Southern California Event Aims to Break Business Barriers for Minority Suppliers

The Southern California Minority Supplier Development Council (SCMSDC) will host its signature B3 Conference + Expo in Pasadena on May 15, Thursday, bringing together entrepreneurs, corporate leaders and procurement professionals for a day focused on building business relationships and breaking down barriers for minority-owned enterprises.

The event, themed “Business Beyond Barriers,” will run from 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Pasadena Convention Center. Organizers say the conference is designed to unite suppliers and corporate decision-makers in an environment where innovation meets opportunity.

“This premier event unites suppliers and corporate leaders in a dynamic space where innovation meets impact,” the SCMSDC said in announcing the event. “We stand united in a world that calls for resilience, collaboration, and vision.”

Attendees can expect interactive workshops, networking sessions, strategic matchmaking opportunities and a competitive pitch competition. The expo floor will serve as a showcase for suppliers to demonstrate their capabilities while corporations can discover potential business partners.

The SCMSDC represents the interests of more than one million small, medium, and large business enterprises in Central and Southern California. The organization serves over 1,800 certified businesses regionally and connects them with more than 1,600 national corporate members.

“Our mission is to promote economic development and growth for businesses,” explained the council, which operates as one of 23 affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council.

The organization works to drive opportunities between corporations and diverse business enterprises through certification programs, business development initiatives, and supply chain diversification efforts. Their work focuses on creating a more resilient procurement community while advocating for economically disadvantaged businesses.

For minority-owned businesses, the conference represents a chance to gain visibility with major corporations, while corporate attendees can discover qualified suppliers that help meet diversity procurement goals.

Tickets for the B3 Conference + Expo are available but selling quickly.

To register and save your space, visit SCMSDC.org.