The Center for Minority Business Development is funded by a generous $5 million grant from The Peterson Companies.   Developer of the Prince George’s National Harbor project, The Peterson Companies and its affiliates have had a major impact on the Washington, D.C. area’s real estate development industry since the early 1970’s. Headquartered in Northern Virginia, the company has an extensive history of successful development and acquisition of properties in office, retail, residential, and land development.  The company has professionals in all facets of the development process in-house -- including design and construction, project management, land planning and zoning, legal, accounting, property management, leasing, and project finance.

The Associated Builders and Contractors of Metro Washington (ABC) has partnered with the CMBD to develop a Contractors College for local minority business owners and entrepreneurs. The college will be launched in 2011. Headed by Debra Schoonmaker, CAE, who is a member of the CMBD Advisory Board, the ABC was created to protect and enhance the free enterprise system within the construction industry, and improve industry practices. In addition, the organization aim to enhance the knowledge and skills of contractors and builders through comprehensive training programs, networking opportunities, and the sharing of best practices. Established in 1958, ABC of Metro Washington is one of 78 chapters in a nationwide federation of over 25,000 members. Locally, the ABC of Metro Washington has more than 590 members.