Minority Business Assistance Center
Our partnership with Akron MBAC
NECIC has partnered up with the Akron Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) hosted by the Akron Urban League (AUL) to bring business counseling services to Richland County. NECIC strives to support entrepreneurs in our work and is excited to offer counseling, training and other resources to displaced workers and small businesses.
For any questions about our local office and MBAC, contact us at 419-522-1611.
Interested in starting a business or growing your business?
Why We Need MBAC
Supporting businesses means providing them with resources that include technical and professional assistance, access to capital, surety bonding, and connection to business opportunities. The Division leverages these resources to support the achievement of the state's 15% Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) set-aside goal, which is overseen by the Department of Administrative Services.
The MBAC and Division works with entrepreneurs, and emerging business enterprises to help them achieve, scale, and market success. The overarching goal is to help small, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses contribute to job creation and economic growth in Ohio. Contact the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) to schedule an appointment and meet with a Certified Business Advisor. These services are available with no cost to businesses located throughout Ohio.
For more information on MBAC, Call 419-522-1611 or click the link below
Our Team
Alan Mitchell, MBAC Director
Alan is a Business Advisor for the Ohio Department of Development here at the North End Community Improvement Collaborative. In addition, Alan is the Principal Consultant at Social Enterprise Solutions. In general, Alan works to Provide technical and administrative guidance to directors and managers of for-profit and non-profit organizations to ensure timely, orderly, and efficient conduct of operations and development. He is a Naval veteran and hails from Oberlin, Ohio. In addition to Naval and Government service, he has worked in education, philanthropy, community development, and social service. He is the proud husband of Tiffany (Knight) Mitchell. He is also the proud father of Aliya and Alana Mitchell.
Email: Alan@necic-ohio.org
Shanican Pender, MBAC Business Advisor
Shanican Pender, BS, MSA, is an experienced community advocate, entrepreneur, and the proud owner of Lotus House Beauty and Wellness. A former North End resident and NECIC Community Organizer (2008–2013), Shanican brings a wealth of knowledge and deep connections to her role as a Business Advisor with the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) in Mansfield. Her background includes coordinating impactful health and wellness initiatives, collaborating with diverse community partners, and empowering underserved populations through outreach, education, and leadership.
With degrees from Wilberforce University and Central Michigan University, and professional training from institutions such as Northwestern and Stanford, Shanican’s career reflects her lifelong passion for helping others. Whether behind the chair in her salon or advising entrepreneurs through MBAC, she remains committed to holistic well-being and sustainable growth. As Shanican puts it, “Helping others fulfill their dreams and build sustainable businesses is the perfect match for my purpose.
Email: Shanican@necic-ohio.org
Doug Litteral, Business Advisor
Doug joined the Minority Business Assistance Center at NECIC in the summer of 2024, bringing over 25 years of Sales and Marketing expertise. With a passion for helping individuals transform ideas into thriving businesses, Doug provides guidance in business plan development, marketing strategies, networking, and offering creative solutions. A graduate of Mount Vernon Nazarene University with a degree in Business and a Minor in Communications, Doug also consults on Grant writing, Fundraising, and Performance Improvement. Known for his warm, approachable demeanor, Doug is someone you instantly feel comfortable with, and he treasures the importance of “Framily” (friends and family) as life’s greatest gift.
Email: Doug@necic-ohio.org
Lucas Gerber, Marketing Coordinator & MBAC Admin
Lucas joined NECIC in July 2023, bringing with him a passion for not-for-profit work that he cultivated during his time as a Marketing Intern at Kingwood Center Gardens. He earned a Bachelor's degree in Marketing from Franklin University in 2020.
As NECIC's Marketing Coordinator, Lucas is dedicated to sharing the compelling story of Mansfield's North End. His goal is to elevate NECIC's ideals and causes, capturing the attention of residents, non-residents, and stakeholders alike. Lucas is driven by a commitment to making a positive impact on the local Mansfield community through his work with NECIC
Email: Lucas@necic-ohio.org
CULTIVATING GROWTH & SUSTAINABILITY
The Akron (Richland) Minority Business Development Center (MBAC) is supported by the Ohio Development Services Agency (ODSA) Minority Business Development Division (MBDD) who all support the growth and sustainability of small, minority-owned, and disadvantaged businesses in the State of Ohio.
134 N. Main St., Mansfield, Ohio 44902