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Local organization expands to support small businesses, entrepreneurs

  • June 23, 2025
The Minority Business Consortium hosted a seminar about small business loans on May 8 with Da’Shanna Carr, loan officer with the Community Investment Collaborative.

The Minority Business Consortium is hiring a new executive director, applications due by July 1

Martinsville, Va. — A local nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs is hiring its first executive director to lead the organization to new heights in Martinsville-Henry County.

Established in 2019, the Minority Business Consortium (MBC) began as a grassroots initiative offering technical assistance, mentorship, and critical resources to minority entrepreneurs. The Harvest Foundation invested $609,641 over the next three years to build the MBC’s internal infrastructure and expand services that uplift minority-owned businesses throughout the community.

“We believe that when we invest in people and their potential, our entire community benefits,” said DeWitt House, vice president of community investments at The Harvest Foundation. “Supporting the Minority Business Consortium aligns with Harvest’s mission to create a thriving community where everyone can envision a positive future. By uplifting minority-owned businesses, we’re not just addressing economic disparities, we’re opening doors to generational change, equity, and shared prosperity in Martinsville-Henry County.”

MBC’s goals over the next three years include increasing its annual membership, creating a robust calendar of programming and workshops, and securing additional funding to ensure long-term sustainability. The organization will also strengthen its operations with the addition of administrative support to support its growing staff.

“This investment from The Harvest Foundation represents a transformation in our mission, empowering the MBC to expand its reach, enhance organizational capacity, and more effectively support small business entrepreneurs,” said LaDonna Hairston, secretary of the MBC Board of Directors. “As an upcoming key connector within the regional ecosystem, the MBC will link businesses to existing resources, ensuring they have access to the tools, mentorship, and opportunities necessary for success. Rather than duplicating services, the MBC strategically fills critical gaps, delivering targeted support where it is needed most. This funding enables us to foster economic growth, support the development of sustainable businesses, and help build a stronger, more inclusive community.”

The MBC is looking for a visionary leader passionate about equity and economic growth. Qualifications include a bachelor’s degree, management experience in nonprofit or association work, leadership and communications skills, in addition to a dedication to diversity and economic development.

The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package, a leadership role in regional economic development, and a chance to make a lasting community impact.

Applicants should send a cover letter and resume to info@ourmbc.org by July 1.

To find out more about MBC, visit ourmbc.org or call (276) 806-6840.

Pictured are Valerie Harper, director of business development at the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corp., and Charles Whitfield, president of the Minority Business Consortium Board of Directors, at a recent MBC-sponsored event.

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  • Phone: (276) 632-3329
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Our goal is to create a vibrant Martinsville / Henry County for all citizens. We work to achieve this goal by investing in programs that stimulate economic development, promote education and health, and improve our overall quality of life.

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