The Legacy of Mel Essex: Champion of Black & Brown Business Excellence

Mel Essex was a beacon of hope, innovation, and unwavering commitment to fostering economic opportunity for Black and Brown entrepreneurs throughout Iowa. Joining Iowans for Social and Economic Development (ISED) in 1988 as a small business consultant and trainer, Mel became a cornerstone of entrepreneurial growth and empowerment. Over his distinguished career, he provided thousands of hours of technical assistance, small business training, and mentorship, paving the way for hundreds of small business owners to launch, strengthen, and expand their ventures. His efforts directly facilitated access to over $15 million in business financing, transforming dreams into sustainable realities.

A visionary leader and collaborator, Mel played a pivotal role in creating ISED’s original microenterprise training curriculum. His expertise extended beyond the classroom as he delivered professional development and training for ISED staff across Iowa, ensuring that his passion and methodologies inspired others to carry his mission forward. Managing offices in Cedar Rapids and Waterloo, he also served entrepreneurs in surrounding communities, providing hands-on support that elevated the economic fabric of the region.

Mel’s influence was not confined to his work with ISED. His extensive experience in business ownership included running a diversified landscape and garden center for eight years before transitioning to a storage business that operated successfully for over a decade. His time as an administrator at Kirkwood Community College saw him leading the horticulture program, reflecting his dedication to education and community development.

An active member of his Cedar Rapids and Mount Vernon communities, Mel served on multiple task forces with the Cedar Rapids Chamber of Commerce and participated in planning committees for local agencies. His efforts extended to rural and urban microentrepreneurs alike, championing their success with relentless dedication.

Mel’s exceptional contributions earned him well-deserved accolades, including being named the Small Business Administration’s Welfare-to-Work Advocate of the Year by Governor Vilsack in 1998. In 2005, he was further honored by ISED Ventures with the establishment of the “Mel Essex Achievement Award,” a testament to his high standards of business ethics, passion for uplifting others, and enduring legacy of inspiring aspiring entrepreneurs to build wealth and achieve financial self-sufficiency.

Despite facing the immense challenge of battling cancer, Mel exemplified resilience, humor, and positivity, uplifting those around him even in his most trying times. His passing on February 3, 2006, marked the loss of a community hero, but his legacy continues to resonate, fueling the aspirations of countless individuals to this day.

The Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award at the Athene Black & Brown Business Summit presented by Wells Fargo stands as a tribute to this extraordinary man—a champion of equity, a visionary leader, and a compassionate mentor. This award not only honors Mel’s memory but also carries forward his mission of empowering Black and Brown entrepreneurs to thrive, build generational wealth, and contribute to the economic vitality of their communities. His legacy reminds us all that with passion, perseverance, and support, the dreams of tomorrow are within reach.

Past Honorees of the Mel Essex Entrepreneur of the Year Award:

2024 – Blanca Plascencia – Co-owner/El Fogon

2023 – Perlla Deluca – Owner & CEO/Southwest Contractors

2022 – Lu Spaine – Owner/Zumi Collection, LLC

2021 – Pernell Cezar – Co-Founder & CEO/ BLK & Bold Specialty Beverages