By Asia Nail
The Truth Reporter
Imagine climbing a mountain. The higher you go, the thinner the air gets, the steeper the path, and the more challenging each step becomes. Now imagine Ebony Carter, not only making that climb but reaching back to help others up along the way. That’s exactly what she does every day.
As the Minority Business Assistance Center (MBAC) Program Director, Carter has dedicated her career to guiding entrepreneurs, particularly minority business owners, through the ups and downs of growing their businesses. This year, she’s being recognized for her extraordinary work with the YWCA Milestones 2025 Women on the Rise Honor—a well-earned accolade that celebrates the impact she has made in Toledo’s business community.
But if you ask her about this award, she won’t take the credit alone. “I accept this on behalf of my community,” Carter says, her voice full of gratitude. “It takes a village. If it wasn’t for the people who poured into me, supported me, and reminded me to keep going when things got tough, I wouldn’t be here.
Carter’s story isn’t just about success—it’s about service, vision and a fierce determination to uplift others.
Scaling Up, Leveling Up, and Breaking Through
One of Carter’s biggest initiatives at MBAC is The Art of Scale-Up, an eight-week program designed to help business owners get out of the “startup struggle” and into a real growth phase.
“A lot of entrepreneurs get stuck,” Carter explains. “They do all the right things to start—registering the business, setting up a bank account—but then they hit a wall. They don’t know what’s next, and they stay in survival mode.”
This program is all about pulling back the layers, getting real about what’s working (and what’s not), and empowering business owners to take the next step with confidence.
But here’s the thing: it’s not about pushing people into growth they’re not ready for. “We don’t tell them what to do,” Carter says. “We help them figure out what’s right for them. Not everyone is in a place to scale up just yet, and that’s okay. The key is knowing when the time is right.”
And it’s working. The impact is real and measurable.
“We don’t want people to just take another business class,” Ebony says. “We want them to finish this program and say, ‘I increased my revenue by $15,000.’ Or, ‘I finally opened my second location.’ That’s what matters.”
To make sure each entrepreneur gets the hands-on support they need, MBAC keeps the class size small—only 15 business owners per cohort. The goal isn’t to push out huge numbers. It’s to create real transformation, one business at a time.
Keys to Scaling a Business
Recently, Carter spoke at a HerHub luncheon about the most important things entrepreneurs need to do to scale their businesses. Her top three takeaways?
1. Do Your Research—Yourself, First
“Before you even start looking at the market, take a deep dive into your own business,” she advises. “Where are your weak spots? What’s slowing you down? You can’t fix what you don’t see.”
2. Build the Right Team
“You can’t do it all alone,” Carter stresses. “Find people who compliment your strengths and fill in the gaps where you need help.”
3. Set Dates & Execute the Plan
“Billionaires don’t have some secret code,” Carter says with a laugh. “They just make a plan, set deadlines, and actually do the work. That’s it. No magic. Just consistency.”
And that consistency? It’s where most businesses fail. Tracking progress, holding yourself accountable, and making real moves—that’s the game-changer.
Success Isn’t Always What You Expect
One of the most powerful things Carter has seen through her work is how success looks different for everyone.
“There was one business owner who wanted a loan to buy a building,” Carter recalls. “She found a lender willing to approve her, but after going through our program, she realized it would actually put her in financial trouble.”
The old her might have taken the loan anyway. But through the deep dive into her business, she recognized the risk herself.
“She told herself ‘no,’” Carter says, smiling. “And that’s powerful. It’s different when someone tells you no versus when you realize on your own that the timing isn’t right.”
Instead of taking the loan, the business owner made smart financial moves, increased her revenue, and ended up renegotiating her lease for a better deal.
“That’s success,” Carter says. “Not just growth, but growth at the right time.”
More Than an Award—A Movement
When Carter learned she was the only Woman on the Rise honoree this year, she was surprised.
“I know in past years they selected multiple women,” she says. “So, to be chosen as the sole recipient is really special.”
But again, Carter doesn’t see this award as just hers.
“This is a team win, a community win. I’ll be the face of it because they put my name on it,” she says with a laugh, “but I couldn’t rise without my people.”
She credits women like Amerah Archer, Olivia Holden, Alicia Smith, Arlana Alexander and Carlena Johnson for being inspirations and examples of leadership in action.
“I’m blessed to be surrounded by women who constantly pour into me,” Carter says. “They remind me that, yes, there’s more work to be done, but it’s possible.”
The Heart Behind Her Work
What keeps Carter fighting for minority entrepreneurs every day?
“The people,” she says without hesitation.
As a proud Toledo native, Carter sees firsthand the hustle, resilience, and talent in her city. But she also sees the lack of resources and recognition.
“We have some truly amazing, hardworking business owners here,” she says. “And if the fight is making sure they get the exposure and opportunities they deserve, then that’s the fight I’m in until the end.”
Because for Carter, it’s not just about business. It’s about breaking barriers, building wealth, and creating a stronger community.
What’s Next? Bigger & Bolder Moves
So what’s next for MBAC and Carter’s mission?
More accessibility. More engagement. More impact.
“We want to expand The Art of Scale-Up to make it available to even more entrepreneurs across the city,” Carter says.
And beyond that?
“Collaboration over competition,” she says. “It’s all about bringing people together, sharing resources, and making sure that success isn’t just for the few—it’s for everyone.”
As Ebony Carter continues to rise, uplift, and empower, one thing is clear: her work is changing lives. And if you ask her, she’ll tell you—she’s just getting started.
Congratulations to Ebony Carter on this well-deserved honor! Learn more about the YWCA Milestones Awards here.