December 5, 2025
Centers of Excellence Certificate Program (COECP) 2.0
The NMSDC Centers of Excellence Certificate Program (COECP) 2.0 Business Innovation Program is a transformative 5-month, results-driven initiative designed to help minority-owned businesses scale beyond $50M in revenue. Through a strategic blend of in-person and virtual 90-minute sessions, participants gain entrepreneurial education, strategic partnerships, and access to growth capital—empowering them to create uncontested market space using the award-winning Blue Ocean Value Innovation (BOVI) framework.
About the Centers of Excellence Certificate Program
Structure of the Program
- Duration: 5 months
- Format: Hybrid (in-person + virtual sessions)
- Core Components:
• Blue Ocean Strategy Implementation – Move beyond crowded markets and create uncontested space.
• Dual-Track Support System – Super Connectors open doors to new opportunities; Change Agents drive implementation of innovative offerings.
• Rutgers Excellence – Advanced curriculum delivered by Rutgers CUEED faculty and Covenant Business Concepts.
• Access to Growth Capital – Direct pathways to funding for MBEs scaling toward $50M+.
• ESG-Aligned Solutions Development – Position businesses at the forefront of corporate sustainability priorities.
Program Benefits
The program is an in-person and/or virtual diverse vendor development program designed to build certified minority entrepreneur competitiveness through relationship building and collaboration. By enrolling in the Center of Excellence Certificate Program (COECP 2.0), you’ll experience:
Accelerated growth and market leadership
Strategic partnerships with corporate leaders and procurement managers
Access to funding opportunities and capital partners
Development of innovative products and services using BOVI Strategic Canvas
Increased visibility and recognition through NMSDC’s premier advanced business development initiative
Participant Criteria and Expectations
To participate in this program, the minority business must first be NMSDC-certified. Additionally, the business must demonstrate the ability to meet the business-critical needs of our corporate members.
Participants much commit to the following expectations:
- Current NMSDC certification
- Annual revenue: $5–20M+
- 50+ full-time employees
- Profitability ratio: 25–35%
- Actively seeking growth capital
- Ability to cover travel expenses for in-person sessions
- Commitment to attend all sessions and complete assignments
*Note: Participation in the program does not guarantee contracts.
Program Sponsor
The Center of Excellence Certificate Program is brought to NMSDC-certified MBEs by the following sponsor:
Program Partner
The Center of Excellence Certificate Program is made possible thanks to a partnership with:
