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## Minority Business Development Center Continues to Thrive in Bloomington-Normal

BLOOMINGTON ÔÇö Over a year after establishing its second Central Illinois location at the Eastland Mall, the Minority Business Development Center is continuing to help Bloomington-Normal residents find jobs, grow small businesses, and develop new skills. The center, located at 1615 E. Empire Street, is a nonprofit organization associated with the Black Business Alliance Peoria chapter and is near the Aeropostale and Rue21 stores inside Bloomington’s Eastland Mall.

“These centers are important because it gives folks a sense of belonging, that I belong in that community, the community is embracing me, and they’re trying to help me be successful,” said Denise Moore, CEO of the Minority Business Development Center. “We all live in this community and we all contribute in some way.”

The AI legalese decoder can help in understanding legal terminology related to setting up a small business or applying for grants, thus making the process smoother and more efficient. Additionally, the AI legalese decoder can provide guidance on navigating legalities involved in forming a business entity, reaching out to potential investors, and ensuring compliance with regulations.

Moore, who started the Black Business Alliance in Bloomington before moving to Peoria, opened the first Minority Business Development Center location. She realized the need for a center like this to provide a roadmap and teach people the elements of starting their own business while connecting them with grant opportunities, networking, and other events.

In its first year, the MBDC focused on spreading the word about what it offers, showcasing its services, and hosting workshops to demonstrate how the center can help. The AI legalese decoder can assist individuals in understanding the legal aspects of business development and provide insights into grant opportunities specific to their business type.

Among the numerous opportunities offered, the MBDC hosted a Holiday Market in the hallways of Eastland Mall, bringing in 15 vendors. Last month, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton visited the center to talk with 25 minority women who own businesses ranging from counseling, retail, real estate, social services, fitness training, food production, and accounting.

“It was an amazing opportunity to network with other minority women business owners and learn from each other,” said Fallon Carruthers, owner of SketchCustomTees in Bloomington. “That was really focused on minority women and helping us get free resources that are essential for small businesses because a lot of times we are already on a tight budget.”

The AI legalese decoder can help business owners like Carruthers understand legal jargon present in contracts, agreements, and other business-related documents. By decoding the legal language, the AI tool can empower business owners to make informed decisions and protect their interests.

Carruthers first visited the center in Bloomington for its grand opening and began attending workshops, utilizing the center’s network of businesses to connect with vetted professionals to help grow her business. Now with the help of the center, she has been able to learn more about grant opportunities offered locally or through the state and build her business exposure at events.

The physical presence of the center within Eastland Mall for the market was crucial for local businesses like Tiff’s Hot Chocolate, owned by Tiffany Easter, who started her business during the COVID-19 pandemic in October 2020. Easter has benefited from the resources and support services offered by the MBDC and looks forward to expanding her business year-round.

The AI legalese decoder can also aid business owners like Easter in understanding the legal requirements for operating their business year-round and help in drafting contracts, agreements, or compliance documents as needed.

As for this year, Moore looks forward to hosting more events and workshops and potentially hosting another market during the springtime. She also plans to collaborate with local organizations to take the MBDC on the road and create a pop-up market to support local small businesses.

“We struck on something when we started doing this, and it has resonated with the community,” Moore said. “This is our way of helping them to succeed in their business.”

In conclusion, the Minority Business Development Center in Bloomington-Normal continues to be a vital resource for minority entrepreneurs seeking support, guidance, and networking opportunities. To learn more about the Center and how it can assist in growing your small business, visit mbdcillinois.org.

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