Press Releases

Oakland, CA (March 1, 2010) MBDA National Director David A. Hinson will join Oakland, CA Mayor Ron Dellums, U.S. Representative Barbara Lee and officials from the White House, the U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the Department of Transportation (DOT) and the U.S. Small Business Administration to discuss the opportunities for minority-owned firms in the Bay area provided through the Recovery Act on Monday, March 1 at 9:30am. 

“MBDA, along with our strategic partners, is committed to ensuring that minority-owned firms are able to secure contracts and grants made possible through the Recovery Act.  From modernizing inland ports to greening public housing here in Oakland, minority-owned firms are qualified and capable to work on these, and many other projects.  Minority-owned firms create jobs and build wealth in our communities.  The success of these firms directly affects the success of the U.S. economy,” said MBDA National Director David A. Hinson.

Washington, D.C. (January 29, 2010) – Access to capital remains one of the most important factors limiting the success of minority-owned businesses, inhibiting their ability to grow and create new jobs, according to a new report released today by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). But minority-owned businesses do continue to be the engine of employment in emerging and minority communities. “Disparities in Capital Access Between Minority and Non-Minority-Owned Businesses: The Troubling Reality of Capital Limitations Faced by MBEs” found that despite limited access to capital, total unemployment during the last recession in 2001 would have been even higher if not for the minority-business community. 

U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke, MBDA National Director David Hinson and Earvin “Magic” Johnson to discuss minority entrepreneurship and creating viable business growth

WASHINGTON, Monday, August 24, 2009 – U.S. Commerce Secretary Gary Locke will address the 27th Annual National Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference on Thursday, August 27. The conference, hosted by the Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), August 26-28, at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C. The conference is part of the Commerce Department’s efforts to ensure minority businesses play a key role in the nation’s economic recovery. Participants will learn about strategies to foster innovation and competitiveness, and about opportunities for minority businesses to retool and rebuild America’s infrastructure.

Washington, DC (April 30, 2009) – The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is proud to announce that Heyward Davenport, its Northeast Regional Director, was inducted into the Minority Business Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc (MBHF&M).  The Minority Business Hall of Fame and Museum Inc. recognized four pioneers of minority business development on April 30th, at an awards dinner at the Frito-Lay Headquarters in Plano, Texas.

“We are proud that Mr. Davenport has been recognized with this important honor. The award symbolizes his lifetime commitment to the growth and competitiveness of minority businesses.  MBDA congratulates him for his hard work and dedication and is proud that he represents MBDA,” said Edith McCloud, MBDA Associate Director.