MBDA 1st Annual Business Expo

About this event

The Multicultural Business Development Alliance (MBDA) invites you to its First Annual Business Expo-Dinner — an evening designed to celebrate, connect, and resource the diverse small business community across Cape Girardeau, its surrounding areas, and the Missouri Bootheel.

JOIN US ON SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 2026 AT THE SHAWNEE PARK CENTER IN CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO. Doors open at 5:00 PM. Program runs from 6:00 PM to 9:00 PM.

THIS EVENT IS FOR YOU IF YOU ARE:

• A small business owner looking to network, gain visibility, and connect with fellow entrepreneurs • An aspiring entrepreneur ready to take the first step toward launching your business • A community leader, elected official, or nonprofit professional who supports economic development • A corporate representative or business professional interested in supporting underserved entrepreneurs • A college student studying business, marketing, or entrepreneurship • A supporter of local businesses who wants to see your community thrive • Anyone who believes that when small businesses grow, entire communities grow with them

Whether you own a food truck, a hair salon, a lawn care company, a clothing brand, a consulting firm, or you're still working on your business plan — this night is for you.

WHAT TO EXPECT:

Networking – Arrive when doors open at 5:00 PM and connect with local business owners, community leaders, and supporters in a relaxed, social setting. This is your chance to exchange ideas, make introductions, and build relationships that last beyond the evening.

Dinner – Enjoy a full sit-down dinner as part of your ticket. Come hungry, come ready to fellowship, and come ready to be inspired.

Music – Set the tone for the evening with music that keeps the energy high and the atmosphere warm throughout the night.

Dynamic Speakers – Hear from inspiring voices who understand the journey of building a business from the ground up. Expect real talk about resilience, resourcefulness, and what it takes to grow a business in today's economy.

Vendor Exhibits – Local small business vendors will be on-site showcasing their products and services. This is a chance to discover what your neighbors are building and support them directly.

ABOUT MBDA:

The Multicultural Business Development Alliance is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization founded to support, promote, and develop multicultural businesses across Cape Girardeau, its surrounding areas, and the Missouri Bootheel. MBDA exists because too many talented, hardworking business owners in our region lack access to the resources, mentorship, and connections they need to succeed. We are here to change that.

MBDA serves underserved and marginalized local business owners — not with handouts, but with real tools, real training, and a real community that has your back.

LAUNCH U TRAINING PROGRAM:

A portion of proceeds from this event supports MBDA's flagship Launch U Training Program, a 13-week, noncredit micro-enterprise development program offered in partnership with Southeast Missouri State University SBDC. Launch U serves approximately 15–20 aspiring and early-stage business owners per cohort and includes:

• One facilitated session each week with guided work between sessions • Guest experts and practical business-development instruction • Foundational work on business models, customer needs, financial forecasts, and action planning • A final pitch or business-readiness presentation to demonstrate progress and identify next steps

Launch U is about equipping entrepreneurs with the knowledge and confidence to build, grow, and sustain their businesses — right here in our community.

TICKET INFORMATION:

• $30 — Single • $50 — Couple • Pay online or pay cash at time of sale

SPONSORSHIP & VENDOR OPPORTUNITIES:

Sponsorship opportunities and vendor spaces are still available. If your business or organization would like to support this event, we would love to hear from you. Vendor fee is $25 and includes a meal.

CONTACT:

Email: CapeMBDA@gmail.com TaJuan Moreland — (573) 270-3862 Renate' Cole — (916) 254-6931

MBDA is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Your support makes a difference.

#SupportMBDA #EmpowerCAPEBooth #LaunchUTraining

Every launch makes a difference.

From Ta Juan Moreland