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.”
Memphis was chosen as a new location for an MBDA Business Center because it offers significant opportunity to create new jobs through the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned firms.
Memphis and the surrounding Delta region have a notable minority population with a long history of entrepreneurship and innovation. The city is also home to corporate giants Fed Ex, AutoZone, International Paper, and several other Fortune 500 companies. Mitsubishi is slated to open a production plant in 2013, confirming that Memphis ranks among the best places to conduct business.
The Memphis MBDA Business Center will be operated by the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum, which was selected following a rigorous and highly competitive grant competition. Ms. Beverly Goines has been selected to lead the Memphis MBDA Business Center as executive director.
