September 26, 2016
DENVER, Colo. – The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) honored Meda (Metropolitan Economic Development Association) as the top performing MBDA Business Center in the nation. The award was given to Meda this week during the annual MBDA National Training Conference in Denver, Colorado.
“We all should be celebrating Meda’s recognition as the top performer out of the 44 MBDA centers located throughout the United States,” Gary L. Cunningham, Meda President & CEO, remarked, “This is a testament to the tenacity of Meda’s minority business owners, the support of the greater business community and the State of Minnesota, and the expertise of the Meda team.”
In 2015, Meda provided business consulting to 514 minority entrepreneurs and assisted with 20 business starts or acquisitions that created or retained 213 jobs. Meda also financed 59 new loans with $20.7 million in financing secured, which created or retained 232 jobs. On the procurement side, Meda served 735 clients throughout the state of Minnesota, including 144 minority businesses. Overall, Meda helped secure $264.6 million in contracts for Minnesota businesses, including $94.4 million for minority businesses.
About Meda (Metropolitan Economic Development Association)
Meda is a nonprofit organization that serves Minnesota’s minority entrepreneurs by providing one-on-one business consulting, access to capital, and procurement opportunities. This year, Meda will be celebrating its sapphire anniversary at the annual Meda Gala on November 19. For more information about sponsoring or attending the Meda Gala, please visit www.Meda.net/Gala.
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