Skip to main content

Congressman Cohen Congratulates MMBC Continuum on Five-Year Grant to Operate the Tennessee Minority Business Development Center

August 30, 2021

State-wide operation will support minority- and women-owned businesses

MEMPHIS – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-09) today congratulated the Mid-South Minority Business Council Continuum (MMBC Continuum), its President and CEO Jozelle Luster Booker and the entire staff of the Tennessee Minority Business Development Center for securing a five-year, $1,875,000 grant from the Department of Commerce to change its name and expand its footprint statewide. Previously, the Memphis Minority Business Development Center emphasized support for minority businesses in the Memphis area. Congressman Cohen and his then-staff member Michael Fulton worked for three years to bring the center to Memphis in 2012. Fulton is now Director of Government Affairs and Business Diversity Development at the Memphis and Shelby County Airport Authority.

The MMBC Continuum also received a one-year, $521,703 Coronavirus Response and Relief grant to provide education and technical support to small minority businesses across the state.

Congressman Cohen made the following statement:

"I'm pleased and proud to see the success of the Tennessee Minority Business Development Center and commend its leadership for securing its future for another five years. My office worked diligently over three years to bring the center to Memphis in 2012. Since then, it has helped minority-owned businesses start up and flourish, creating good-paying jobs. I look forward to its bright future in our community and across the state."

Congressman Cohen wrote to the Department of Commerce in support of the five-year grant that the MMBC Continuum announced on Friday. CEO and President Jozelle Luster Booker explained that, under its previous name, the business center could offer services statewide but emphasized Memphis-area businesses. She also noted that the Commerce Department grant offers the opportunity to develop private partnerships.

###