Cedar Rapids, IA – The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, has retained Robert V. Morris, a Des Moines-based business development specialist, to assist in the recovery and revitalization of Iowa minority-owned businesses ravaged by the floods in the summer of 2008. MBDA has been engaged in providing similar services to minority business enterprises in the Gulf Coast since Hurricanes Katrina and Rita in 2006.
Morris has provided similar services for the U.S. Small Business Administration throughout Iowa. He has also worked as a federal contractor with consulting, film production and construction companies since 1985. Morris will assist Eastern Iowa minority-owned businesses recovering from flood devastation to restore and grow their businesses.
“It is our mission to help the Iowa's minority businesses community recover from these devastating floods and restore a bright future to this great state through job creation and impact on the local economy,” says MBDA’s National Director and Iowa native Ronald N. Langston. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, there are approximately 5,500 minority-owned firms in Iowa generating more than $1 billion in annual gross receipts.
MBDA serves minority entrepreneurs across America who are building and growing their enterprises. Through a network of more than 40 business centers and strategic partners, MBDA assists minority entrepreneurs with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances and executive training.
Strategic partners working with MBDA include: The Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce, the Iowa City Chamber of Commerce and DavenportOne.
Minority-owned businesses seeking assistance should contact Morris at MBDA by emailing [email protected] or call 312-353-0182. MBEs may also contact the Cedar Rapids Area Chamber of Commerce at 319-398-5317.
About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA, www.mbda.gov , an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, serves minority entrepreneurs across America who are building and growing enterprises. In doing so, minority-owned firms are better equipped to create jobs, impact local economies and compete successfully in domestic and global marketplaces. With a nationwide network of more than 40 business centers and strategic partners, MBDA assists minority entrepreneurs and business owners with consulting services, contract and financing opportunities, bonding and certification services, building business-to-business alliances and executive training.
