Minority Business Alliance
The purpose of the Chamber Minority Business Alliance (MBA) is to convene, support and promote minority businesses; leveraging local business and nonprofit partners to expand community wealth building. A Minority Business Enterprise is a business that is at least 51% owned by one or more minority individuals (African American, Asian American, Hispanic American, Native American) who are United States citizens or legal resident aliens.
Regular meetings:
- 12:00-1:30pm on the 4th Tuesday of every other month
Upcoming Events
MBA Gala
MBA celebrated its 10th anniversary with a Gala dinner in 2022, kicking off a new annual tradition to present the John F. Bell Sr. Vanguard Award and celebrate the recipients of the Minority Enterprise Grant Opportunity, a collaboration of the Minority Business Alliance and the United Way of Greater Charlottesville.
This year, the 2025 Gala invites you to an evening of elegance, inspiration, and community pride. The Year of the Sunset honors the extraordinary leadership and legacy of Quinton Harrell, Kaye Monroe, and Alex Urpi—visionaries whose dedication has shaped the future of minority-owned businesses in Charlottesville.
Register now to join us for this unforgettable evening.
Thank you to our 2025 MBA Gala Sponsors
Interested in Becoming a Sponsor? Reach out to Kimberly Sheffield at ksheffield@jeffersonschoolfoundation.com and Teira E. Farley at teira@cicville.org to learn more about sponsorship opportunities.
Meet Our 2025 Honorees
Quinton Harrell
Founder, Heritage United Builders
Quinton is a lifelong entrepreneur and advocate for Black wealth-building, serving as founder of Heritage United Builders, co-founder of New Hill Development Corporation, and chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance. His latest venture is reviving Bone Doctors’ Barbecue Sauces with fresh energy and purpose.
Kaye Monroe
Founder, KDM Coaching & Associates
Kaye is the founder and principal consultant of KDM Coaching & Associates, where she advises leaders and organizations on workforce development, leadership capacity, and authentic engagement. She also serves as Executive Vice Chair of the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance and leads the Women’s Dream Builders academy for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Alexander UrpÃ
CEO, Emergent Financial Services
Alex is CEO of Emergent Financial Services and Vice-Chair of Finance for the Chamber’s Minority Business Alliance. An investment advisor dedicated to helping families and small businesses achieve their goals, he also serves on several local boards and is passionate about building community through finance, service, and mentorship.
Leadership
MBA Executive Committee
Quinton Harrell, Chair
Kaye Monroe, Vice Chair
Alex UrpÃ, Treasurer
With questions regarding this group, please contact Andrea Copeland, President & CEO.
Chamber affinity groups are led by volunteer leadership committees. To serve in a leadership capacity, you must be a current Chamber member in good standing. Thank you!
Partnerships with Purpose
In an effort to successfully fulfill our mission of growing and supporting minority businesses, the Minority Business Alliance has created purposeful partnerships with the following organizations:
- City of Charlottesville Office of Economic Development
- City of Charlottesville Minority Business Commission
- United Way of Greater Charlottesville
- Vinegar Hill Toastmasters Club
- Virginia Film Festival
Support MBA
If you would like to financially support the Minority Business Alliance, you can make a contribution online by credit card / Paypal using the Donate button below. On the donation page, please select "Use this donation for Chamber Minority Business Alliance." Thank you!
MBA Endurance Fund
En-dur-ance: the fact or power of enduring an unpleasant or difficult process or situation without giving way.
Endurance Fund in the news:
Minority Business Alliance announced Endurance Fund recipients www.cbs19news.com
2023 Event
Vanguard Award: Antwon Brinson of Culinary Concepts AB and Sabrina Feggans of Beyond Fitness with Sabrina
Minority Business Luncheon
Held 2015-2019, this signature event was our opportunity to support and celebrate minority-owned businesses. We now celebrate these businesses at our widely-popular annual gala in September.
2019 Event
Vanguard Award: William "Will" Jones III, co-owner of His Image Barber Shop and Natural Hair Studio
Keynote: Thomas Penny III, President of Donohoe Hospitality Services
2018 Event
Vanguard Award: Hollie Lee, Chief of Workforce Development Strategies, Charlottesville Office of Economic Development
Keynote: Dr. Carla Williams, Director, UVA Athletics
2017 Event
Vanguard Award: Eugene & Lorraine Williams
Keynote: Michel Zajur, President & CEO of the Virginia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce
Many thanks to David Dillehunt and Charlottesville’s Own TV10 for recording our events to air on Comcast Channel 13.