Washington, DC (April 30, 2009) – The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is proud to announce that Heyward Davenport, Director of MBDA’s New York City National Enterprise Center was inducted into the Minority Business Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc (MBHF&M).  The Minority Business Hall of Fame and Museum Inc. recognized four pioneers of minority business development on April 30, at an awards dinner at the Frito-Lay Headquarters in Plano, Texas.

“We are proud that Mr. Davenport has been recognized with this important honor. The award symbolizes his lifetime commitment to the growth and competitiveness of minority businesses.  MBDA congratulates him for his hard work and dedication and is proud he represents MBDA,” said Edith McCloud, MBDA Associate Director.

The Museum’s fifth annual induction ceremony will honored Davenport’s long history of advocacy for minority business.  Davenport’s began his career as a student organizer and civil rights leader in the 1960’s.  Later, he became commissioner of the Model Cities Administration in the New York City Office of the Mayor and led the city’s efforts to build model neighborhoods in the predominantly minority-populated neighborhoods of Central Harlem, South Bronx and the Bedford Stuyvesant-Brownsville sections of Brooklyn.  In addition, Davenport helped establish the nation’s first minority operated Minority Enterprise Small Business Investment  Corporation (MESBIC) in Brooklyn.  Davenport also served as the chairman of the board of New York City’s Minority and Women’s Business Advisory Board.

In his current role as director of the MBDA New York City National Enterprise Center, which he has held since 1995, Davenport oversees all MBDA business services for 14 northeast states. He conceived and led efforts within the MBDA to adopt a strategic growth initiative to develop the size, scale and capacity of minority businesses. This was the first major policy shift in program focus in over 35 years of the agency’s operation. In 2008 as a result of his efforts and history in minority business, Davenport received the Leadership Award from New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg.

The Minority Business Hall of Fame & Museum (MBHF&M) honors and shows appreciation for those who blazed the trail for today’s entrepreneurs. MBHF&M is a non-profit organization, established in Dallas, Texas.  

About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

Promoting Competitive Business Growth for 40 Years – 1969-2009

www.mbda.gov, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, celebrates 40 years of promoting business growth for minority businesses.  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.

####