And it's Minority Business Directory, which lists 2,600 MBE's in North Carolina, is distributed annually to over 300 corporations, colleges, and governmental agencies. Workshops, Forums and Symposia Many of the Institute's findings are disseminated through symposia and forums. The Institute has sponsored or co-sponsored workshops and seminars with over 400 participants and recruited more than 600 MBE's to participate in purchasing forums. The Institute is helping to increase minority participation. The Institute recently submitted a proposal to the U.S. Treasury for certification of Evergreen Investments as a Community Development Financial Institution.
Efforts are under way to raise capital.
Experience MBA graduates on staff at the Institute work closely with these companies to develop strategic growth plans and strengthen their internal management and controls. In order to better understand the unique needs of the local community, the Institute has formed partnerships with local Minority Business Development Agencies. The goal of these partnerships is to strengthen these organizations by providing greater resource and technical assistance. Also on the agenda are plans to revitalize one Craven County business district. The Institute has teamed up with the North Carolina Community Development Initiative to rejuvenate the downtown area by renovating and refurbishing the exteriors of existing businesses.