Our Vision
Every year, multi-million dollar opportunities go unclaimed; not because they don’t exist, but because the right people never get in the same room. The NCMSDC 2026 Flagship Events are intentionally designed to change that.
Whether you join us to secure your next major corporate contract, unlock fresh supplier resources, or hit the green to fund scholarships for the next generation of business owners, this is where your business finds its proximity to success.
Business Growth Summit
Date & Time: Tuesday, July 21, 2026 | 8:30 AM - 5:30 PM
Location: Target Plaza Commons • Minneapolis, MN
The Vibe: The Next Chapter Starts Here. A high-energy working session built for real conversations, real connections, and real next steps. No rows of endless slide decks - just action.
What to Expect:
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Breakfast Keynote: with Don Cravins (NMSDC President / CEO).
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Next Chapter Roundtables: facilitated, industry-focused discussions to tackle trends and build strong business connections.
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Closing Reception: to cement new partnerships.
Don Cravins, Jr.
Donald Cravins Jr., Esq., serves as President and CEO of the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the nation's leading organization dedicated to strengthening supply chains and expanding economic opportunities through diverse business inclusion. He works closely with corporate leaders, regional affiliates, and strategic partners to advance business growth, supplier engagement, and economic competitiveness nationwide.
Prior to joining NMSDC, Cravins served as the first Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development and led the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), following his appointment by President Joe Biden and unanimous confirmation by the U.S. Senate. His distinguished career includes service as a Louisiana State Representative and State Senator, Chief Counsel and Staff Director for the U.S. Senate Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, and Chief of Staff to U.S. Senator Mary Landrieu.
A Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Judge Advocate General's Corps with the D.C. National Guard, Cravins has received numerous military honors and national recognitions. He holds a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University and a Juris Doctor from Southern University Law Center.
President and CEO, NMSDC
FEATURED SPEAKER
Nigel Stephens
Nigel Stephens is a seasoned government affairs and public policy strategist with more than 25 years of experience helping businesses, associations, and mission-driven organizations navigate complex political, regulatory, and economic environments. Drawing on senior-level experience in the U.S. House of Representatives, U.S. Senate, national political campaigns, and the private sector, he develops strategies that connect policy, business objectives, and market opportunities. His work has advanced initiatives in technology and IT modernization, small business and entrepreneurship, government transformation, procurement, and economic development, helping clients strengthen their influence, expand opportunities, and turn public policy into measurable results.
Principal, Phoenix Strategies, Inc.
FEATURED SPEAKER
Happy Hour & Reception
Tuesday, July 21, 2026
5:00 pm - 8:30 pm
LaSalle Plaza Club
800 LaSalle Avenue
Minneapolis, MN 55402
Thank you to our Summit sponsors!
Invitational Scholarship Golf Classic
Date & Time: Wednesday, July 22, 2026 | 7:00 AM Registration • 8:00 AM Shotgun Start
Location: The Wilds Golf Club • Prior Lake, MN
The Vibe: Play. Partner. Give Back. Shift the energy to the fairway. Spend a premium day on the course with corporate leaders and diverse business partners making deals where the connections matter most.
What to Expect:
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Continental Breakfast & Warm-up: on the driving range.
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4-Person Scramble Format: with Hole-in-One Challenges ($20,000 cash prize!).
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Premium Giveaways: from TaylorMade, Titleist, and YETI.
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Post-Round Reception: featuring an Italian buffet lunch and awards ceremony.
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Every dollar raised directly funds the NCMSDC Scholarship Fund.
Thank you to our Golf sponsors!
Hotel Information
Hampton Inn & Suites Minneapolis/Downtown
19 North 8th Street
Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403
Click below to get special NCMSDC rates