In August 2005, the Gulf Coast was devastated by Hurricane Katrina, which proved to be one of the most costly and deadliest disasters in U.S. history. Eighty percent of New Orleans was flooded and over 1,800 lives were lost with a large percentage of residents relocating and deciding not to return to the city. Ten years later the city has seen a surge in new small businesses, private capital and combined with billions in federal, state, and city spending, New Orleans has come a long way from the battered city of 2005. Yet despite the gains in the economy, few would deny that there is still a long road ahead for the crescent city and that continued progress in encouraging business diversity is essential.

To commemorate the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, the entire region will be the center of a vast array of events in remembrance of that tragic period - and highlight the progress that has been made and the plans for the future. Last week MBDA’s National Deputy Director Albert Shen delivered remarks at the GATEWAY Business Connections Conference and Expo. This event was hosted by the Southern Region Minority Supplier Development Council (SRMSDC) and the New Orleans MBDA Business Center. It featured seminars, town hall meetings, a minority business expo and the largest minority business matchmaker in the southern region.

Deputy Director Shen discussed the Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council and public engagement with particular emphasis on how the public can influence how federal aid used for economic recovery is utilized in these areas. The Council recently released the draft initial Funded Priorities List (FPL) totaling approximately $183 million. It is available for public and tribal review and comments through September 28, 2015. More information on the draft FPL is available on the Council’s website at www.RestoreTheGulf.gov.

As we approach the ten-year anniversary of Hurricane Katrina, MBDA’s commitment to providing assistance to businesses in the region is as strong as ever. Just last month, over 50 entrepreneurs joined us for two days of intensive training at our Pitch City: New Orleans event. Several successful CEOs and business owners offered valuable insight on topics such as company branding, the importance of social media and knowing your competition. We look forward to working side-by-side with our Business Centers in the region – to continue rebuilding the Gulf Coast minority business community.