November 22, 2021 – GCP was recently awarded a five-year, $1.9 million federal grant to create the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center for the state of Ohio. The center's grand opening and open house are set for later today.

The MBDA center is focused on connecting Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) with revenues greater than $500,000 to the work of minority business-related programs that are state-wide and developing an infrastructure to accelerate the growth of those companies.

“We are proud to be a leader and convener for the MBDA Center focused on scaling growth-oriented MBEs,” said Baiju R. Shah, CEO of Greater Cleveland Partnership. “The center is an inter-connected approach that supports accelerating inclusive growth and prosperity.”

Last Monday, President Biden permanently authorized the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) through the bipartisan infrastructure bill. 

“The Department of Commerce and MBDA play a pivotal role in promoting the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses,” said U.S. Department of Commerce Deputy Secretary Don Graves in the November 15 announcement. “This legislation is transformative and signifies a new era in minority business development and progress toward addressing the long-standing racial disparities in access to capital, contracts, and business ecosystems.”

Visit ohiombdabusinesscenter.com to learn more, get involved or refer a business to the program.