The Empowerment Zone (EZ) in its quest to service the business community realized it needed to create an innovative way to broaden its boundaries to encompass the State of Indiana.  A need to develop a program to provide direct services specifically designed for the minority business community was identified.  In order to address the growing need for services in January of 2003 the EZ applied for and received funding from the Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to operate the Northwest Indiana Minority Business Opportunity Committee (NIMBOC).  The NIMBOC is now called the Indiana Minority Enterprise Center (IMEC). 

IMEC has generated a level of energy and awareness among the MWBE community and other buying organizations regarding the economic benefits of full inclusion and participation of MWBEs in the region’s economy.  With a lack of parity among most minority-owned firms in spite of rapidly emerging industries and economic growth opportunities in the State of Indiana, there continues to be a major need for IMEC’s services and resources.

IMEC staff has developed a ‘hands on” approach to addressing the needs of the MWBE business community.  Vital workshops and seminars have been identified to prepare MWBEs for upcoming contract opportunities.  Workshops are educational, client based, and rotated between the cities of Gary, East Chicago and Hammond. 

Partnering resources are paramount to the ability of IMEC staff in accomplishing the mission of providing quality services to MWBEs.  The current advisory committee is a “working” group of key decision-makers who are committed to measurable outcomes.  IMEC is also comprised of four extremely active sub-committees, Finance, Contracting & Procurement, Marketing and International Trade. 

The Finance-Sub-Committee was established to address the critical need of MWBEs to access capital.  The Committee affords MWBEs crucial access to the decision makers and underwriters of local financial institutions.  Secured contracts become a source of stress and frustration when not coupled with the necessary up front capital.     

The Contract & Procurement Sub-Committee’s primary role is to organize and plan business matchmaking and networking events specific to upcoming industry-based development opportunities as well as identify contract opportunities.   

The Marketing Committee on behalf of the MWBE community; helps to develop relationships and attend speaking engagements to promote minority business issues while working as an advocate to educate the masses to the need for true “supplier diversity.  

The International Trade sub-committee’s function is to identify emerging markets as they relate to global opportunities.  The International Trade Sub-Committee’s focal point is expanding international trade partnerships and connecting trade-ready companies with importing/exporting opportunities, which will help to retain and create jobs in The State of Indiana.