Empowering Disadvantaged & Minority Businesses.
Driving Economic Equality.
In a time when minority businesses are under attack, we fight for the laws and policies that help minority business enterprises (MBEs), minority entrepreneurs, and disadvantaged businesses grow, succeed, and eliminate the racial wealth gap.
What We Do
MBELDEF acts as a legal watchdog group for minority business enterprises, minority entrepreneurs, and disadvantaged businesses in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure equal treatment and equal opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
Our primary purpose, especially in this current crisis, is to eradicate wealth disparities by empowering minority businesses in order to raise the economic prospects of all communities, especially communities of color with the greatest need.
What We Do
MBELDEF acts as a legal watchdog group for minority business enterprises and minority entrepreneurs in the legislative, executive, and judicial branches at the federal, state, and local levels to ensure equal treatment and equal opportunity for minority-owned businesses.
Our primary purpose, especially in this current crisis, is to eradicate wealth disparities by empowering minority businesses in order to raise the economic prospects of all communities, especially communities of color with the greatest need.
How We Do It
MBELDEF has historically been focused on three action areas:
Advocacy, Education & Organizing
A leader in legal advocacy
MBELDEF is the gold standard in legal advocacy for minority businesses, acting in the courts, legislatures, and through the regulatory process at the federal, state, and local levels to promote and enforce laws and policies that position minority business enterprises to become competitive players in domestic and global markets.
Ideally Positioned for Effective Results
We are uniquely prepared to marshal the past and current evidence of marketplace discrimination that is necessary for a strong legal defense for the policies that give minority businesses a fair chance and promote wealth generation for communities that need it.
Fighting Anti-MBE Extremists
MBELDEF is the only organization equipped with the skills and experience to take the legal fight to the well-funded and well-organized conservative legal foundations currently attacking minority business programs. And we have the know-how to teach others to build new and innovative programs to advance MBE success.
NON-PARTISAN EDUCATION ON MBE LAW & POLICY
MBELDEF has rich and admirable experience of providing non-partisan education and testimony to Congress, the bar and the executive branch on all aspects of law and policy related to minority business enterprises.
Empowering MBES to Determine Their Own Destiny
Our training and education efforts are first and foremost intended to empower minority-owned businesses themselves to defend policies that promote fairness and to build exciting, effective and legally defensible new programs where they are needed or where they have been struck down.
MBELDEF is a trusted intermediary that collaborates and coordinates with various minority business organizations and their members to inform and build a common cause on minority business legal and policy issues.
In the past, these activities have included:
Convening MBE groups
to pursue common policy interests
Promoting collaboration
among MBE firms to pursue emerging market opportunities
Acting as an early warning system
for MBEs about challenges emerging in the courts & policy contexts
Providing briefings
to minority business enterprise firms and organizations regarding new legal and policy threats to their prosperity and existence
Providing orientation & training
for minority business owners and their advocates for making their best case to policymakers and courts at all levels
The MBELDEF Impact
We have been fighting for MBEs for over 40 years, collaborating with diverse leaders in law and business in the public and private sectors to ensure a future where minority businesses and entrepreneurs thrive.
Inspiring Track Record & Credibility
NO OTHER ORGANIZATION FIGHTS FOR THE LEGAL RIGHTS OF MBES
LASER FOCUSED WITH ONE SOLE MANDATE
A Powerful Voice for Equity & Inclusion
Who We Are
Top Notch Legal Advocates. MBE Empowerment Experts. Trusted Partners.
Parren J. Mitchell
Founder
MBELDEF was founded by the first Black congressman from Maryland.
Don Roberts
Chairman of the Board
Today, we are led by the CEO of Caracal, a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).
Parren J. Mitchell
Founder
MBELDEF was founded by the first Black congressman from Maryland.
Don Roberts
Chairman of the Board
Today, we are led by the CEO of Caracal, a certified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE).
News
Get the latest on news regarding updates in laws and policies affecting minority business enterprises (MBEs) and minority entrepreneurs.
Who Can Help
Public, private, family, and corporate foundations looking to make a long-term investment in eradicating the racial wealth gap, fostering economic growth, achieving racial justice, and promoting diversity.
Public & private corporations interested in promoting the advancement of MBEs
Individuals of goodwill who are willing to take a stand and invest in this endeavor
Large, successful minority-owned businesses that have benefited from minority business enterprise programs and want to give back
Small minority-owned businesses who want to be a part of the solution and contribute to the MBE community
Community and civic leaders who support fairness and equity for minority-owned businesses
Donate Today
By supporting MBELDEF, you directly contribute to creating a more inclusive business environment and driving positive change for underrepresented communities.