On October 29th, the Merrimack Valley Planning Commission (MVPC), in collaboration with NECTAR Community Investments and Archipelago Strategies Group (ASG), with generous support from the Eastern Bank Foundation, celebrated the graduation of its first cohort of local business owners who have successfully completed or are close to completing their Supplier Diversity Office (SDO) certification.
This cohort program aimed to certify local businesses as woman- or minority-owned. With this certification, businesses are better positioned to compete for government contracts, corporate supplier opportunities, and other procurement programs that prioritize diverse vendors. Yet without the right resources, support, and visibility, certification alone cannot fully unlock the opportunities it promises. For certified businesses to truly succeed in securing contracts, their visibility must be elevated and paired with the right tools to connect them with buyers and decision-makers.
During the evening, participants delivered their final business pitches and received personalized feedback from Josiane Martinez, CEO and Founder of ASG, whose team played a key role in helping businesses strengthen their visibility and readiness for new opportunities.
Among the participating businesses were Sazón Perú Fusion Bar and Grill, a locally owned Peruvian restaurant known for its authentic flavors and warm hospitality; JVN Solutions, a consulting firm that provides customized, high-level support to organizations seeking strategic growth and hands-on implementation; and RJ Installation and Design, a company specializing in advanced security and technology installations that bring comfort and peace of mind to commercial clients.
The success of the first Merrimack Valley Minority Certification Cohort highlights the power of collaboration in expanding opportunities for underrepresented business owners. MVPC remains committed to supporting small businesses across the region as they grow, certify, and compete for state and private-sector contracts.
To learn more about upcoming cohorts and how to get certified, visit WeAreMV.com
