BeautyUBlink owner builds spa business

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For the past eight years, Shay J. Bey has owned and operated BeautyUBlink. The name of the business is a delightful play on words that gives you a glimpse into her offerings.

Bey is a licensed advanced aesthetician who believes that self-care is “essential to living a happy, healthy life.” BeautyUBlink is more than a business. It is a calling and a labor of love at the same time. Her goal is to provide comprehensive spa services and offer healing to the mind, body, and soul.

Services include custom eyelashes, facials, body waxing, Reiki healing techniques, and custom cosmetics made by her mother, Khatymah Muhammad El, through Kharymashkrafts.com, available for purchase. You could say that entrepreneurship is in her bloodline.

BeautyUBlink is an appointment only business in Bedford, Ohio. I recently spoke to Bey about her hopes for the future and her personal journey:

Lewis: Is the beauty business what you always wanted to do?
Bey: No. As a child, I thought about becoming a veterinarian. But I realized that I could never euthanize an animal, nor do I like cleaning up after them. Then I thought about becoming a chef. I still love to cook. Sometimes I feed my clients. That just makes me feel good. Then I thought about becoming a fashion designer.

Lewis: How long has BeautyUBlink been in operation?
Bey: Altogether, it has been eight years. I just decided that I would only work the business and leave everything else alone. I need to focus if I am going to make it work. Until February of this year, I worked as an EKG Tech, and I am also a Registered Behavioral Therapist.

Lewis: Has BeautyUBlink always been based in the Cleveland area?
Bey: My first location was on the east side of Cleveland. Then I moved to the west side, and about a year ago came to Bedford. I also had a space in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Lewis: How did you end up in Las Vegas?
Bey: I went on a girl’s trip to Las Vegas during COVID-19, Vegas never shut down like the rest of the country. I remember standing in the airport looking down on all the people and thinking to myself, “Look at all these people. They come to Las Vegas from all over the world and need the services that I offer. How can I get some of that money?” So I began networking with some of the spas and salons. Before I knew it, I had the key to a salon and could come and go as I pleased. I did that for two years. Now I am based only in Bedford.

Lewis: What are your goals for BeautyUBlink?
Bey: By the end of 2027, I plan to take part in at least three major events. The ones that I am considering include the Beauty and Barber Expo here in Cleveland. There is a competition in New York where you submit entries online, the Essence Fest in 2027, which is usually held in New Orleans, Louisiana, and lastly, Pride Weekend here in Cleveland, Ohio. My focus right now is growing the business.

Lewis: Who is your ideal client?
Bey: My ideal client is generally a mature, established person. I am not looking to create over-the-top looks. My goal is to enhance a person’s natural beauty and help them feel comfortable with who they are.

Lewis: I’ll be honest. I had this vision of you with over-the-top lashes before I walked in the door. But your look, even with lashes, is very clean and sophisticated. How did you get started?
Bey: I practiced on myself. I would literally spend hours in the mirror perfecting my look. Then, people would ask me to do their makeup. It surprised me at first. They would ask me how much I charged. I thought, wow! I can get paid for this. I enjoy it so much, I would do it for free, but you cannot build a successful business by giving away your time and talent for free.

Lewis: When you dream about the future success of BeautyUBlink what do you see?
Bey: I would definitely like to have my own spa. I was offered a storefront at a really reasonable monthly rate, but I had to turn it down because I knew that it would have been a distraction to my overall plans. I want my own building. I want a spa that will have the usual spa amenities but also some not-so-usual options. That is all I can say for now. I do not want to give all of my ideas away.

Visit: beautyublink.com.

Sharon Lewis has a degree in Speech Communications from John Carroll University and has previously worked as a producer, director, and talent.

Algebra Tea House: A Beacon of Community and Cultural Harmony

By Amahriah Ransom

Today, we bring you a narrative on the pivotal steps taken by small businesses, exemplified by the journey of Algebra Tea House, nestled at 2136 Murray Hill Rd. in Cleveland, Ohio, radiating warmth and solace.

Helmed by Palestinian native Ayman Alkayali, Algebra Tea House isn’t merely a café; it’s a conduit for community cohesion and solidarity with Palestinian causes.

Established in 2001, the tea house has evolved into a hub where diverse patrons connect over 28 exquisite teas and dishes steeped in Palestinian heritage. Ayman, the visionary owner, infuses his passion for art into every corner, adorning the space with handcrafted marvels that embody his ethos of inclusivity and cultural appreciation.

At Algebra Tea House, the ambiance exudes tranquility, enveloping visitors in a sanctuary illuminated by soft lighting and adorned with evocative pottery and paintings.

The establishment’s ties with the Palestinian community run deep, evident in its culinary offerings, Middle Eastern spices, and symbolic scarves representing resilience and freedom. Purchasing these scarves not only supports the tea house but also signifies solidarity with its mission.

Ayman’s penchant for community-building stems from his worldly experiences, driving him to raise awareness about societal issues. Algebra Tea House stands as a testament to this ethos, aligning with movements like the Cleveland Resisting Movement and fostering unity between Black and Brown communities.

For patrons seeking a second home, Algebra Tea House offers a haven of serenity, culinary delights, and diverse perspectives. It’s a place where connections are forged, thoughts are shared, and peace reigns supreme—a sentiment embodied in every corner of this cherished establishment. Come. Experience the comfort and camaraderie of Algebra Tea House—a home away

Back To The FutureLAND

By Nicole D. Miller

No stranger to creativity and artistic expression, Cleveland has grown another limb to flex its capabilities. If technology is the arm, then FutureLAND is its hand. FutureLAND is a thriving tech movement sweeping the urban sector by storm.

FutureLAND attendees, including artist Lacey Talley, 2nd from right. (Photo: Brian Kartisan Photography)

Last year, the first FutureLAND tech conference was held, inclusive of heavy hitters Rich Paul, Mayor Justin Bibb, and many more. But the conference isn’t just about names. FutureLAND puts money where its mouth is.

Chad Porter, CEO and founder of CHVDJUSTIN™, a company that sells savvy backpacks called the WEARPACK®, is just one beneficiary of FutureLAND’S generosity. In the 2022 first annual conference, his business was awarded an impressive $25,000 as the 1st place winner of the President’s Council’s annual Pitch Competition. The President’s Council is Northeast Ohio’s primary Black business chamber.

The Pitch Competition’s stunning seed capital propelled CHVDJUSTIN™ into a six-figure revenue business they’ve maintained over the last year. Their expansion into a downtown warehouse in Cleveland, evolving into a wholesale business model, securing intellectual property, and establishing a full-on staff were just some of the perks of partnering with FutureLAND.

FutureLAND went one step further with sowing into this local business by purchasing custom-made bags for their VIP guests at the 2023 conference. Chad shares that as an Ohio State University Economics major, he couldn’t gain traction and receive the support he needed to experience this level of success. It was only when he moved back to his hometown that his business soared.

“While living in Columbus, I was denied every opportunity to raise capital and partner with local organizations,” says the six-figure innovator. “I thought it would be the best environment, but I had absolutely no luck. Most of our sales were coming from Cleveland. Cleveland saw our value. I knew I needed to move back home.”

This is the stuff FutureLAND is made of. Everyone is impacted when the mission to transform the community with thriving businesses via qualified participants is accomplished. Everyone can eat.

Corey James & Courtney Lynn Ottrix of Courtney Covers Cleveland, with other attendees. (Photo: Brian Kartisan Photography)

Through events held by FutureLAND, minorities, and small business owners get the playing field leveled. They can then experience the elite opportunity to own the dreams they’ve worked so hard to invest in. But the challenge is ensuring that those needing assistance know of its availability.

To bring this awareness for the 2023 conference, several media outlets displaying advertisements for FutureLAND were tapped into, such as WZAK 93.1 and WOIO Channel 19 News.

A “For the Culture Mixer” was also held at Worthington Yards Art Gallery, nestled between W. 6th and W. 9th St. off St. Clair in the heart of downtown Cleveland. Per the Director, Liz Maugans, this gallery specializes in hosting non-profit cultural events. Stashed inside an upscale remodeled apartment building, the by-product of an adaptive reuse project, this hidden gem aims to be an activator of representation of all Clevelanders on its walls.

“Moses” by Artist Joanna Mitchell (Photo credit: Liz Maugans)

“It’s important for buildings not to be stagnant,” says Liz, “but be porous, engaging in the community, so that Clevelanders feel like they belong.” This pivotal partnership with FutureLAND exposed more artists, innovators, and creatives to the gallery and connected FutureLAND to its audience. The mixer was a win-win for all. “It’s amazing to see these types of opportunities for minorities in these spaces and this kind of support for local neighborhoods,” Liz adds. “FutureLAND is well on its way.”

The connections in getting the word out do not stop there. Taste Makers United, who sponsored the “For the Culture Mixer,” is also a key player. Owned by Camille Genise, a cofounder of FutureLAND, Taste Maker’s desire to “…provide community, top tier networking experiences, and capital to affect change in various industries…” was adeptly in line with all parties involved.

“FutureLAND has personally helped my organization, Tastemakers United, by hiring us last year to execute parts of the 2022 conference and sponsor the 2023 For the Culture Mixer,” informs Camille. “This monetary support by hiring and sponsoring us allowed me to bootstrap much-needed funds into Tastemakers United to continue community building for creative entrepreneurs and ‘tastemakers’ in our city. “

The testimonies keep flowing when it comes to this tech forerunner. The second annual conference, held in Cleveland’s beloved Playhouse Square Theater on Oct. 5 and 6, was a picture-perfect portrait of the infusion of innovation, creativity, and technology. This home to the arts housed panel discussions and workshops on branding and marketing, women in tech, critical investment knowledge, and a plethora of other vital topics for every entrepreneur.

Though Cleveland has yet to receive its just due when it comes to innovation, FutureLAND is a megaphone for the voices of youthful, diverse, driven visionaries sure to make that happen. When these conferences are executed, they dropkick doors and shatter glass ceilings for big dreamers by providing much-needed capital.

In 2023, the annual Pitch Cypher distributed this much-needed capital. A JumpStart-produced event in collaboration with The Urban League of Greater Cleveland, ECDI, The Hispanic Business Center, and The President’s Council, the Pitch Cypher awarded the following businesses:

1st place- Dr. Wendy Slone (founder + CEO) bTech ($25,000)
2nd place- Dr. Aparna Agarwal (cofounder), Auxilium Health ($15,000)
3rd place- Aleksandra Brankov (co-founder), Cafilia ($10,000)
4th place- Dr. Onomoe Scott-Emuakpor (cofounder) HyphenMade ($2,500)
5th place- Jay R. Fogle (founder) Lokul Media ($2,500)

That’s $55,000 in cold hard cash sown into minority and small business owners in one event alone. With numbers like these, the city can’t help but prosper.

(from left to right) Pitch Cypher judge Luke Cooper, grand prize winner Dr. Wendy Slone, and Pitch Cypher Finalist, Jay R. Fogle (Photo: Mariana Edelman)

The FutureLAND team knew they needed to upgrade for this year’s conference with the anticipation of thousands of attendees, so they developed community-initiated steering committees and a fellowship program.

But what’s next? The overall goal is to transform the tech and innovation systems through diversity and inclusion. To execute these forward thinkers’ lofty objectives, they require support from like-minded organizations. Key diverse founders from other marginalized groups are vital for this next-level execution.

“FutureLAND is more than a conference; it’s a movement,” says Alysha Ellis, another cofounder of FutureLAND. “We have a long way to go because we’re building Cleveland’s future together. We need true collaboration, equitable leadership, and, most importantly, ownership, because if we build it together, our people will come, partake, and co-own!”

Stay abreast of all upcoming events by visiting futurelandcle.com.

Dining and Dashing: A Trendy Getaway?

By Presious Mills

Dining out at a restaurant is an experience that many of us enjoy, but for some, it’s become a chance to pull off a sly disappearing act that leaves establishments shortchanged and staff perplexed. This sneaky culinary trend is known as “dining and dashing.” Often perceived as an issue primarily in busy urban areas, it’s actually more common than imagined and occurs even in suburban neighborhoods across Ohio.
Dining and dashing is a dishonest act where individuals consume a meal or service at a restaurant and then attempt to leave without paying for it. Some individuals even enter restaurants to enjoy their meal while finding a way to avoid settling the bill. It’s a behavior that not only tarnishes the dining experience but also affects the livelihood of restaurant owners and staff.
In recent news, a Tampa, Florida restauranteur has begun using tech-savvy tactics in dealing with these dine-n-dash desperados. The owner now takes photos and videos of would-be dashers’ faces and license plates and then posts them (along with their bills!) on social media. The result has a better than 90% success rate of paying off delinquent tabs. Those who aren’t shamed into paying by the media publicity might instead get “turned in” by family or friends. And they all must take “the walk of shame” and pay in person.
Rachel, the General Manager of Buffalo Wild Wings in Brooklyn, Ohio, has witnessed her fair share of diners attempting a quick getaway. She emphasized the importance of prompt payment, saying, “I require that when the servers drop the checks, they are cashed out approximately 2-3 minutes later.” This ensures that diners don’t have the chance to make a hasty exit unnoticed.
Others take a stronger customer service approach. An Applebee’s manager with much experience in Garfield Heights, who wished to remain anonymous, shared insights into their approach. They train their staff to be attentive to customers’ needs and to spend most of their working hours in front of the house. This attention to service helps to deter potential dashers. In the rare event that a guest has an issue, they make it a point to have a manager address it promptly. “We never allow our employees to chase the guest out of the building,” this manager stated, adding that instead, they record license plate numbers and report incidents to the police. Applebee’s, while understanding that mistakes can happen, values the opportunity to make things right for their guests.
Sadly, dining and dashing is seen as a twisted thrill for some individuals. The excitement of successfully evading payment, coupled with the false power it offers, becomes a strange motivation for those who engage in this behavior. It is a disheartening aspect of the service industry that both managers and staff must confront.
If people don’t dine and dash, some resort to crafty tactics to escape paying their bills. Managers have reported instances where customers eat all the food they ordered and then call a manager to their table to complain about every item, hoping to dodge their bills. In more extreme cases, diners have been known to eat part of their meal and then go to the extent of dropping their own hairs into it to fabricate complaints and order something different off the menu, all in an attempt to avoid paying.
Dining and dashing is a problem that affects restaurants of all sizes and locations, including suburban neighborhoods in Ohio. Despite the challenges it poses, the commitment of restaurant managers and staff to ensure attentive service and a swift resolution to any issues is admirable. By understanding the motives behind dining and dashing and implementing preventative measures, restaurants can continue to provide excellent dining experiences while discouraging those who seek to dine and dash. Dining out should be an enjoyable experience for everyone involved, and dining and dashing undermines that for many.

Employment: Recruiter-Seasonal

By Entry-level Recruiter

Removing The Stigma (RTS) is looking for a hardworking, motivated, and results-oriented individual to add to our team as a Recruiter. The primary purpose of a Recruiter is to guide candidate placement for RTS. This part-time, seasonal position requires strong attention to detail, sound decision-making, and strong interpersonal skills.
This is an exciting role that is a perfect position for a retiree in human resources, college students, or a recent college graduate looking to start a career in recruiting, gaining experience, and supporting the efforts of a start-up nonprofit organization.

About Removing The Stigma

Since the official inception of Removing the Stigma (RTS) in 2013, it has taken small but powerful steps to bring a voice to stigma, mental illness, and suicide by engaging the community and being a resource for education, advocacy, and peer support. It is RTS’s vision that all people, from every walk of life, experience and realize the hope of being mentally and emotionally well.
Duties & Responsibilities

Conduct weekly phone calls to candidates to generate an active pipeline
Recruit and place candidates with a sense of urgency
Actively recruit, Interview, screen, and assess candidates to determine skill set and potential fit for positions
Initiate/conduct and maximize searches using a variety of social media and networking
Communicate regularly with potential candidates, applicants, and the hiring manager to inform them of the process and status
Proactively recruit by utilizing job fairs, email campaigns, and job boards to maintain “on-deck” candidates
Utilize staffing software and/or MS Excel to manage and track the status of candidates
Performs other related duties & responsibilities as assigned

Education & Experience

Working toward or having a two-year Associate Degree in Business or Human Resources
Experience with interviewing
Basic understanding of basic human resources functions surrounding interviewing, hiring, terminating, compensation guidelines, workers’ compensation, and unemployment
Knowledge of the nonprofit industry is preferred but no
t required

Required Skills

MS Office skills including Word and Excel
Google Workspace
Strong verbal and written communication skills
Good customer service skills
Ability to work independently and maintain a high level of productivity

Job Type: Part-Time/Seasonal

Pay:$15.00 per hour

Benefits: None

Schedule:

Flexible
2-3-hour shift
Day and/or evening shift (shifts can vary)
Monday – Saturday
Work Location: In-person and remote

Midwest CannaWomen and the Ohio Midwest CannaFest

By Bruce Checefsky

Ally Reaves, founder and president of Midwest CannaWomen, wants people to know that the cannabis industry is thriving in Ohio. She has worked in the industry since 2017, educating and providing community resources to help Ohioans to become legal Medical Marijuana patients, empowering minority communities while advocating for women.

Reaves, born and raised in the Quincy neighborhood of Cleveland, was an intern at the Cleveland School of Cannabis the same year she founded Midwest CannaWomen. The intern experience was so rewarding she started her business which includes outreach programs to educate the public on cannabis use and procurement. Five years later, Midwest CannaWomen will present their fifth annual event on Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023, from 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Rid-All Green Partnership, a Black-owned organization and one of the largest urban farms in Ohio, located at 8129 Otter Ave. in Cleveland.

Ohio Midwest CannaFest Part III has a western-style theme featuring Ohio Licensed Cannabis Operators and Ancillary/Supply Chain businesses that educate and provide resources on the cannabis industry. Spring Mist Farm Mobile Petting Zoo with Uncle David will be there with eighteen farm animals, food vendors, farm animals, farm games, Cowboy Girl/Cowboy Best Outfit Contest with cash prizes, and more. The event is free and open to the public. “I only allow licensed operators and ancillary supply chain companies to sponsor my events,” said Reaves. “No hemp or CBD because the laws are strict.”

CBD is a single compound in the cannabis plant, and marijuana is a type of cannabis plant or plant material that contains many naturally occurring compounds, including CBD and THC. Hemp and CBD products are generally not produced by licensed medical marijuana companies. Ohio Department of Agriculture regulates hemp; the Department of Commerce, the State Medical Board, and the Ohio Board of Pharmacy regulate medical cannabis.

“Hemp and cannabis are two different types of products. The products with flowers and stuff you find in smoke shops are not regulated,” she said. “People think they are buying tested, legal medical cannabis products, and they are not. There are ninety-nine medical dispensaries in Ohio. They do not have leaves of anything like that.”

Cannabis in Ohio is legal for medical use and illegal for recreational use. Possession of less than 100 grams or about 3.5 ounces is considered a minor misdemeanor. Offenders can face a $150 fine. Possession of more than 100 grams but less than 200 grams of marijuana is a misdemeanor punishable by up to thirty days in jail and a $250 fine.

Reaves also created statewide career fairs and clinics across Ohio in Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati, with her partner Nickole Ross at Noohra Labs. She has been instrumental in helping people with low-level marijuana convictions expunge their records so they can seek opportunities at work or school.

The event will be hosted by Because Cannabis Podcast Host, B.C.Wehman and Dustin Kava, and sponsored by Noohra Labs, Buckeye Relief, Green Thumb Industries, Beneleaves, Appalachian Farms, Standard Farms, Ancient Roots, Lighthouse Scientific, and SV Laboratories.

“I like to call myself an ally between the cannabis industry and community,” she said. “My real name is Alicia, but I nicknamed myself Ally because I am an ally for the people.”

Tickets can be purchased at: midwestcannafest2.eventbrite.com.
For additional information: allyreaves@midwestcannawomen.com.

Futureland: A Promise for Cleveland

By Nicole D. Miller

This October, the east bank of the flats in Cleveland was swarmed with innovators, creatives, leaders, and tech gurus donning their best business attire and genius mindsets. But what made this picture of dynamite entrepreneurs even more unique was that it was comprised of almost 100% minorities. What brought such a vast number of Black and Brown folks together? Cleveland’s first annual Futureland Conference.

In partnership with Jumpstart Inc., Futureland was spearheaded by six local entrepreneurs: Alysha Ellis, director of education, Camille Genise, director of events, Aaron Marks, director of finance, Charron Leeper, creative director, Kumar Arora, director of marketing, and Musa Hakim Jr., director of web 3 & internet technology.

The purpose of Futureland was to create a tech/innovation ecosystem to support and showcase the diverse talent of Cleveland and to cast a vision for the city’s future. The conference was a bundle of workshops, concerts, speakers, business pitches, fashion shows, panel discussions, and much more!

The need for a tech conference geared explicitly toward minorities is great. According to the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), this field is dominated by 83% whites in comparison to 2% Blacks (at minimum), 3% Hispanics (at minimum), and up to 20% Asians (at most).

Maestro Stevens, owner of The Iconic Expressions, led the Brand Startup 101 workshop at Futureland and can attest to these numbers. “There is a lack of education, features, and opportunities in my community for the tech industry,” he said when interviewed. “There is also a lack of representation of Black Americans within the tech space.”

Futureland is a solution to that lack by providing knowledge, guidance, and resources to improve successful small business rates—and the best part was that it was curated by and for the minority community.

Alysha Ellis, a serial entrepreneur, shares what she took from her experience hosting Futureland “…we must be a part of the decision-making process. We can’t continue to build things without people and expect them to show up. In order for us to have sustainable growth, we must co-create together!”

It is that mindset and energy that is vibrantly shaking this community’s business sector, and organizations such as Jumpstart Inc. recognize it. Jumpstart’s mission “to unlock the full potential of entrepreneurs in the Northeast Ohio region by delivering capital services and connections” perfectly aligned with the need to assist minorities in the tech industry.

Camille Genise, the Entrepreneur in Residence at Jumpstart, shared that one of the major goals of Futureland was to reach the right people. Often, conferences and workshops can be missed by the people who need them most, but that was not the case this time.

Mayor Bibb with sports agent Rich Paul

Although planning started in August, which is late for most conferences, the event did not appear rushed, featuring celebrities such as Rich Paul and Cleveland’s own Mayor Justin Bibb. Many workshops were even held at global accounting powerhouse Ernst & Young.

The encouragement to Cleveland’s innovators has been long-awaited and eagerly received. “We need to see that it’s possible,” says Jay R. Fogle, a member of Futureland’s planning committee. “We need to see there are movers and shakers moving to know it can happen.” And “it” IS happening.

So, what can the community expect from the next Futureland? Camille, also the owner of FELOH, a marketplace for beauty lovers, advises that there will be less emphasis on small businesses and more on futurism. Get ready for topics of e-com businesses, loan-based capital, and emerging industries. Get ready for Cleveland to be positioned as a power player in the current Black Renaissance.

The good news is that Cleveland will not have to wait a whole year for the next conference. There will be a mix of networking events and panel discussions starting in early 2023 leading up to the major conference next October. Be on the lookout for announcements regarding these mixers. They just might be the opportunity for scaling, prosperity, and creating generational wealth. Additional information can be found at futurelandcle.com.

Nicole D. Miller is a self-published author, tenured blogger, and serial entrepreneur in Cleveland. Owner of ND Miller Publishing, where she provides aspiring authors with affordable resources to manifest quality content. Learn more at nicoledmiller.com.

Minority Businesses: Become Eligible For Government and Corporate Contracts

By Raland (cq) Hatchett, President and CEO RH Professional Services

RH Professional Services provide strategic, balanced, and objective business and corporate management consulting services to save businesses time and money. RH partners with corporate management to improve their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, stakeholder engagement, and social impact. Raland consulting company is a full service management consulting firm that focuses on nonprofit consulting, equity, inclusion and diversity, change management, public relations, strategic planning, leadership development and training.

Obtaining city, state or federal certification for a business owned by a minority isn’t easy. The new or existing owner has to be patient, organized and willing to fill out loads of complicated forms to document their status.

However, gaining the certification can be lucrative. It gives these business owners great rewards including access to corporate buyers looking for minority-owned businesses, networking events and posting on a special database open only to minority certified businesses. Let me explain how you can overcome the hurdles to becoming a certified business owner.

What is a Minority Business Enterprise certification?

A Minority Business Enterprise certification (MBE) is a certification for businesses owned and operated by a U.S. citizen whose ethnicity is African American, Hispanic American, Asian-Indian, Asian Pacific, or Native American. The owner has to have a 51% ownership and control of the business, and be in business for at least one year.

What is the origin to apply for Minority Business Enterprise certification (MBE)?

The Minority Business Enterprise program and the designated certification dates back to 1969 with the establishment of the Office of Minority Business Enterprise, a federal agency exclusively dedicated to minority business enterprises. In “1973”, the Office of Minority Business Enterprise established a national business service network and provided seed funding to numerous minority advocacy organizations.

These organizations included the National Minority Purchasing Council (now known as the National Minority Supplier Development Council), Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, National Economic Development Association (NEDA), the Chicago Economic Corporation and the National Council of LaRaza.

The state of Ohio’s mandate in 1980 to work with minority owned businesses, was established through advocacy and legislative efforts.

Why should a minority business owner obtain a MBE certification?

One important point to stress is for business owners to think first about your ideal customer. Once you’ve decided who is your ideal customer, then apply for the minority business enterprise certification from either the city of Cleveland, Cuyahoga County, state of Ohio, or the National Minority Supplier Development Council, a national organization that offers access to corporate purchasing agents and supply chains. A certification(MBE/WBE/other) is not required to operate your business, but it helps businesses by providing them with a chance to access new resources and opportunities that are profitable.

What are the benefits of MBE Certification?

Certification gives MBEs exclusive access to top corporate purchasing agents, premium networking events, searchable supplier databases, affordable consulting services, technology programs, and vital introductions to nationally known corporations.

Examples:

Contract assistance -Work one on one with a business advisor to search for contract opportunities for your business
Receive invitations or notifications about purchasing opportunities. For instance, the state of Ohio has a set aside program because of a mandate that the agency spend 15% of its spending budgets on minority firms certified by the State of Ohio.
Include each company’s certified company profile in a directory used by purchasing agents searching for goods or services provided by minority owned businesses
Financial and bonding assistance – Work one on one with a business advisor to prepare a business plan and submit a request for a loan from a bank or request bonding from an insurance company.
Management and technical assistance – Work with a business advisor to create a marketing and sales plan to grow the business or attend workshops learning how to train your current workforce on best practices used for great customer service.

What are the requirements to apply for a Minority Business Enterprise Certification? (MBE)

The State of Ohio offers four types of certification. Each certification requires the completion of the application process. Certification as a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Encouraging Diversity Growth and Equity Program (EDGE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Veteran-Friendly Business Enterprise Procurement Program (VBE) requires the completion of a certification application and the submission of required documents.

The documents needed are:

Birth Certificate or passport
Last tax year State of Ohio tax return
Bank signature card or letter showing who has signature authority for company’s bank account,
Personal tax return for past three year for the majority owner,
W-2s and/or 1099 for majority owner and spouse
Business taxes S
Schedules K-1 or schedule C for the past three years,
Most recent balance sheet, cash flow statement, profit and loss statement
Facility lease and ownership documentation
Loans and security agreement
Equipment list
List of subcontractors or suppliers used
Two of your largest signed contracts.

*This checklist is a great example of the type of information the certification agency (public or private) requires to process your certification application.

Application Process

Many business owners report the application process is not intuitive, so I recommend you dedicate a few hours of your time to complete the process. It is important that you’ve prepared and collected all documents on the checklist before you begin the application. The Unified Application for the State of Ohio MBE certification is designed to collect information in the following categories:

Company Information-address, email, business phone number
Employee Information-the number of full time or part time, minority or female employees
Business Information-date business began operations
Owner Information-standard personal information, % of ownership, etc.
Owner’s information on assets & liabilities, cash, IRA or retirement, personal property, real estate, auto/other assets. If there are several owners, each must complete this section
Property Details-type of property, date of purchase, cost, market value
Board of Directors- list of board members
Independent decision making functions-list of those who make company decisions
Company Officer Information- names of corporate officers
Business Gross Receipts- revenue earned in previous years of operating the business
Contribution/Assets Details- investment made to start business like cash and/or equipment
Business Information questionnaire
Personal eligibility statement
Name of the person completing application

Warning: As you go through each section on your computer, please understand that the system will not move forward to the next section until all required information has been completed. If you run into any issues with the application system, first save what you’ve entered into the system and then request to speak with someone from support.

Follow up:

Once your application is submitted and under review by the certification team at the agency granting certification, the process could potentially take up to 90 days. Be prepared to talk to the agency if questions arise about your application.

Certification Processes

The Minority Business Development Division and Minority Business Assistance Centers can help businesses become state-certified in four different programs. Recertification is for businesses whose certificates have expired after one year. Cross certification is for firms certified with one State agency that is recognized by another State agency or Joint Ventures.

In addition to the technical assistance, the federal, state, local government, and corporations(not for-profit and for profit) have created programs specially designed to help develop the minority owned businesses to level the playing field and help these businesses grow.

A Minority Business Enterprise certification (MBE) application process is complex and labor intensive, but qualifying for the certification opens the door to corporate buyers, networking events and a special database. That access can help these businesses expand and grow. So don’t be discouraged by the process. For many companies aiming to be bigger and better, it is well worth it.

For more information, contact Urban League of Greater Cleveland, Minority Business Assistance Center(MBAC),216-622-0999 or Ohio MBDA Business Center, (216) 592-2223

Here is a list of resources to help you if interested in the minority business certification

Minority Business Bonding Program.

Ohio Capital Access Program.

Collateral Enhancement Program.

Ohio Micro-Loan Program.

Supplier Diversity Program(Corporate)

Ohio Business Gateway | Ohio.gov

Certifications | Development (ohio.gov)

Starting and Growing Your Minority Business | Development (ohio.gov)

Minority Business Assistance Centers | Development (ohio.gov)

Equal Opportunity | City of Cleveland (clevelandohio.gov)

City of Cleveland

Certification and Compliance Reporting System (diversitycompliance.com)

Diversity Certifications (cuyahogacounty.us)

Certification Process – Ohio Minority Supplier Development Council (ohiomsdc.org)

SCORE for Black Entrepreneurs | SCORE

Resources for Obtaining MBE, WBE, and EDGE Certification for Your Ohio Business | SCORE

Ohio MBDA Business Center

This story is a part of the Northeast Ohio Solutions Journalism Collaborative’s Making Ends Meet project. NEO SoJo is composed of 18-plus Northeast Ohio news outlets including (partner name goes here).

ENGAGE! CLEVELAND’s Signature Program Bolsters Young Talent

Engage! Cleveland will host its fifth annual Lead CLE: Professional Development Conference on Nov. 3-4, 2022. This two-day conference includes presentations by some of the region’s top experts.

“Engage! Cleveland is proud to once again offer our Professional Development Conference to provide young professionals with an affordable and incredibly valuable way to advance their careers,” said Ashley Basile Oeken, president of Engage! Cleveland. “With programming specifically designed to help elevate the careers of early career young professionals, Lead CLE provides the tools to grow personally and professionally in Cleveland.”

This event will offer both in-person and virtual ticket options and will include 10 sessions in total.

Sessions, Day 1 – Nov. 3, 2022:

●    Mastering Professional Courage presented by Kris McGuigan, Founder & Chief Executive Officer, Professional Courage
●    Navigating Change in the Workplace presented by Erica Ishida, President and Chief Operating Officer, Apple Growth Partners
●    All In: Teamwork and Collaboration presented by Jared Daly, Coordinator of Employer Engagement Services, Cuyahoga County
Board of Developmental Disabilities
●    Complex Problem Solving presented by Lee Ann Cochran, Partner, Amphora Consulting
●    Balancing Act of a Young Professional presented by Cicely D. Campbell, Director, Women in Transition Program, Cuyahoga Community College

Sessions, Day 2 – Nov. 4, 2022

●    Standing Out presented by John Bernatovicz, Founder, Willory
●    Understanding Workplace Communication presented by Karla Wludyga, Director of Organizational Development, PRADCO
●    How to Be an Effective Leader presented by Tracey Messer, Professor, Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University
●    Leveraging Networks and Selling Yourself presented by Marvin Montgomery, Author and Speaker
●    Lessons in Leadership presented by Michelle Hirsch, Senior Vice President, Brunswick Companies, and Craig Dorn, President & Chief Executive Officer, Youth Opportunities Unlimited

The conference will take place at The Cleveland Public Library-Louis Stokes Wing, and will also be available via live stream. Those interested in learning more or registering for the event can visit engagecleveland.org/leadcle.

To learn more about Engage! Cleveland or new programs, jobs, and civic opportunities for young professionals in Cleveland, please visit engagecleveland.org and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, and Twitter.

The 5th Annual Lead CLE: Professional Development Conference is sponsored by Case Western Reserve University Weatherhead School of Management, KJK, AMS, Code3, and Oswald Companies.

Engage! Cleveland is a community engagement organization for young professionals and business/community leaders who are passionate about making Cleveland a lasting home for the next generation. Our goal is to attract, engage and retain young, diverse talent to Greater Cleveland by connecting young professionals to people, jobs, organizations, and events. You can learn more at www.engagecleveland.org.

Workplace Issues: Call Me Mr., Mrs., or Doctor!

By Sheila Ferguson

How you address your co-workers and superiors in the workplace can be a significant issue in organizations big and small. Calling everyone in your workplace by their first name is not always acceptable. It is only correct when others ask to be called by their first names. When people of rank insist upon being called by their first names, you can safely follow that request. Other people who prefer to be referred to as Mr., Ms., Mrs., or Dr. should also get respect. Though you may think such requests are not a big deal, they are. Everyone has an identity, and their formal titles often have personal and historical significance. Just because you think calling everyone by their first name is OK, it’s not always appropriate.

Respect The Title at All Costs

Giving respect by the use of titles is a “diversity issue.” It is linked to personal identity, gender, race and ethnicity, organizational status, and experiences of prior inequitable or demeaning treatment. Within organizations, using titles is also an effective way of marking rank and status boundaries. The request to have one’s title recognized is a matter of respect and distinction.

Regarding female, minority, and older workers, titles also hold significance. If you have mixed feelings about honoring the titles your co-workers want you to use, take a moment to examine your respect for others. It would help if you were agreeable to that person’s request, as it is not about you. You may make it highly personal and discriminatory whenever you dishonor the request.

What Offends You About the Use of Titles?

If you are working with persons who require that they be called Mr., Mrs., or Dr., it is important that you comply. They have earned the credentials, and you must examine your resistance to their accomplishments. You may need to examine:

Do I feel that titles are stuffy and create a barrier between me and the “titled” individual?
Does honoring someone’s advanced degrees make me feel unaccomplished?
Am I jealous of the accomplishments of others?
Do I think it’s authoritarian for someone to ask to be called by their title?

If you have said yes to any of the above, a corporate diversity and human relations issue is brewing. Your behavior could be seen as a form of harassment by your offended coworker or superior. Your resistance may mean that you have difficulty conveying respect. It could help if you acknowledged the unique worldview differences between you and others. Your opposition to your co-worker’s polite request may reflect your insecurity or lack of appreciation of the other’s achievements.

Please Call Me Mister

Men who demand that others refer to them as Mr. are calling for respect. The tendency is common among older and minority men in the workplace occupying low-skilled positions. These men deserve to be treated as valued team members. Though others may view first names as a form of friendliness and social acceptance, it is still offensive.

Absolute Use of the Title: Mrs.

Women who wish to be called Mrs. in the workplace command a level of respect and social stature. The use of the title Mrs. sends a direct message to co-workers and managers that the woman is:

To be respected as a wife and mother; and
Unavailable for any exploitation or sexual dalliances with anyone in the workplace.

The title of “Mrs.” creates a tenor of respect and formality. Many women have had a history of working in low-wage jobs where their first names were used to discount them. Failure to use the titles of Mrs. or Ms. is viewed as disrespect. Note: This type of boundary management in women is common among silent and baby boomer generations. Remember that these women began their careers in the era before legal protections existed against sexual and workplace intimidation, harassment and stalking. The term Mrs. is a shield against disrespect.

Meet the Dr.

In the case of individuals who have earned the coveted title of Dr., linked to the attainment of a Ph.D., Psy.D., MD, DDS, D. Min and other degrees, it is best to respect their titles. Gain clarity about how these individuals want to be addressed. The most common rationales include:

“I worked hard for this degree and under extreme duress.”
Only a tiny segment of the population can earn these credentials, and respect is deserved; and
Client confidence is heightened when you use their title.

Rules of the Road

Always let your coworkers, colleagues, and health practitioners tell you how they want to be addressed. Always address the person by their title or requested name. If you have been wrong in the past, apologize and take corrective action. Failure to cooperate could result in you being called on the carpet by your supervisor or HR, or asked to participate in a mediation.

Workplace Etiquette: How to Create a Civil Workplace Paperback – March 7, 2015, by Rebecca Black (Author), Walker Black (Editor)

Works Well with Others: An Outsider’s Guide to Shaking Hands, Shutting Up, Handling Jerks, and Other Crucial Skills in Business That No One Ever Teaches You – October 6, 2015, by Ross McCammon (Author)