National ACE Applauds Nomination of Don Cravins for Under Secretary for Minority Business Development at the U.S. Department of Commerce

[Washington, DC, May 6, 2022] - The National Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship (National ACE) is pleased to hear that President Biden has nominated Don Cravins for Under Secretary for Minority Business Development at the U.S. Department of Commerce. Mr. Cravins brings an impressive background in equitable economic growth, public policy research, and service to underrepresented communities as the former Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer at the National Urban League. These values are essential to the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), and we are excited to see Mr. Cravins become the head of this important agency. 

The MBDA was made permanent last year through the Minority Business Development Act of 2021. MBDA is the only federal agency dedicated solely to the growth and competitiveness of minority-owned businesses in underserved communities, and it has played a pivotal role in assisting struggling small businesses weather the pandemic. 

National ACE partnered with MBDA on a technical assistance program in 2020 and 2021, at the height of COVID-19. Through this collaboration, National ACE was able to conduct over 150 virtual workshops and trainings—reaching more than 16,000 small businesses—on small business recovery, resiliency, cultural sensitivity, and access to capital during the pandemic.

 Now, as minority businesses emerge from the devastating impact of the pandemic, the MBDA and Mr. Cravins’ leadership is more important than ever to ensure that communities of color are not excluded from economic prosperity. National ACE congratulates Mr. Cravins on his nomination, and we look forward to a speedy confirmation process. We are eager to continue working with the agency to provide essential resources and services to AAPI small businesses.