Memphis-Shelby County Schools’ (MSCS) Minority, Women-Owned Small Business Enterprise (MWSBE) Program received the prestigious 2022 Robert R. Church, Sr. Corporation of the Year Award by the Mid-South Minority Business Council (MMBC) Continuum. 

To be considered for this distinguished recognition, organizations must showcase an outstanding contribution to promoting minority business development. 

MWSBE Manager Joyce Douglas said, “The award for the 2022 Robert R. Church, Sr. Corporation of the Year Award is the direct result of great leadership from MSCS Board Members and Superintendent Williams. In addition, we have a great collaboration with Procurement Services and our divisions.” 

Providing business opportunities that empower the 901 community is a top pillar of MSCS. The District hosts monthly MWSBE Pre-Certification Workshops to expand equitable opportunities for business owners to learn critical information about pursuing business with MSCS.  

The MWSBE program champions equity, eliminates barriers to participation and increases access to procurement opportunities with MSCS. “At MWSBE, opportunity is our business. We believe when we do business with local Minority, Women-Owned and Small Business Enterprises we are investing back into our economy,” Douglas said. 

While our teachers work to create opportunities for students every day, the District’s MWSBE team is working to do the same for local certified MWSBEs because district-wide we are committed to expanding access, eliminating barriers, and aligning resources to help students succeed.

The District's MWSBE program surpassed fellow nominees including ALSAC, MLGW, Nike, Regional One Health, TVA, Memphis-Shelby County Airport Authority, and FedEx Services for this award.

The District’s MWSBE program was also recognized as a finalist for this award in 2021.