The MBA was first formed in 1961 as a merger of four smaller business associations that were active in various parts of the city. Each association had the same goal in mind but were often competing against each other for members and in different promotions in the city. As a result the associations gathered together to form the Mishawaka Businessmen Association. For years the association's focus was on downtown Mishawaka only and it produced Mishawaka Sidewalk Days and other smaller community and business events.In 2005, the MBA moved its office at the Yorktowne Center building at Lincolnway and Main – in the heart of downtown to a new location on West Fourth Street, then in 2016 moved to Grove St. still in downtown. The articles of incorporation were officially changed, and the MBA was born with the expansion of its focus to include all businesses in the City of Mishawaka and the renewed focus on providing services to members and being a local advocate for businesses.