Eyeful Media Earns Minority Business Enterprise Certification
Eyeful Media was recently certified as a Minority-Owned Business Enterprise (MBE). This recognition is an extraordinary accomplishment for any agency, especially one led by a minority woman. Eyeful Media is grateful to our clients who have put us in a position to receive this honor.
The Minority Business Enterprise Certification is awarded by the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). An MBE is a business that is owned, run, and managed by members of racial minority groups. MBE certifications support a diverse workforce in the business industry, providing an opportunity for minority-owned companies to compete. In addition, Eyeful Media also earned Texas HUB certification.
According to the 2021 Annual Business Survey:
Only 1.15 million or 19.9% of employer businesses in 2020 were minority-owned.
While only 1.24 million (21.4%) were owned by women of any race.
The 2023 Vital Signs Report from Third Way found that minority-owned businesses are “still vastly underrepresented compared to the population.”
Most employ fewer than 20 people and are likelier to earn less than $100,000 in revenue. The report also noted that women- and minority-owned businesses were the hardest hit by the pandemic. But Eyeful Media continues to defy these odds.
Minority and Women-Owned Businesses
Minority and women-owned businesses promote diversity and representation. Women, especially minority women, are less common in company CEO roles. That’s one of the reasons why Eyeful CEO Antonella Pisani is so inspiring.
The lack of gender and race diversity in business leadership has always been problematic. Many industries have made little progress. But Eyeful Media continues to shatter those glass ceilings while establishing itself as one of the top digital marketing agencies in the country.
About Antonella Pisani
Antonella Pisani is the CEO and founder of Eyeful Media. She was raised by parents who immigrated from South and Central America. Her father was born in Brazil, and her mother was born in Nicaragua. Her first languages are Spanish and Portuguese. Antonella and her brother learned English in school.
Antonella has always been a very hard worker. She has also been an entrepreneur since she was 12, buying and reselling baseball cards. Pisani grew up watching her father work for himself. She knew she wanted the same for her future. Knowing that’s what she wanted to do; she set out to make that happen.
After a successful career as a senior leader for companies like JCPenney and ProFlowers, Antonella started her own agency. She built a collaborative team at Eyeful with an inspirational culture. Eyeful Media features employees in 16 states and 23 cities with diverse backgrounds who support each other while working together to drive results.
The Minority Business Enterprise Certification Process
The MBE certification process is very detailed. This achievement gets approved organizations listed in the NMSDC database. This database is used by large corporations looking to partner with minority-owned businesses.
An MBE-certified business must provide financial statements and meet eligibility requirements. These requirements include revenue thresholds and being majority-owned by someone of a minority background. The MBE certification provides the company access to many resources, such as mentorship programs and large government agencies. It also offers tools, training, and educational opportunities.
“Some companies are very focused on who they buy from,” Antonella shared on her decision to apply. “The only way to be considered a minority-owned business is to go through the certification process. We chose one of the hardest certifications because we feel the value is there and it’s worth the investment.”
Professionally, Antonella sees this as a strategic business move. But on a more personal level, having the MBE Certification is a nod to her immigrant roots.
“Eyeful’s culture brings together various backgrounds and skills,” Antonella added. “This provides our clients with the best solutions.”
A boutique marketing agency that can provide niche services is rare among MBE-certified companies. Most organizations involve trade and skilled labor companies. These qualities distinguish Eyeful Media and create new opportunities as an MBE. Contact us to learn more about the MBE certification for your business.