DENVER – Governor Polis and the Colorado Office of Economic Development and International Trade (OEDIT) announced today that Antonio Soto has been appointed director of the Minority Business Office (MBO).

Soto joined the Minority Business Office in February 2021 as a program manager, but it quickly became apparent that he had the skills, experience and vision needed for the director position.

“Soto has proven to be an invaluable asset to the Minority Business Office,” said Patrick Meyers, Executive Director of OEDIT and Director of State Collections. “He has made connections with community members across the state and uses those contacts to strengthen the support network we are building for the minority, women, and veteran business community.”

As the Director of MBO, Soto will work with business and community groups, including the Minority Business Advisory Council, to develop and implement strategic planning for MBO. He is responsible for the direction, management and evaluation of all operations, programs and services of the agency. Soto will also provide leadership to Colorado nonprofit and profit minority industries and organizations.

The Minority Business Office has an established network of public, private and government resources that can be leveraged by businesses of all types and sizes to help businesses connect with the right people and increase their prospects at the level local, national or international.

Soto comes to OEDIT with a decade of experience in finance and accounting, in addition to significant volunteer experience in supporting minority and business communities. Prior to joining OEDIT, Soto worked at Re: Vision as Director of Operations and served a local non-profit organization working with individuals in marginalized communities to develop leaders and cultivate more equitable food systems.

“Soto is an experienced community connector and a recognized leader in empowering communities,” said Glenn Plagens, Director of Business Support and Rural Prosperity at OEDIT. “He is a vital member of the Minority Business Office team and will now be able to further develop his ability to collaborate and build community support as the new Director.”

Soto immediately begins his mission.