The Michigan Emerging Business Association (MEBA) is a statewide family of minority- and woman-owned businesses seeking to elevate their businesses to the next level of success. The objectives of the association are to encourage businesses to joint venture, expand the spectrum of bidding activities, and assist in the professional development of its members.

MEBA is a nonprofit trade association funded by membership dues and private donations. It was organized in April 2007 to address the needs and concerns of minority contractors seeking business opportunities.

Membership in the association is open to firms and members of firms that are owned by individuals of all races and ethnic backgrounds certified as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT).

If the company is not currently certified by MDOT as a DBE but is eligible, MEBA will help that firm obtain certification and join as a full member of the association. Firms, members of firms, non-DBE firms, companies, and individuals who may benefit from involvement with the association can also become non-voting association members. The association's goals include:

• Utilizing its resources to positively impact and grow its members' businesses and communities
• Multiplying resources
• Being an advocate on policies or law and governing bodies to address the concerns of DBE firms
• Building bridges between DBE firms and others to work together for the common good
• Increasing the number of certifications for non-certified firms
• Providing a forum for sharing information
• Developing and maintaining the highest professional standards with mutual support
• Informing members of business opportunities
• Educating members in current technologies, applications and sources to improve skills and standards
• Assisting members in understanding and achieving the best business practices to perform competitively

Membership in MEBA provides many benefits, including:

• Quick access to pertinent information in one location
• Access to bid opportunities
• Links to joint ventures with fellow members
• Posting member biographies to allow prime contractors to become aware of the members

Prime contractors and other business members will also benefit by:

• Being able to solicit for general or specific emerging business contractors or subcontractors for a particular bid
• Increasing visibility with emerging firms by becoming a sponsor

"We're looking for individuals that would like to contribute to this grassroots effort as far as supporting the association with networking, going to different events, and sponsorship," Stefanie Jackson, secretary/treasurer of MEBA, said.

For more information on MEBA, visit www.michigandbe.org or phone 888-492-0002.