Prepared by the National MBE Input Committee (NMBEIC)
Week 2: Why MBE-to-MBE Spend Matters: The Business Case for Buying from Each Other
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