Create Uplift Certified As Minority Business Enterprise

After a long wait and a perplexing amount of emails, Create Uplift has met the requirements set by the Kansas Statewide Certification Program (KSCP) and is now a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE). While this announcement does not change our day to day operations, we are excited to now be listed in databases and dashboards within the State of Kansas’ systems - as we continue to compete for work in the communication and marketing space.

What is an ‘MBE’?

A Minority Business Enterprise is a for profit business that is at least 51% owned by a minority. In our case, Create Uplift is owned of course 100% by minorities as outlined in the eligibility criteria.

How Will This Help Us?

In certain hypothetical situations, some businesses and government agencies may be required to work with MBEs as part of an initiative to broaden their vendor pool. In this instance Create Uplift does gain an advantage, at least in the ability to be granted an opportunity for consideration. This also helps increase our presence as a Kansas business - the state we’ve called home since we started - by adding us into databases and listings frequented by businesses across the nation.

What are the challenges?

In the new(ish) landscape of RFPs, bidding and contract awarding, many of the DEI incentives and initiatives have been dialed back. This means that as large firms and outfits create new opportunities for work, they may no longer be required to work with MBEs - which I believe is fair. Create Uplift has remained competitive in our industry and area for over a decade, and our work has been sought out regardless of any type of certification or status, but rather because of our expertise and reliability.

Why Am I Writing This?

The advertising agency industry (the NAICS assigned to us) is not a very diverse one. In fact as of 2023 only 10% of agencies are operated by a minority owner. I’ve never made it a bullet point in a proposal that we are Mexican-American, but it is something that I’ve had a sense of pride in, especially considering we’ve been around for over a decade and grown rather substantially since starting. I am hopeful our new certification as an MBE will introduce us to new opportunities as we enter a new year.