Press Room July 2012

A large portion of MBDA's work involves partnering with minority business owners and those who serve them—state and local governments, civic organizations, professional associations, and more. We help facilitate contracts and capital in a wide range of industry sectors.

During Fiscal Year 2011, by total dollar value of awards, the leading industries assisted by MBDA were construction at 35 percent, services 25 percent, information 12 percent, manufacturing 11 percent, and finance 10 percent.

The U.S. Commerce Department today announced it is accepting public comments on a proposed policy, “Tribal Consultation and Coordination Policy for the U.S. Department of Commerce,” establishing how Commerce consults with federally-recognized Indian tribes on policies that have tribal implications. These consultations promote Commerce’s mission in part by supporting strong and stable tribal economies able to participate in today’s national and global marketplace. The proposed policy responds to President Obama’s 2009 White House Memorandum and the 2000 Executive Order 13175 by reaffirming the unique government-to-government relationship between the Federal Government and Indian tribal governments.

“The Obama administration recognizes the government to government relationship with American Indians and Alaska Natives and is committed to ensuring these individuals remain an integral part of policy-making decisions,” said Commerce Senior Advisor on Native American Affairs, Dee Alexander. “This policy further codifies Commerce’s efforts to support job creation and economic stability in Indian country so that American Indians and Alaska Natives have the tools they need to grow and compete globally.”

Funds will establish a new MBDA Business Center to unleash economic potential of minority-owned firms

Washington, DC (July 13, 2012) - Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), officially launched the Memphis MBDA Business Center. MBDA National Director David A. Hinson, along with U.S. Representative Steve Cohen, Memphis Mayor AC Wharton, Jr. and Shelby County Mayor Mark Luttrell, received a tour of the new office and participated in a ceremonial check presentation.  The Memphis MBDA Business Center is one of 40 MBDA Business Centers located around the country dedicated to creating jobs and strengthening the economy by helping minority-owned and managed firms gain access to public and private sector contracts, capital and markets. 

“One of my top priorities at MBDA is to expand the Agency’s reach so more minority-owned firms benefit from the expertise of our business centers,” said MBDA National Director David A. Hinson. “Establishing a presence in Memphis strengthens our ability to help the Delta region’s minority-owned businesses grow and create jobs, key priorities of the Obama administration.”

The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) has joined with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the Department of Defense (DoD) to launch a training program for transitioning service members and veterans to help them become entrepreneurs and create jobs.  Operation Boots to Business: From Service to Startup is a national initiative that will be piloted with the U.S. Marine Corps. The announcement was made today by U.S. Small Business Administrator Karen Mills and U.S. Marine Corps representatives at Quantico, VA.