Arizona MBDA Export Center Hosts Open House
Dignitaries in attendance included Congressman Greg Stanton and MBDA officials

MESA, AZ – The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development -operator of the Arizona Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Export Center recently hosted an open house at its Mesa headquarters. The program is funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Local elected officials, including Congressman Greg Stanton arrived to give opening remarks. The MBDA Acting National Director, Miguel Estién, also joined virtually to congratulate the Business Center on its grand opening. The open house was an opportunity for local leaders and the local business community to better understand the services offered by the Export Center and how it can help increase international trade and exports.

“The Arizona MBDA Export Center is here to help minority-owned businesses with their exports and open new markets for their products and services,” said JoAn Notah, MBDA Export Center Project Director. “Whether you are just starting to think about exporting or looking for new ways to expand the reach of your business, our experienced Export Center staff can help. I encourage minority-owned businesses across the nation to contact us.”

Last year, the National Center was one of four organizations selected to operate an Export Center, and the only Native-focused organization to earn such a distinction. MBDA Export Centers provide technical assistance and business development to generate increased financing, contract opportunities, and greater access to new and global markets for minority business enterprises (MBEs). The first program created by the Arizona MBDA Export Center is a series of webinars – Trade Training Tuesdays – to explain the resources available to businesses interested in trade. Additionally, the Arizona MBDA Export Center is incorporated into The National Center’s Native Edge Institute’s in-person events.

“When we invest in Native-owned businesses and entrepreneurs, we invest in the long-term success of Indian Country and our nation as a whole,” said U.S. Congressman Tom O’Halleran (D-AZ). “I commend the invaluable work of the National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development and want to extend my congratulations for being awarded to operate the recently launched Arizona MBDA Export Center. I look forward to continued work together to uplift these minority businesses and ensure they have the resources they need to succeed.”

For more information about the National Center-operated Arizona MBDA, please visit http://new.ncaied.org/export-center.