A look at the 14 members of the 2024 Minority Business Initiative cohort

The Buffalo Niagara Partnership this week announced the third cohort of its Minority Business Initiative (MBI). 

The 2024 program includes the following 14 businesses: 

• Arm Hug: At the forefront of revolutionizing healthcare accessibility, its portable kits empower mobile phlebotomists and IV nurses to conduct healthcare procedures in the comfort of your home or nearest clinic. 

• Baldon Agency LLC- Farmers Insurance: A trusted local agency that focuses on delivering personalized insurance coverage solutions and exceptional customer service to protect what matters most to their clients. 

• The Bricks Collective: A community-driven organization dedicated to nurturing an ecosystem of emerging food entrepreneurs by fostering collaboration and providing access to essential resources. 

• Business Design & Advancement: A one-stop marketplace that empowers entrepreneurs and small business owners by providing educational resources, tools and templates designed to help streamline business operations and planning. 

• El Coquito716: A vibrant Puerto Rican restaurant that brings the rich flavors and traditions of Puerto Rican cuisine to the Buffalo area. 

• Equipped Trainings: A provider of professional development services, specializing in diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) training, cultural competence and leadership skills. 

• Families Aimed Toward Excellence (FATE): A community organization focused on empowering families through education, support services and advocacy by providing resources like parenting workshops, financial literacy programs and mentorship opportunities. 

• Honey Bee's Driving LLC: A driving education provider committed to teaching safe and responsible driving skills to new and experienced drivers with personalized lessons and a focus on building confidence behind the wheel. 

• Jasmine Thorpe Mental Health Counseling: Mental health counseling services focused on helping clients achieve emotional wellness and personal growth through a compassionate and client-centered approach. 

• Melanin Skyn Co.: A skincare brand dedicated to creating products that cater to the unique needs of melanin-rich skin. 

• MWBE Constructors, Inc. : A full-service general contractor that excels in project management, owner representation, business transformation, strategy development and comprehensive roadmap creation. 

• Security & Training Solutions, LLC: A security and DEI consultancy and trainer that offers comprehensive security services, specializing in both residential and commercial security solutions across the Buffalo area. 

• START WITH SLEEP, LLC: A trusted partner in sleep help education that provides sustainable solutions that put the science of sleep into action. 

• Therapeutic Sanctuary, Inc.: Mental health services provider dedicated to supporting underserved communities, especially African American families, through counseling and play therapy for children, families and individuals in Erie County. 

The BNP’s MBI program strives to eliminate the obstacles that have long hindered minority business ownership by providing minority-owned businesses access to the BNP's extensive resources and networks to further enhance their business acumen, intentionally grow an even more inclusive business environment and create a pathway to board membership. 

All MBI participants will: 

• Receive a two-year sponsored membership in the BNP 

• Attend an array of networking and educational events, which will allow these minority-owned businesses to immediately engage with other senior leaders across many different sectors 

• Have a listing in the BNP Membership Directory 

• Have access to the Member Portal of resources 

"Through the Minority Business Initiative, we can extend BNP resources to a broader segment of the business community,” says BNP President & CEO Dottie Gallagher. “This approach aims to foster greater diversity within our membership while empowering those voices through increased access to board roles and industry leadership opportunities” 

Access to BNP resources through the MBI program has brought past participants increased exposure to new audiences, networks and professional development programs. 

“This support has empowered me to make informed decisions and scale my business, all while continuing to mentor and uplift others in my community,” says Jazslyn Leon, CEO of Executive Sweeps and a member of the MBI’s second cohort. “I highly recommend the Minority Business Initiative to any minority business owner looking to elevate their business and make a lasting impact.”  

Leon and fellow MBI participant Deidre Batson-Griggs, president of Kiper Moving and Transportation, were recently selected to serve on the BNP Board of Directors, joining past cohort members Yves-Richard Blanc, president of Blanc Global Dynamism, and Ofo Ezeugwu, CEO and founder of Whose Your Landlord. 

This milestone represents a significant achievement in fulfilling the MBI's goal to ensure greater representation of minority voices in leadership roles. 

“By elevating these talented business leaders, the program continues to advance its mission of fostering inclusion, providing equitable opportunities and driving systemic change within the region's business community,” says BNP Director, Community Engagement & Equity Initiatives Kenya Hobbs. 

The Minority Business Initiative is funded through generous underwriting of Bank of America, Legends International, National Grid and the Buffalo Niagara Partnership. Click here to learn more.