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May 30, 2025

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FSMSDC celebrates 50 years of doing well while doing good

3 takeaways

• FSMSDC was founded in 1975 by 27 representatives of Miami Dade’s largest banks, developers, airlines, retailers and other companies.
• FSMSDC fosters strong relationships between MBEs and major corporations to drive economic growth and innovation.
• Known as the “Gateway Council, FSMSDC members include Coca-Cola Beverages Florida (also known as Coke Florida) and MasTec Inc., some of the largest companies in the NMSDC network.

The Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) is celebrating 50 years of helping minority businesses grow and thrive. Founded in 1975 by 27 representatives of Miami Dade’s largest banks, developers, airlines, retailers and other companies, the Council began as the Florida Regional Minority Purchasing Council, with 20 corporate members.

Within five years, that organization had established an affiliation with the National Minority Supplier Development Council Inc. (NMSDC).

From there, the Council evolved into the Southern Florida Minority Supplier Development Council, then expanded to cover the entire state of Florida in 2016, when it became the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council.

Four of the founding organizations – Florida Power & Light, Ryder System, Florida International University and AT&T (initially BellSouth) – are still involved with FSMSDC today as corporate members.

“As FSMSDC celebrates its 50th anniversary, its enduring success is attributed to its unwavering commitment to empowering minority-owned businesses,” said Beatrice Louissaint, president and CEO of FSMSDC.

The Gateway Council

Today, FSMSDC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with many of the United States’ largest companies, health care systems and universities as corporate partners. Known as “The Gateway Council,” it has some of the largest minority business enterprises (MBEs) in the NMSDC network; many do business globally.

Three-quarters of the Council’s MBEs have sales of $500,000 or more.

FSMSDC’s MBEs include:

• Coca-Cola Beverages Florida LLC (Coke Florida), one of the largest Black-owned companies in the United States

• MasTec Inc., the first Hispanic-owned publicly traded company in the U.S. and the first minority-controlled Fortune 500 company

Louissaint said FSMSDC remains dedicated to advancing the growth of minority-owned businesses in Florida and helping corporations, government entities and others develop strategic supplier diversity programs, diversify their supplier bases and access new, qualified suppliers.

“The FSMSDC has helped The ODP Corporation and me by connecting our corporation to MBEs and providing opportunities to develop and grow,” said Carmen Deale, supplier diversity program manager at The ODP Corp. “I can’t thank the Council enough for its support and dedication. I’ve learned so much within five years.”

Through various programs, the Council provides MBEs with hands-on business technical assistance, training, access to capital and technology resources, matchmaking, certification and other services.

“Working with FSMDC consultants, I successfully set up all the corporate documents needed,” said Keisha Smith, owner, Kpatrice Global Solutions LLC. “With expert guidance from their team, I was also able to revamp my branding, refresh my capabilities statement and update my website. We are now more focused and ready to go after bigger clients and contracts.”

Programs and services make a difference

FSMSDC hosts an annual trade show featuring minority businesses, which has evolved into the Minority Business Conference — one of the largest such events in the Southeast U.S.

The Council’s annual awards gala, known as the FSMSDC Business Impact Awards, celebrates the achievements of MBEs and corporate members. One of FSMDC’s most important fundraising events, it brings together thousands of guests from minority-owned businesses and the large corporations, government entities, education institutions and health care systems that support them.

FSMSDC has been committed to making a difference in its community throughout its half-century of service. That commitment drove the organization to create the Doing Well While Doing Good® program, which recognizes businesses that positively impact their communities by supporting philanthropic initiatives.

FSMSDC also runs training programs for youth internships and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics). More than 100 students participate in the annual youth entrepreneur training program at the Minority Business Conference.

Continuing its mission

Following a successful 2024, FSMSDC has continued to uplift and empower MBEs through innovative programs, personalized guidance and coaching, networking events, educational workshops and more.

“Together, we’ve built a legacy — and now it’s time to honor the past, celebrate the present and envision the future,” Louissaint said. “Change is constant, but so is our resolve. We remain committed to being a trusted partner — one that listens, evolves and leads with purpose.”

At this year’s annual kickoff event, FSMSDC emphasized the evolving landscape for minority business owners, highlighting that “2025 is ushering in a new era. The game has changed, but with new rules comes endless possibilities to grow your net worth and your network,” she said.

Key initiatives outlined for the coming years include:​

• Merging major events: For the first time, FSMSDC is combining its Minority Business Conference (MBC) and Business Impact Awards (BIA) into a single, comprehensive event. This merger aims to provide enhanced networking opportunities, workshops and recognition for outstanding achievements in supplier diversity.

• Embracing innovation: FSMSDC is focusing on cutting-edge topics such as artificial intelligence, supplier diversity, and diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) to equip small and minority businesses with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in a rapidly changing business environment. ​

• Expanding support programs: FSMSDC continues to offer new initiatives, such as the Business Marketplace for small business enterprises (SBEs), the Technical Assistance Program (TAP) and the SBA Empower to Grow Program, which provide small businesses and MBEs with resources for growth and development.

Louissaint said that through these initiatives, FSMSDC reaffirms its commitment to being a catalyst for positive change and ensuring that small and minority-owned businesses have the support and opportunities necessary to succeed in the decades ahead.

She said the outlook for the Council’s next 50 years is bright.

“FMSDC is charting a course for the future, aiming to further empower small and minority-owned businesses and foster inclusive economic growth across Florida,” Louissaint said.

To learn more about FSMSDC’s initiatives and upcoming events, visit fsmsdc.org.

To support its mission as a contributor, call (305) 762-6151.