Press Releases

Agreement Increases Firms’ Access to Certification and Contracting Opportunities

WASHINGTON (May 3, 2013) —The U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the California High-Speed Rail Authority (Authority) aimed at achieving greater participation by minority-owned companies in all phases of construction of the new high-speed train system construction, the state’s largest infrastructure project.

The MOU, signed during today’s launch of the MBDA Business Center in Fresno, will help ensure that minority-owned businesses get information, technical assistance and support related to this significant contracting opportunity.  To ensure that firms participating in the construction of the high-speed train system reflect the diversity of California’s business community, the Authority has set a minimum participation goal of 30% for certified Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), Small Businesses (SBs), Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBEs) and Disabled Veteran Business Enterprises (DVBEs) in all phases of the rail system construction process. This requirement exceeds widespread existing minimum standards.

Agreement Increases Firms’ Access to Networking and Certification Opportunities

WASHINGTON (December 21, 2012) —The U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Healthcare Supplier Diversity Alliance (HSDA) that establishes guidelines for a working relationship aimed at opening doors to the healthcare industry for minority-owned firms.

The MOU, signed during the National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference on December 5-6, 2012, will increase access to healthcare procurement opportunities for minority-owned businesses that currently provide goods and services to treat patients, assemble medical equipment and supplies, and manufacture medicines and new biotechnologies.  The partnership will also create a pathway for minority-owned firms that seek to enter the healthcare supply chain.

 Agency Will Honor 12 Business Leaders, Minority Business Advocates and Companies at the MED Week Conference

WASHINGTON (November 29, 2012) — The U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) today announced the 2012 National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week award winners. This year’s awards recognize the outstanding contributions of 12 private sector, non-profit entities and leaders in the categories of lifetime achievement, leadership, access to capital, exporting and manufacturing that have had a major impact in the growth of minority business enterprises. The winners will be honored on December 6, 2012, during the 30th Anniversary MED Week Conference.

The winners include a U.S. Congressman, presidents of manufacturing and service companies, leaders of non-profit training and advocacy groups, and successful private-sector manufacturing, exporting and finance concerns, all of whom have contributed significantly to minority business development, job creation and economic growth throughout the country.

AK, CA, NM, ND and OK Receive Federal Funds

Washington, DC (September 14, 2012) — The U.S. Department of Commerce today announced the winners of a grant competition to spur job creation and economic development in states with large American Indian and Alaska Native populations. Approximately $6.6 million in Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) funds is being invested with local entities to operate new MBDA Business Centers in Anchorage, Alaska; Fresno, California; Santa Fe, New Mexico; Bismarck, North Dakota; and Tulsa, Oklahoma.

“Today’s announcement builds upon the Obama administration’s commitment to economic growth and job creation in Indian Country,” said Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank. “The new MBDA Business Centers will provide minority entrepreneurs and businesses with the expertise and tools they need to compete globally and create good paying jobs in America.”