Press Release
May 9, 2023

U.S. Department of Commerce Invests $729,560 to Boost Minority-Owned Business Growth in Mobile, Alabama

Contact: EDA Public Affairs Department, (202) 482-4085

WASHINGTON – Today, the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration (EDA) is awarding a $729,560 grant to Vivian’s Door, Mobile, Alabama, to provide technical assistance to minority-owned and distressed local businesses.

This grant will support the Vivian’s Door Initiative to continue to build the capacity of small business owners, with a focus on marginalized and underserved businesses, women-owned businesses, and/or minority business enterprises. The project will also provide formalized training and a digital presence to help minority-owned and distressed businesses connect to an ecosystem of opportunities and resources. This EDA investment will be matched with $182,390 in local funds.

“The Economic Development Administration plays an important role in helping communities implement their plans to provide the vital resources that businesses need to be successful,” said Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Alejandra Y. Castillo. “This EDA investment will provide minority-owned businesses and businesses in distressed communities with the resources they need to succeed.”

This project was made possible by regional planning efforts led by the Southern Alabama Regional Planning Commission (SARPC). EDA funds SARPC to bring together the public and private sectors to create an economic development roadmap to strengthen the regional economy, support private capital investment and create jobs.

About the U.S. Economic Development Administration (www.eda.gov)
The mission of the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting competitiveness and preparing the nation’s regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. An agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce, EDA invests in communities and supports regional collaboration in order to create jobs for U.S. workers, promote American innovation, and accelerate long-term sustainable economic growth.