverages private capital, and supports sustainable economic growth in Puerto Rico.

Altura Capital has a history of investing in businesses with strong ties to Puerto Rico, including Cidrines, a bakery brand founded in 1978 in Arecibo, Puerto Rico. Cidrines is a portfolio company of Altura Capital. Following Altura’s investment, Cidrines expanded its operations, including the development of an additional manufacturing facility in Lakeland, Florida. During this period, the company also broadened its distribution footprint from primarily Florida-based sales to reaching customers across all 50 U.S. states. Altura has worked alongside Cidrines’ management team to support the company’s growth and expansion.

This collaboration reflects Altura Capital and PRMSDC’s shared commitment to fostering a resilient business environment and expanding economic opportunities in Puerto Rico. For more information, please contact prinvestments@alturacap.com.

About Altura Capital

Altura is a value-driven investment platform with over 20 years of experience supporting growth in lower-middle-market companies in consumer, business services, specialty manufacturing, and healthcare. Altura partners with investors, entrepreneurs, and executive leaders to build scalable, impactful enterprises.

About PRMSDC

The Puerto Rico Minority Supplier Development Council (PRMSDC) links over 540 certified local companies with national and international corporations, government agencies, and major procurement organizations. PRMSDC-certified firms provide more than 61,000 jobs and generate $9.5 billion for the local economy, according to the 2024 Economic Impact Report.

Learn more about Altura Capital

On February 20, Puerto Rico’s Central-East region became the meeting point for the first Business Connect of 2026, a high-impact event organized by PRMSDC and hosted by Gascó Industrial.

The event opened with welcoming remarks from PRMSDC President Francisco Cabrera, who emphasized the importance of these spaces in strengthening the development and competitiveness of certified businesses. The gathering brought together Council-certified suppliers and distinguished guests in an environment designed to foster strategic collaboration and meaningful networking.

We extend a special thank you to Joumeilyn Mena, Sales and Marketing Supervisor at Gascó Industrial, for her leadership and commitment in coordinating the event. Representing company President Dan Bigman, and in conversation with Reina Reyes, Senior Director of Corporate Services at PRMSDC, Mena shared the company’s journey, its beginnings, and the evolution of its services. Gascó Industrial, a Puerto Rican family-owned company, has positioned itself as a leader in delivering high-quality industrial and institutional cleaning solutions. Today, the company stands out for its expertise in specialized manufacturing and products serving both the industrial and food sectors.

Throughout the event, participants presented their capabilities, exchanged ideas, and strengthened business relationships that will undoubtedly contribute to the continued growth of Puerto Rico’s business ecosystem. We also recognize the participation of Alicia Pérez from Amgen and Mario García from JLL, who highlighted the importance of MBE certification as a strategic tool for business development. We also thank CIS International, Epsilon, Mirus, RF Maintenance, and Star Electrical Services for contributing to a successful and enriching experience.

Events like Business Connect reaffirm the value of creating spaces that promote interaction, collaboration, and mutual support among business leaders. 

Stay connected through our social media channels to participate in upcoming events and become part of our growing business community.