Our History

Since its foundation, the Georgia Institute of Technology has been a leader in manufacturing. Georgia Tech, fourth-ranked U.S. engineering school according to U.S. News and World Report, continues this tradition of excellence through world-class teaching and cutting-edge research that includes real-world applications. In 2013, the Georgia MBDA Business Center launched a national manufacturing initiative through supplemental funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). This initiative identified MBE manufacturers as an underserved community. In 2016, the Center launched the first-ever National MBE Manufacturers Summit. Now in its sixth year, the National MBE Manufacturers Summit has attracted over 700 manufacturers, corporations, and organizations from 28 states, Puerto Rico, Canada, and Washington, D.C.

The Georgia MBDA Business Center’s Advanced Manufacturing program focuses on advancing a national ecosystem of MBE manufacturers, partners, and stakeholders. It creates expansion opportunities for MBE manufacturers by facilitating growth through innovation and technology, training and education, and advocating for inclusiveness with corporate suppliers.

The Sixth National MBE Manufacturers Summit 2022 will support MBEs through:

• Exposure to the latest trends and innovation in manufacturing and supply chains;
• Connections with large manufacturing enterprises;
• Contacts with supply chain networks;
• Development of short- and long-term partnerships; and
• Access to Georgia Tech research and manufacturing initiatives.

Our Operation

The Atlanta MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center is funded by the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency. It is operated by the Georgia Tech Enterprise Innovation Institute (EI2), the nation’s largest and most comprehensive university- based program of business and industry assistance, technology commercialization, and economic development Georgia Tech EI2 also operates the Atlanta MBDA Business Center, focused on growing and strengthening all MBEs.

Our Impact

The Atlanta MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center helps MBE manufacturers identify and pursue business opportunities, develop global exporting, expand into corporate supply chains, and increase competitiveness through innovation and technology. The Atlanta MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center has a national ecosystem of MBE manufacturers, supply chain providers, MBDA and its Business Centers, strategic partners, industry experts, university researchers, and corporate executives.

Programming

We execute the following activities to meet program goals:

• Develop a manufacturing ecosystem for MBE manufacturers
• Build relationships with corporations committed to assisting MBE manufacturers obtain the necessary capital to support innovation and growth
• Advocate for matchmaking between MBE manufacturers and corporate suppliers
• Provide exposure to innovation, education, and research
• Create an online national community of MBE manufacturers
• Secure domestic and global opportunities
• Provide MBE manufacturers with access to advance manufacturing resources and expertise
• Share knowledge of manufacturing industry growth trends
• Increase MBEs’ business sustainability
• Assist MBE manufacturers with productivity improvements and strategic growth