Local and National Leaders Celebrate the City’s Minority Business Development Agency Business Center’s First Year in Operation

April 19, 2022

In recognition of its successful first year in operation, local and national leaders gathered at the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center in Albuquerque’s Barelas neighborhood, celebrating minority business enterprise clients assisted, the Center’s recent award of a federal operational grant, and legislation that made the U.S. Department of Commerce MBDA a permanent agency.

“The MBDA Business Center in Albuquerque is empowering minority business enterprises, and delivering resources to create a more equitable economy,” said Mayor Tim Keller. “In Albuquerque, 60% of small businesses are minority-owned, and supporting them is fundamental to accelerating our city’s post-pandemic recovery, and creating an economy that works for everyone.”

Since July 1, the center has supported over 200 minority owned businesses and yielded over $25 million in contracts, meeting its operational goals and placing the center on a trajectory for future service excellence in the minority business community. The center provides resources to help qualified clients access capital, identify and secure contracts, access new markets, and receive training and capacity development support.

“Minority-owned businesses in New Mexico deserve tailored assistance. That’s why I fought so hard to pass legislation and open up funding at the federal level to make this new center a reality,” said Senator Heinrich. “I’m proud to see these efforts come full circle. Because for the past two years, New Mexico small business owners have had to deal with navigating the pandemic. Now, with the opening of the New Mexico Minority Business Development Center, minority-owned businesses will be navigating success.”

“In New Mexico, minority-owned and operated businesses play a vital role in our communities, acting as the engine that keeps our economy moving,” said Senator Luján. “That’s why I’m honored to congratulate the City of Albuquerque on this opportunity to operate the New Mexico Minority Business Development Center, and strengthen their vital work to deliver services and support to businesses across our state.”

At the national level, the U.S. Department of Commerce MBDA was made permanent and will expand and elevate with the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. This action will allow the agency to increase programs and outreach to the Nation’s more than 9 million minority-owned businesses.

“Small businesses are the foundation of New Mexico’s economy, driving economic growth, expanding opportunity, and supporting our communities,” said Representative Stansbury. “For too long, minority small businesses owners have faced systematic barriers to accessing capital and resources to launch and grow their businesses. I am proud that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law we passed in November permanently reauthorizes the Minority Business Development Agency, and I am grateful to celebrate federal funding for the New Mexico Minority Business Development Agency alongside leaders like Mayor Keller, Director Ashley, and Senators Heinrich and Luján.”

At the national level, the MBDA was made permanent and will expand and elevate with the passage of the bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. This action will allow the agency to increase programs and outreach to the Nation’s more than 9 million minority-owned businesses.

This is a very, very exciting time for MBDA and all minority businesses. The New Mexico Center joins a network of more than 60 grant programs, including more than 35 MBDA Business Centers and Specialty Centers,” said Miguel Estien, MBDA Acting National Director. “The Albuquerque team has developed an entire ecosystem of programs to better serve and boldly change the economic outlook of minority entrepreneurs. Their work helps to ensure that as we build our economy back stronger, we also do it more equitably and with equality of purpose.”

The City of Albuquerque was recently awarded a $1.875 million grant from the U.S. Department of Commerce MBDA to support the New Mexico MBDA Business Center in Albuquerque, which is operated through the City’s Economic Development Department. The funding will assist center operations integral to the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses. While there are no geographic limitations on who the center serves, it maximizes its economic impact locally by focusing on contract procurement in high-growth sectors such as space technology, film and digital media, directed energy, smart technology, and bioscience.

“MBDA (Albuquerque Office) business services are first rate,” said Marc Limmany, owner of Bremmany, LLC. “They helped jump start my businesses and shortened the amount of research time needed to apply for grants, financing, and locating new property to relocate to. Their wealth of contacts, resources, and information have been invaluable as a business owner.”

“Investment in minority business enterprises is an essential strategy to accelerating our economy and ensuring underserved businesses have the tools to achieve their potential,” said Albuquerque Economic Development Department director Charles Ashley III. “The New Mexico MBDA Business Center in Albuquerque is a monumental local economic development opportunity, as well as a national honor, and we’re proud to provide these resources across the state.”

The New Mexico MBDA Business Center has been operating since December 2020 from its offices at the Albuquerque Hispano Chamber of Commerce Barelas Economic Opportunity Center, 1309 4th St. SW. For more information about the New Mexico center in Albuquerque, visit nmmbda.com.