North Central Minority Supplier Development Council- Business Growth Summit
About this Event
Business Growth Summit 2026 —The Next Chapter Starts Here.
One day. One room. Endless opportunity.
On July 21, 2026, the Business Growth Summit takes over Target Plaza Commons in Minneapolis for a high-impact day built to turn introductions into contracts and ideas into growth. Hosted by NCMSDC, this is the premier gathering where suppliers and corporate procurement leaders come together to forge real partnerships.
Get ready for a powerhouse lineup:
- Breakfast keynote/fireside chat with Don Cravins, NMSDC President/CEO
- Expert-Led Breakout - Dedicated track for suppliers and corporate procurement professionals.
- Roundtable Sessions - Curated roundtable introductions between buyers and suppliers.
- Networking - Open networking time to connect with corporate partners and suppliers.
- Closing Reception - Celebrate the wins and keep the conversations flowing.
Whether you're a supplier ready to scale, or a corporate leader serious about building a stronger supplier pipeline, this is the room you need to be in.
Seats are limited. Pre-registration required — secure yours today.
Agenda
🕑: 08:30 AM - 09:00 AM
Registration & Networking Breakfast
🕑: 09:00 AM
Welcome/Opening Remarks & Annual Meeting
Host: Natalie McGrady, Board Chair
Info: Main Floor — NCMSDC welcome · presenting sponsor remarks · frame the day's theme: The Next Chapter Starts Here
🕑: 09:20 AM
Fireside Chat with Donald Cravins, Jr., Esq. — The Next Chapter Starts Here
Host: Donald Cravins, Jr., Esq.
Info: Donald Cravins, President & CEO, NMSDC, participates in a moderated fireside conversation with a corporate executive discussing the national landscape, business case that's still winning, and where NMSDC is leading in the current environment. This session will be moderated by Brad Pomerleau, Vice President, Procurement for Target.
🕑: 10:15 AM
Networking Break
🕑: 10:30 AM
What's Actually Happening in Washington: Fed. Contracting/Supplier Development
Host: Nigel Stephens
Info: Single consolidated session for both small businesses and corporate supplier development teams. Plain-language read on federal procurement shifts, Capitol Hill activity, and what both sides need to know right now. Speaker: Nigel Stephens, Phoenix Strategies Group.
🕑: 11:45 AM
Transition & Networking
🕑: 12:00 PM
Lunch Panel — The Next Chapter Is Already Being Written
Host: Natalie McGrady, Moderator
Info: This discussion explores how organizations are navigating an increasingly complex and uncertain business environment through agility, innovation, and digital transformation. Panelists discuss the importance of building strong, diverse supplier networks, leveraging emerging technologies, and creating strategies that support long-term growth and competitiveness.
As industries continue to evolve, organizations that embrace change, invest in technology, and foster collaborative partnerships are better positioned to capitalize on opportunities, address challenges, and lead in a rapidly changing marketplace. Panelists to be announced.
🕑: 01:00 PM
Transition & Networking Break
🕑: 01:15 PM
Going Beyond the Pitch
Info: A thoughtful discussion on future-focused best practices on how suppliers and clients can leverage strategic conversations to enhance relationship-building opportunities to go "beyond the pitch".
🕑: 02:30 PM
Networking Break
🕑: 02:45 PM
Next Chapter Roundtables
Info: Continue the conversation through facilitated, industry-focused roundtables led by corporate and MBE leaders. Participants rotate between tables every 15–20 minutes, engaging in discussions on trends, opportunities, challenges, and partnerships across industries. Guided conversation prompts help attendees apply insights from the Strategic Conversations session while building strong business connections.
🕑: 04:00 PM
Closing Plenary — What I'm Taking Into the Next Chapter
Host: Armetha Pihlstrom, Moderator, Pihlstrom Consulting Group
Info: Small business owners share their learnings and next-chapter growth, mixing indirect services and retail products on the same stage, and pairing recently certified businesses with longtime certified veterans. Closes with each attendee writing their own one-line next chapter commitment on a card to take home.
🕑: 05:30 PM
Reception & Happy Hour
Info: LaSalle Club (across the street from Target) — Offsite reception & happy hour (cash bar) · open networking · sponsor recognition
Where is it happening?
Event Location & Nearby Stays:
USD 0.00 to USD 15000.00
