(Columbia, SC) – U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) recently extended an award to DESA, Inc. to operate South Carolina MBDA Business Center. This award allows DESA to provide technical assistance and support in access to capital and contracting opportunities to MBEs (minority business enterprises) in South Carolina.
Through this public-private partnership, DESA will serve businesses from across South Carolina with at least 51% minority ownership, at least $500,000 in annual revenues, are involved in high-growth industries, and/or have demonstrated rapid growth potential.
This award marks DESA’s 36-year commitment to the growth and development of MBEs through federal contracting. Project Director, Camille Shaw said, “It is an honor to serve minority businesses. They are key to generational wealth and building stronger communities.”
This award to DESA and five other new business centers delivers on the Biden Administration’s mission to expand access to capital and procurement opportunities for America’s minority business enterprises (MBEs). Expanding MBDA’s footprint is critical to the Agency’s mandate under the Minority Business Development Act of 2021, which seeks to expand MBDA’s influence and reach to support the nation’s 9.7 million minority-owned businesses.
Donald Cravins, Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development, said “To give minority-owned businesses the tools they need to succeed, we must meet people where they are. The greatest obstacle facing minority-owned businesses is access—access to capital, access to contracts, and access to markets. Strengthening MBDA’s existing business centers and expanding our footprint is critical to breaking down those barriers.
Businesses interested in learning more about the Center should call 803-743-1152 or email info@desainc.com.
