Enterprise Center Launches the Diversity Business Connection

PHILADELPHIA--(BUSINESS WIRE)--The Enterprise Center (TEC), a Philadelphia based non profit organization that provides business development, consulting services, and other resources to high-potential, minority entrepreneurs, announced today the launch of the Diversity Business Connection. The initiative is focused on raising awareness of minority business enterprises (MBE) with capacity for increased private and public sector opportunities. As part of the initiative, TEC is creating the most comprehensive national database aimed at matching MBEs with business opportunities. The database, called d-BizConnect^TM, is scheduled to go live early next year.

“As the original home of freedom and opportunity to all Americans, Philadelphia must find ways to actively engage minority entrepreneurs and business owners to grow our region,” said Jackie Hill, Director of the Minority Business Center. “Through the Diversity Business Connection, we hope to place a spotlight on their capabilities and talents. We are also pledging a commitment to develop cutting edge tools that will help ensure long term success.”

The Diversity Business Connection is focused on bringing national media attention to issues facing minority owned businesses. It also seeks to develop the tools necessary for these businesses to succeed. The first of these tools to come under the initiative is d-BizConnect^TM, a comprehensive database pairing MBEs with business opportunities. d-BizConnect.com will be launched in early 2009.

“The Mayor’s Office is pleased to support The Enterprise Center’s Diversity Business Connection,” says Mayor Michael Nutter. “The work The Enterprise Center is doing to support minority business enterprises is forward thinking and of great value to our community.”

For more information on how to get involved in the Diversity Business Connection or if you are a MBE or employer looking to be involved in d-BizConnect^TM, contact Jackie Hill at jhill@pa-mbec.com.

A major portion of d-BizConnect^TM, has been funded by the John S. & James L. Knight Foundation.

About TEC

Founded in 1989 by the Wharton Small Business Development Center, The Enterprise Center provides access to capital, building capacity, business education and economic development opportunities to high-potential, minority entrepreneurs. Through their portfolio of business-acceleration initiatives, TEC seeks to better position minority enterprises to compete in the local, regional, and global economies. For more information about The Enterprise Center, visit www.theenterprisecenter.com

About the Diversity Business Connection (DBC)

The Diversity Business Connection was launched in Fall 2008 to help minority owned businesses (MBE) in the PA tri-state area increase their opportunities for success. The initiative partners with leading diversity organizations to raise awareness of MBE needs and upgrade tools available to them. One of the key projects of The Connection is d-bizConnect^TM, a comprehensive database matching MBEs with RFPs and business opportunities. When launched in early 2009, it will be the most comprehensive database of its kind in the nation.