Birmingham, AL – The Alabama Minority Vendor Conference (MVP Conference), now in its third year, wrapped up at the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex (BJCC) with a resounding message: minority, women-owned, veteran-owned, and small businesses are not just participating in the economy—they are shaping its future.
Powered by the Alabama Minority Vendor Program (MVP), this year’s event (September 19–20) drew hundreds of business owners, startups, and community leaders. Over two days, attendees navigated The Exchange for Small & Minority Businesses, high-impact workshops, keynote sessions featuring Dr. Egypt Sherrod and Larenz Tate, and masterclasses ranging from finance and technology to marketing and organizational leadership.
This year’s conference would not have been possible without the support of its dedicated partners and sponsors, whose investments in minority-owned business growth signal a wider commitment to economic inclusion in Alabama. The Alabama Department of Corrections, Square Foot Consulting, State of Alabama Office of Minority Affairs, HPM, Levitate Legal & Consulting, Southern Development Council, Inc., and The Caring Foundation of Blue Cross and Blue Shield all played vital roles in powering the 2025 MVP Conference. Their involvement reflects more than financial backing—it represents a collaborative vision to expand opportunity, create sustainable business ecosystems, and ensure that women-owned, veteran-owned, small, and growing businesses have the resources they need to thrive.
A Platform Designed for Growth
Unlike traditional conferences, the MVP Conference was built as a strategic hub—a place where partnerships are formed, contracts are seeded, and capacity-building is prioritized.
“The Exchange” floor was the centerpiece. Dozens of small and minority-owned businesses showcased their services while procurement reps, prime contractors, and institutional buyers explored partnerships. This year’s focus wasn’t just on visibility—it was on conversion, helping small businesses move from conversations to contracts.
For women-owned businesses, veteran entrepreneurs, and startups, the MVP Conference provided rare access: the ability to network directly with buyers who usually feel out of reach.
Workshops with Immediate Impact
One of the defining features of the 2025 MVP Conference was its commitment to actionable learning. Attendees didn’t just sit through lectures—they left with tools they could implement right away.
Highlights included:
- Crafting Winning Grant Proposals with Dr. Deidre Willis of DJW Impact Consulting.
- Building Sustainable Growth for minority-owned firms with attorney and business strategist Terri Sharpley Reynolds.
- Close the Year Strong: Build a Brand That Wins in 2026, a marketing workshop by Christopher D. Thomas, President of inMMGroup, who urged businesses to audit their brand blind spots before heading into the new year.
Each session aligned with MVP’s mission: capacity building and competitiveness for underrepresented businesses.
Keynotes that Inspired Action
Two keynote sessions stood out as cultural and entrepreneurial milestones:
- Dr. Egypt Sherrod, TV host and CEO of Indigo Road Family of Companies, energized the opening luncheon with lessons on leadership, resilience, and building generational wealth.
- Larenz Tate, award-winning actor, entrepreneur, and producer, headlined the Keynote Breakfast on day two, speaking on the intersections of creativity, entrepreneurship, and community impact.
Their presence underscored MVP’s commitment to blending inspiration with strategy, reminding attendees that visibility and storytelling are as vital as contracts and capital.
Masterclasses and Innovation Tracks
Beyond the keynotes, the masterclasses reflected the evolving needs of small and minority-owned businesses:
- Leadership & Culture: Elizabeth Gist of Grow Leaders Coaching & Consulting guided owners from “managing to multiplying.”
- Business Development: Callie Hincy of 24 Communications taught scalability and profitability strategies.
- Innovation & AI: Angela Hawkins introduced AI strategies for small business success, highlighting how automation can level the playing field.
- Finance & Capital: Amelia Thomas of Empire Capital Ventures revealed “Funding Secrets for the 1%™.”
- Masterchat on Growth Capital: CJ Glover and Walvid King offered banking insights for scaling enterprises.
Each session blended practical tactics with big-picture vision, helping attendees walk away not just inspired, but equipped.
Networking That Translates into Partnerships
No conference is complete without relationship-building—and MVP knows this well. From curated Connection Hours to the Networking Reception featuring The Official Clutch Band, attendees enjoyed spaces designed for authentic connection, not just card-swapping.
For many entrepreneurs, these conversations may be the spark that lights the path to six-figure contracts or cross-industry collaborations.
Setting the Standard for Minority Business Development
The Playmakers Closing Session brought stories of resilience and strategy from Anthony Buchanan (Let Bob Technologies), Karel Maxam (Rodriguez Construction), Reginald McDaniel (McDaniel & Associates), and Gregory Ramsey (Premier Healthcare Solutions & LR Development). Moderated by Abra Barnes of Barnes & Associates, REALTORS, the panel spotlighted what’s possible when minority-owned businesses are given the resources—and platforms—to grow.
Why the MVP Conference Matters
In its third year, the Alabama Minority Vendor Conference has established itself as the premier business growth event for minority and women-owned enterprises in the Southeast. It’s more than keynotes and workshops—it’s about capacity building, economic inclusion, and creating generational impact.
For startups seeking guidance, veterans transitioning into business ownership, and established entrepreneurs scaling to new heights, MVP has proven itself to be not just a conference, but a movement.
As the official website declares, “Seats are limited. Don’t wait. Claim your fast-action rate.” That urgency isn’t just about registration. It’s about the urgency of building businesses that can compete, thrive, and leave a legacy.
By inCity Magazine Staff Writer
For more information about the Alabama Minority Vendor Conference, visit: https://minorityvendorconference.com