Schnuck Markets launches diverse-owned business accelerator
Schnuck Markets, in partnership with the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, is launching Springboard, a diverse-owned business accelerator to provide education, resources and access to local diverse-owned businesses.
To apply, business owners should visit here prior to May 12. Those accepted into the accelerator program will receive an in-store product trial at select Schnucks stores, $5,000 of equity-free funding and business development classes at Schnucks’ St. Louis headquarters.
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“Schnucks Springboard is our effort to reflect the communities we serve, to promote opportunity and innovation and to stimulate our economy,” said Adrian Moore, Schnucks senior director of merchandising enablement & supplier diversity. “By aligning with diverse suppliers, we are not only strengthening both our business and our communities, we are also enhancing product offerings for our customers and bolstering our ability to do business in an ever-changing environment.”
Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council cultivates relationships between Minority Business Enterprises and top corporations across Eastern Missouri, Central Illinois and Indiana. A 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, and one of 23 regional affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, Mid-States MSDC is at the forefront of $19.1 billion in economic impact through 48 years of operation. The Accelerator programming provides education opportunities, mentorship and empowers emerging leaders to grow and scale their established businesses.
“Minority-owned entities within the Mid-States MSDC network support over 26,000 jobs throughout eastern Missouri. Our partnership with Schnucks will not only create economic opportunities but also build a legacy of success that extends beyond business transactions,” said Demetrius Glover, president and CEO at Mid-States MSDC. “Our commitment to diversity, education and mentorship through the Accelerator programming ensures that emerging leaders have the tools they need to grow and scale their businesses, contributing to a more inclusive and prosperous future for all."
In 2020, Schnucks launched a comprehensive diversity, equity and inclusion plan, Unity Is Power, which describes efforts to increase focused, community support for organizations that promote racial equity, like the Urban League, and last year, ULSTL honored Schnucks with the Civic Leadership Award for these efforts. Schnucks was also recently named one of America’s Greatest Workplaces for Diversity 2024 by Newsweek.
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Diverse-owned is defined as at least 51% owned, operated and managed by a U.S. citizen or legal U.S. resident that is a member of one or more of the following groups: Woman, Disabled, Black American, Asian American/Pacific Islander, Native American, Hispanic American, LGBT, U.S. Military Veteran.