Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC)

🚨 RFP: Branding & Marketing Partner for FSMSDC 🚨 The Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) is seeking a branding and marketing agency to help elevate our voice, sharpen our story, and expand our impact for Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), corporate partners, and community stakeholders. We’re looking for a strategic, creative partner to help us:     •    Strengthen FSMSDC’s brand identity, voice, and differentiation     •    Increase digital visibility and engagement     •    Tell powerful stories about our MBEs, programs, and economic impact     •    Align messaging across web, email, social, and events     •    Support major initiatives and annual events 🔍 Scope of Work Includes:     •    Brand strategy, narrative, tone, and key messages by audience     •    Marketing & communications strategy (social, email, campaigns)     •    Website content and digital engagement recommendations     •    Content and storytelling focused on impact and success stories     •    Creative assets and templates (social, email, presentations, events)     •    Updated brand guide and event branding support ✅ Preferred Vendor Qualifications:     •    Experience with nonprofits and/or economic development organizations     •    Strong digital marketing and brand strategy portfolio     •    Demonstrated cultural competency and experience with diverse communities     •    Data-informed storytelling and measurable impact 📄 Proposal Should Include:     •    Agency overview & approach     •    Team bios and relevant experience     •    Portfolio examples     •    Proposed timeline     •    Budget proposal (no public budget range)     •    Three references 🗓 Key Dates:     •    RFP Release: November 19, 2025     •    Questions Due: December 8, 2025     •    Responses Issued: November 30, 2025     •    Proposals Due: December 12, 2025     •    Vendor Presentations (if requested): Dec 16–20, 2025     •    Selection: December 23, 2025     •    Contract Start: January 2, 2026 📩 How to Submit: Send a single PDF proposal to: Kevin@fsmsdc.org Subject line: “RFP Submission – Branding & Marketing” 📌 Point of Contact: Dr. James Kevin Calhoun, PhD Vice President of Operations, FSMSDC 📧 Kevin@fsmsdc.org | 📱 404-274-1005 If you’re passionate about advancing minority-owned businesses and have the expertise to help us amplify our impact, we invite you to submit a proposal.

Thanksgiving Message from Incoming President & CEO As we celebrate this season of gratitude, I want to extend my heartfelt thanks to each of you—our members, small businesses, corporate partners, sponsors, community stakeholders, board members, and staff—whose dedication strengthens our mission every day. Our board members and staff work tirelessly to advance opportunities, support our business enterprises, and ensure that our impact is felt throughout this region and across the communities we serve. As the incoming President & CEO, I am deeply honored to lead this remarkable community. Over the past few weeks, I have witnessed your resilience, innovation, and unwavering commitment to expanding opportunities and uplifting diverse businesses throughout this region. Your contributions make a powerful impact—not only in commerce, but in job creation, economic vitality, and community transformation. This Thanksgiving, I am especially grateful for the trust you’ve placed in our organization. Together, we will continue building pathways that empower business enterprises, deepen partnerships, and ensure that every stakeholder sees meaningful value and return on their investment in our work. Wishing you and your families a joyful, safe, and restorative Thanksgiving. I look forward to all we will accomplish together in the year ahead. Warmest wishes, Nikki Nikki Austin-Shipp, MBA

NMSDC National Conference Recap Miami, November 2025 The Council added considerable value to this year’s NMSDC National Conference, proudly serving as Host Council in Miami. Several Florida MBEs—MasTec, Republica Havas, and Coke Florida—were prominently featured as sponsors, mainstage participants, and members of the Host Committee. Behind the scenes, FSMSDC also played a major operational role. The Council helped secure a $125,000 grant from the City of Miami Beach, recommended Intermedia Touch that provided the conference video walls, and connected NMSDC with the MBE Xizzle TV that served as the podcast host. Additional support included weekly planning meetings and ongoing coordination with NMSDC leadership and staff. Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava delivered opening remarks, underscoring the region’s strength, visibility, and commitment to economic inclusion. A special recognition is owed to Nikki Austin-Shipp, President & CEO, whose leadership, guidance, and presence helped elevate FSMSDC’s role and ensured a strong, unified representation throughout the event. Nikki’s engagement with national partners, corporate leaders, and MBEs strengthened the visibility of our Council and showcased the power of Florida’s minority business ecosystem. Conference Impact & Recognition Feedback from participants, sponsors, and partners has been overwhelmingly positive—many praised the quality of networking, engagement, and programming, even with this year’s smaller attendance. FSMSDC and our MBEs were recognized nationally: Amazon — Corporation of the Year, Class 5 Canviiy — Supplier of the Year, Class 1 V2Soft — Regional Finalist, Supplier of the Year, Class 4 We congratulate all winners and finalists for their outstanding accomplishments and the meaningful impact they continue to make across the network. Florida Voices on the National Stage Executives from several Florida MBEs and partners were featured on panels and sessions, including speakers from: MasTec Coke Florida Civil Mafia The Win Woman Xizzle TV Miami Tech Works Their participation highlighted the innovation, excellence, and leadership emerging from Florida’s minority business community.

2025 Broward Health Annual Small Business and Health Expo was a wonderful success! Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) were proud to exhibit as a vendor and share resources with an incredible network of local suppliers, entrepreneurs, and service providers who are transforming the healthcare space in Broward County. Also, thank you Broward Health, LaRae P. Floyd, MBA, MCA, CMRP, and Misha Payne for inviting us to participate and for creating such a dynamic space for connections and growth. We’re looking forward to building on these relationships and continuing to make an impact together! #BrowardHealth #SmallBusinessExpo #HealthcareInnovation #SupplierDiversity #Entrepreneurship #Networking #BusinessGrowth #CommunityImpact #MinorityBusiness #EconomicDevelopment

Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) and Gradible x SiVad Group Pitch Night Our team co-sponsored the Gradible x SiVad Group Pitch Night at Quest Workspaces Miami Tower, where inspiring small business founders presented innovative and #sustainable business solutions. The event, led by Yadira Diaz and Lenie Davis and opened by Gideon Hazan, highlighted the drive of these entrepreneurs to create meaningful change.   Co-hosted by the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC), the event showcased four startups tackling challenges in energy, water and waste innovation. The founders demonstrated how building innovative businesses can drive a #sustainable and inclusive future. Congratulations to Sustained Futures, the company that won the pitch competition. The event underscored community collaboration as catalyst for progress.   Thank you to the sponsors Miami DDA, Quest Workspaces, Plus 1, Bernstein and Raya Fruit Water.   #SustainbiltyAtWork #OpporutnityChangesEverything #PartnershipsAtWork #SponorsMakeItHappen

Honoring Our Veterans Today and Every Day This Veterans Day, the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC) proudly honors the courageous men and women who have served our nation with strength, integrity, and sacrifice. Your commitment to protecting our freedoms inspires us to continue our mission — empowering diverse businesses, including veteran-owned enterprises, to build stronger, more inclusive economies across Florida and beyond. Today, we salute your service, celebrate your leadership, and thank you for your lasting impact — in our communities, in business, and in our nation. Thank you, Veterans. We honor you. We appreciate you. We remember you. 💙❤️🤍 #VeteransDay #FSMSDC #SupplierDiversity #VeteranOwnedBusiness #Inclusion #EconomicEmpowerment #FloridaBusiness

Attention FSMSDC members and suppliers! I will be coming to a city near you! I’m honored to begin this new chapter as President & CEO of the Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council (FSMSDC). Our story is one of growth, collaboration, business enterprise, corporate partnership, government engagement, and measurable impact. FSMSDC has facilitated over $50 billion in procurement opportunities for minority businesses — driving $27.48 billion in annual revenue and supporting 75,000+ jobs statewide. The legacy is strong. The mission continues. The impact grows. We’re moving #ForwardToImpact — Nikki Austin-Shipp, M.B.A. , President & CEO FSMSDC.org/connect #OnwardTogether #ContinuingTheLegacy #ForwardInAction #SupplierDiversity #EconomicEmpowerment

FSMSDC Welcomes Nikki Austin-Shipp, M.B.A. as New President & CEO! The Florida State Minority Supplier Development Council is proud to announce Nikki Austin-Shipp as our new President & CEO, effective November 1, 2025. With over two decades of leadership in economic development, government relations, and community transformation, Nikki has championed initiatives that strengthened Florida’s business and civic ecosystem. Please join us in welcoming Nikki as she leads FSMSDC into a new era of growth, innovation, and opportunity for small and diverse businesses across Florida. #FSMSDC #NSMSDC #Leadership #SupplierDiversity #EconomicDevelopment #Inclusion

We’re counting down to the NMSDC Conference in Miami but first comes the Opportunity Accelerator on November 2. Join MBEs, corporate members, and affiliate councils for a free pre-conference event focused on connection, learning, and opportunity. It’s the best way to warm up for an incredible week at #NMSDC2025. Get ready for a week full of opportunities and impact! https://lnkd.in/eWBDPBB4

We’re throwing a party and you’re invited!   After 25 years of exceptional leadership, Beatrice Louissaint is passing the torch, and we’re coming together to celebrate her incredible impact on Florida’s business community. Join us for an unforgettable evening as we honor Beatrice’s legacy and announce our new CEO.   Mark your calendars for Monday, November 3, for an evening of good food, great people, and a champagne toast to 25 years of leadership, impact, and legacy, plus the exciting introduction of our new CEO!   Tickets are free with RSVP. Save your spot by Friday, October 31. RSVP here: https://lnkd.in/exfZmz9U