BALTIMORE, MD (Thursday, September 16, 2021) — In August, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s (DOC) Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) awarded $2,000,000 to the Mayor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business to operate the Mid-Atlantic Region Minority Business Development Agency Advanced Manufacturing Center. The Advanced Manufacturing Project will provide targeted assistance to minority manufacturers and increase the number of “Made in America” products produced in Baltimore to be sold both domestically and globally. The project is designed to help identify, screen, promote, and refer minority business enterprises (MBEs) to specialized advanced manufacturing programs, and provide technical and business development services.

“In line with my administration's goal to advance equity and empower our minority- and women-owned businesses, the development of minority manufacturing and advanced manufacturing processes and procedures in our city will improve employment opportunities for our residents and increase the net worth of Baltimore’s community-based businesses. Small businesses create jobs and promote economic growth in our Black and Brown communities, which have not historically received investment,” Mayor Brandon M. Scott said. 

“These federal funds will spur innovation and production, boosting the local economy,” Paul E. Taylor, Director of the Mayor’s Office of Small, Minority and Women Business said.  This is the fourth MBDA grant award for the City of Baltimore and the second award focused on minority manufacturing. This effort is being led by N. Scott Phillips, Esq.

In the last year the Mid-Atlantic Region MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center helped minority-owned businesses connect with $7,742,368 in capital, securing $30,702,539 in contracts. Last year, the centers helped create 74 jobs and retain 322 jobs. The DOC grant is particularly important considering jobs in the manufacturing sector pay workers higher wages relative to other industries.

“We are grateful for the continued support and confidence the Minority Business Development Agency has provided our program. We look forward to continuing our efforts to grow minority manufacturers in the Mid-Atlantic Region,” said N. Scott Phillips, Esq., Director of the Baltimore MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center. 

One new initiative for the center is MiHUB, the Manufacturing Innovation HUB Cooperative. This new initiative will support the development of a democratically-controlled, manufacturer-owned cooperative. The cooperative will provide shared resources and opportunities for its members. The new round of funding will be distributed over the course of the next five years.

More information is available at baltimorembda.com and mihubcoop.com.