For 50 years, the Georgia Minority Supplier Development Council (GMSDC) and its nonprofit partner, the Georgia Education Foundation (GEF), have stood beside small business owners across the state, helping them find opportunity, build connections, and strengthen their communities. Behind every contract, every partnership, and every milestone is an entrepreneur working tirelessly to build something meaningful.
Earlier this year, GMSDC launched GrowForward, a statewide campaign built around a simple idea: when we invest in people, we strengthen Georgia. The goal is to raise $100,000 by December 31, with every dollar supporting programs that help small and minority-owned businesses expand their capacity, sharpen their skills, and reach the next level.
Small businesses are the foundation of Georgia’s economy. They create jobs, drive innovation, and keep communities thriving. Yet many entrepreneurs continue to face obstacles; limited access to high-level training, mentorship gaps, and the difficulty of scaling in a competitive environment.
GrowForward addresses these challenges by bolstering programs that are already transforming small businesses across the state. It is an investment in people who anchor Georgia’s economic future; business owners who support local families, hire local talent, and bring fresh ideas into the marketplace.
Your contribution to GrowForward directly strengthens the individuals and programs that help Georgia’s small businesses flourish. Through the GEF, your investment fuels a proven development pathway; from early mentorship to executive leadership training to hands-on community-based support.
It begins with the Georgia Mentor Protégé Connection (GMPC), a long-standing program that pairs small business owners with senior corporate executives for a year of structured, one-on-one mentorship. These relationships help entrepreneurs improve operations, clarify their vision, and develop strategies for sustainable growth. Many GMPC graduates experience significant increases in revenue, expanded teams, and lasting corporate partnerships that propel long-term success.
For business owners ready to accelerate their leadership journey, the Johnnie B. Booker Scholarship opens doors to elite executive education programs, including Dartmouth’s renowned Tuck School of Business. Participants return with advanced financial, operational, and strategic insight, equipping them to manage larger opportunities and compete at higher levels.
For entrepreneurs who need localized support, the Community Business Development Program (CBDP) brings training, coaching, and practical tools directly into Georgia’s communities. CBDP meets business owners where they are, helping them strengthen internal systems, improve operations, and approach market expansion with confidence. With GrowForward support, CBDP will extend its reach across the state, including rural and underserved areas that need greater access to these resources.
Together, these programs form a powerful ecosystem supporting entrepreneurs at every stage and helping them build stronger, more resilient businesses. Your investment ensures that more business owners have the tools, mentorship, and opportunities they need to thrive.
As GMSDC approaches the close of the year, celebrating 50 years of impact, the GrowForward Campaign represents both a reflection of past achievements and a commitment to building a more inclusive economic future for Georgia. It is a moment to honor the legacy while fueling the next generation of business leaders.
If you believe in the power of entrepreneurship and the strength of community, this is your opportunity to make a meaningful difference.
Invest boldly. Give generously. Let’s GrowForward together.
Learn more or contribute at gmsdc.org.
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