Michigan Minority Businesses Will Soon Have Easier Access to Federal Contracts and Grants

DETROIT, Nov. 2 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) announces a special award to the Michigan Minority Business Enterprise Center (MMBEC) to increase minority business access to contracting opportunities through the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA).

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provides supplemental appropriations for job preservation and creation, infrastructure investment, energy efficiency and science, assistance to the unemployed, and State and local fiscal stabilization. In Michigan, this translates into grants in several key areas: Economic Development, Education and Research, Energy, Environment, Human Services, Infrastructure, Jobs and Job Training, Public Safety, Technology, and Vibrant Communities.

On November 6, 2009, MMBEC and the MBDA will provide insight on how minority businesses can secure contracts through the ARRA at Cloud 9 restaurant (a minority owned company) located in the Fisher Building in Detroit, Michigan. MMBEC is one of seven minority business centers across the country to receive a grant to increase minority business access to the ARRA contracting opportunities. "Minority-owned firms play a significant role in the nation's economic growth," MBDA National Director David Hinson said. "President Obama and the entire Administration are committed to ensuring that minority businesses receive their fair share of contracts in rebuilding our economy. This effort is designed to put them into a position to do just that."

"I understand the impact minority businesses have on our community. The ARRA award is a huge opportunity to foster access for our well deserved minority businesses that have worked to create and sustain wealth in our local community," said Ken Harris, MMSDC Director of Minority Business Development.

Special invited guests include the MBDA National Director David Hinson; CommerceConnect Director Shirley Dean; Michigan State Senator Hansen Clark; Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick; Congressman John Conyers; City of Detroit Mayor Dave Bing; City of Southfield Mayor Brenda Lawrence; Senator Debbie Stabenow; State ARRA Director, Leslee Fritz; and Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano.

We are pleased to participate in bringing President Obama's vision of economic recovery to Michigan.

About MMBEC
Michigan MBEC (Center) is funded by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and operated by the Michigan Minority Supplier Development Council (MMSDC). The purpose of the Center is to serve the "rapid growth-potential minority businesses" and minority firms with $500,000 or more in annual revenue within the state of Michigan through the provision of business assistance, strategic partnerships, and strategic business consulting.

About MMSDC
Founded in 1977, the Michigan Minority Supplier Diversity Council (MMSDC) was formerly known as the Michigan Minority Business Development Council (MMBDC). MMSDC is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization with more than 1,300 certified minority businesses and over 400 corporate members working to further its mission to certify minority businesses; provide access to procurement opportunities; and develop capacity for minority business development. The MMSDC was recognized by the National Minority Supplier Development Council as "Council of the Year" for its work with major corporations to promote minority business development and growth. Visit the MMSDC's website at www.mmbdc.com.