Programs
Pitch Contest
MOAD Pitch Contest is designed to empower African entrepreneurs to identify and address pressing needs they see in their community or global society. Selected individuals or teams commit to a 4-session learning experience in April. With the guidance and support of MOAD coaches, the individual or team will further develop their project ideas. The program will culminate in the Pitch Contest at the New England African Business Expo, held Saturday, May 3, 2025. Participants will present their pitches to a panel of judges who will vote and winners will be chosen. The Pitch Contest is open to all agropreneurs, college students, and youth in high school in Worcester, Massachusetts and New England. Interested parties are urged to apply before the deadline by Friday, March 15th, 2025 at 11:59PM.
Timeline
Step 1
Individual or team develop their projects with MOAD’s coaches support in April 2025.
Step 2
Individual or team present their projects at the Pitch Contest during the New England African Business Expo on May 3rd, 2025.
Step 3
Individual or team implement projects and submit final report by December 2025.
Benefits
MOAD Pitch Contest provides individuals in Worcester and New England:
Monetary Resources & Mentorship
To execute their visions for strengthening their communities
Development of key Skills
Such as public speaking, project management and team collaboration
Bridging Community Connections
With like-minded peers & professionals across the region that helps grow their social capital
Interested individuals or teams can apply to pitch community projects that fit into the following focus areas:
Social Impact
Projects providing community service, arts & culture access, peer support and/or addressing mental health.
Bridge-Building
Projects that bring together community or youth (and others) from different communities or different identity groups through cultural exchange and social engagement.
Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math
A project that is innovative and addresses a human or social need.
Immigration Services
The Massachusetts Organization of African Descendants (MOAD) provides culturally appropriate immigration services to underserved African Descendant communities across Massachusetts. We lead impactful outreach and education programs, leveraging grassroots efforts and collaborating closely with African Descendant community leaders to effectively deliver essential services.
How We Help
Culturally Relevant Support
MOAD works closely with community hubs such (mosques, churches, schools, African-owned businesses/retail shops/restaurants/community centers) that assemble, employ, and provide accessible services to the African Immigrant Communities.
Comprehensive Legal Assistance
Our services include (but are not limited to):
1.Naturalization assistance
2.Immigration consultations.
3.Asylum applications
4.Green card renewals
Access to Justice
We ensure access to justice for all by offering free legal services to individuals who cannot afford an attorney, with support from pro bono attorneys and our dedicated staff.
Making a Difference
MOAD serves a diverse range of individuals within the African Diaspora, including refugees, asylum seekers, undocumented immigrants, and those impacted by human trafficking. We are committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of all African-born U.S. immigrants in Massachusetts.
Business Training Group-Diverse Supplier Certification
Let us support you through earning your Diverse Supplier Certification. This program aims to foster a more inclusive and equitable marketplace by certifying businesses owned, controlled, and operated by individuals from historically underrepresented groups. Achieving Diversity Supplier Certification provides your business with a valuable competitive advantage and demonstrates your commitment to diversity and inclusion.
What is Diversity Supplier Certification?
Diversity Supplier Certification is a formal recognition that a business meets specific criteria related to ownership, control, and operation by individuals from designated diverse groups. These groups may include, but are not limited to:
Minority-owned businesses
Businesses owned, controlled, and operated by individuals who are Black, Hispanic, Native American, Asian Pacific Islander, or other recognized minority groups.
Women-owned businesses
Businesses owned, controlled, and operated by women.
Veteran-owned businesses
Businesses owned, controlled, and operated by veterans of the U.S. armed forces.
LGBTQ+-owned businesses
Businesses owned, controlled, and operated by individuals who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer.
Disability-owned businesses
Businesses owned, controlled, and operated by individuals with disabilities.
Benefits of Certification
Enhanced Reputation
Certification enhances your company's reputation and demonstrates your commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable marketplace.
Competitive Advantage
Certification can differentiate your business from competitors, demonstrating your commitment to social responsibility and attracting customers who value diversity and inclusion.
Networking Opportunities
The certification process often connects you with other certified diverse businesses, creating valuable networking opportunities and potential collaborations.
Access to Resources
Some certifying organizations provide access to resources such as training, workshops, and mentorship programs to help certified businesses grow and succeed.
Increased Business Opportunities
Many corporations and government agencies have supplier diversity programs with specific targets for spending with certified diverse businesses. Certification makes your business visible to these organizations, opening doors to new contracts and partnerships.
Are You Eligible?
To be eligible for Diversity Supplier Certification, your business must typically meet the following criteria:
Ownership
The business must be at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by individuals from a designated diverse group.
Control
The diverse owner(s) must have demonstrable control over the daily management and operations of the business.
Operation
The diverse owner(s) must be actively involved in the day-to-day operations of the business.
Legal Structure
The business must be a legally recognized entity.
Advocacy & Power Building
We amplify the voices of the community by engaging in canvassing, or door-to-door campaigning, as a powerful tool for social engagement and building advocacy power. In doing so, our program fosters a sense of belonging, strengthens community bonds, and empowers individuals to advocate for themselves.
Campaign Strategies
Campaign Strategies:
Canvassers go door-to-door in the community, engaging in face-to-face conversations with residents. Through established partnership with African community organizations, faith-based groups, or cultural centers, we provide valuable insights that build a collective voice to influence policies and create positive change.
Relationship building
Canvassers establish personal connections, build trust, and understand the concerns and priorities of individuals. This includes focusing on issues that are particularly important to the African community, such as immigration, education, healthcare, economic opportunity, or social justice.
Information gathering
Canvassers who speak the languages prevalent within the community provide materials and collect valuable data about residents' opinions, needs, and willingness to get involved.
Education and persuasion
Canvassers raise awareness about important social issues within the community, explain MOAD’s mission and values, and persuade individuals to join our network of engaged individuals who can influence decision-makers.