Building a Stronger Future: Inside ASHI’s Minority Business Council

Empowering Opportunity Through Inclusion

The home inspection profession thrives on expertise, integrity, and community; however, for many minority-owned businesses, the path to success can be fraught with additional challenges. That’s why ASHI launched the Minority Business Council, a new initiative designed to empower and expand opportunities for underserved communities within the inspection industry.

During a recent ASHI webinar, Simone Cartwright, founder of Abundant Home Inspection Services, and James Jones III of Home and Commercial Inspections shared how this council aims to support inspectors through education, mentorship, and strategic collaboration.

“The goal,” Cartwright explained, “is to build a thriving community that promotes inclusion, diversity, and entrepreneurship within home inspection.”

A Mission to Educate, Empower, and Elevate

The Minority Business Council’s mission is straightforward yet powerful: to help minority home inspectors establish, sustain, and grow successful businesses. Its early objectives include:

• Launching a national minority inspector membership program to pair new inspectors with experienced mentors.
• Hosting virtual check-ins and training sessions with measurable outcomes.
• Developing a structured mentorship playbook that guides growth through accountability and goal-setting.
• Planning a Minority Business Advancement Forum at InspectionWorld 2026 featuring panels on business scaling, federal contracting, and marketing strategies.

Jones emphasized that this initiative is about breaking barriers: “We want inspectors who look like the communities they serve. Representation matters—not just for inspectors, but for homeowners who deserve trust and understanding from their service providers.”

Expanding Access and Building Partnerships

The council also seeks to bridge gaps in access to capital, resources, and business development. Cartwright and Jones both shared their experiences securing government contracts through the Small Business Administration (SBA) and state-level programs, opportunities that many minority-owned businesses may not be aware of.

“These certifications can open doors to funding and projects that might otherwise be out of reach,” Jones explained. “Our council’s purpose is to teach inspectors how to navigate those processes and build sustainable, well-structured businesses.”

Partnerships with organizations such as the National Association of Real Estate Brokers, the Asian Real Estate Association, and the Hispanic Real Estate Association are also on the horizon to foster community collaboration and enhance client trust.

A Call to Collaborate and Mentor

Both speakers emphasized that the council is open to all ASHI members who support diversity and inclusion. “Diversity isn’t about division,” Jones said. “It’s about lifting each other up. A collective creates a stronger, more competitive industry.”

The council is currently recruiting volunteers and committee members to help shape programs, mentorships, and outreach initiatives.

Get Involved

Interested in joining or supporting the ASHI Minority Business Council?

You can reach out to Simone Cartwright or James Jones III through the contact information provided in the webinar materials.

By participating, you’ll help advance ASHI’s mission to create an industry where every inspector, regardless of background, has access to the tools, connections, and confidence to thrive.

Watch the Full Webinar and Keep Learning

Want to see the full webinar? The complete recording of “Empowering Minority Home Inspectors” is now available on ASHI Edge.