National Entrepreneurship Week is February 18-25. This week focuses attention on the importance of entrepreneurship to making this country the greatest on the planet. It is also a week to celebrate entrepreneurs.
Sharon R. Pinder is the Chief Executive Officer of The Pinder Group, and the founder of the Center for Business Inclusion and Diversity. Recognized as an effective change agent, Pinder is best known as Maryland’s first appointed Special Secretary of the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs (GOMA) and her work as the architect of Maryland’s minority and small business reform movement. Known nationally as a best practice, under Pinder’s leadership, GOMA was transformed from an ineffective agency to a model of advocacy. During the first three years at the helm, the number of contracts awarded to Maryland’s women and minority businesses increased from 15% to 22% and payments to them increased by $1 billion. She was also responsible for the creation of the Small Business Reserve (SBR) Program – the country’s first state level set aside for small businesses.
A Maryland native, Pinder has a Masters of Science Degree in Technology Management from the University of Maryland University College where she was recently bestowed the honor of Professor of Practice in the school of Graduate Studies. A recognized speaker and published author on minority business and technology, Pinder has shared her expertise across several continents. Her international work includes the creation of Maryland’s first Sister-States Relationship with Africa and global business expansion in Europe. She serves her community through her work on numerous civic and public boards of directors. Pinder is the current chair of Leadership Maryland. Her innovation has led to the creation of the mid-Atlantic’s Top100 MBE® Awards Ceremony. In its 6th year this successful awards program recognizes women and minority entrepreneurs in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, Pennsylvania and Washington DC. Pinder’s advocacy and innovation continues as she launches a new initiative in 2011–The New Majority Alliance, a think tank of leaders preparing the region for when the minority population becomes the majority.
Interviewer: Why did you found the Top 100 MBE Awards Program?
Sharon Pinder: The Top 100 MBE® Awards program was created because there was a lack of recognition in the marketplace for women and minority businesses. At the time, I had the experience of serving as Maryland’s first appointed Special Secretary in the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs. As an advocate for businesses I was always asked who are the businesses I was so strongly supporting.
Entrepreneurship is the backbone of our nation’s economy. Innovation is what built this country and what will deliver us as a global super power in the future. Yet, we don’t hear about entrepreneurs and the sacrifices they make doing their level best to survive an unforgiving marketplace. We don’t hear about business owners unless it is negative. This program is a way of showing our appreciation for those who sacrifice so much.
Interviewer: As we celebrate entrepreneurship week National Entrepreneurship Week, Feb 18-25, what is your personal feeling about the national attention being focused on entrepreneurship?
Sharon Pinder: We can’t show enough attention. Specifically as it relates to women and minority owned businesses. Particularly in these challenging economic times, it is the survival of the fittest. We should do more to celebrate those who walk into the abyss every day. Small businesses are our country’s primary employers.
Interviewer: What are your future plans for expanding the Top 100 MBE Awards Program?
Sharon Pinder: Our program is the only recognition program in the mid-Atlantic area. This is our sixth year. We honor those from the states of Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, Virginia and the District of Columbia. This year we are adding the state of Ohio. We also are offering a Marketing Makeover to one lucky winner. Our ceremony this year takes place on Friday, May 4th. www.top100mbe.com is our website. We ultimately want to make this program national in scope. The intended strategy is to bring awareness nationally.
