cbuzz: Andrea Wilkes, Columbus Urban League: The Ripple of Investment

In this episode, we sit down with Andrea Wilkes, Regional Director, Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) & AVP of Entrepreneurial Services at the Columbus Urban League. Through its two offices in Columbus and Athens, the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) provides management, technical and professional assistance, access to capital, surety bonding, connection to business opportunities, and assistance with MBE/EDGE/WBE/VFBE Certification. MBAC aims to connect entrepreneurs and emerging business owners to the resources, opportunities, and contract procurement information to help them achieve, scale, and market success. Andrea Wilkes, Regional Director, Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) & AVP of Entrepreneurial Services | Columbus Urban League Andrea Wilkes serves as the AVP of Entrepreneurial Services and Regional Director for the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center powered by the Columbus Urban League. With over 17 years of experience in banking and business development, she is dedicated to equipping entrepreneurs with the resources, access, and support needed to thrive. Under her leadership, the center has expanded its reach and deepened its impact, driving results for businesses across the region. Now based in Columbus to be closer to family, Andrea is a proud mother to Michael Christopher (17) and aunt to Aubrey Denise (2)—two of her greatest inspirations. She leads with the belief that when we invest in people, we unlock lasting transformation.  To learn more about the Columbus Minority Business Assistance Center powered by the Columbus Urban League, visit www.cul.org/mbac. Tune in today as Andrea Wilkes sits down with cbuzz host Mikaela Hunt to discuss: The Ripple of Investment A note about cbuzz production: We are thrilled to be recording episodes for our Central Ohio community. Stay tuned for new episodes, which will share the stories of some of our best and brightest Columbus Chamber members. Cbuzz is the Columbus Chamber of Commerce’s business-focused podcast and was named Best Business Podcast in 2019 by the Columbus Podcast Awards. The show is produced in partnership with Capital University and its students, and the show is hosted by Mikaela Hunt, brand journalist and storyteller. You can learn about Capital University here.