The U.S. Department of Commerce announced
today the re-launch of its Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships,
one of 13 federal agency offices under the White House Office of Faith-Based
and Neighborhood Partnerships. Housed within the Office of the Secretary, the
Center serves to connect community- and faith-based organizations to Commerce
resources and programs, engage a diverse array of stakeholders in the work of
the agency, and promote economic development and job creation through local
partnerships.
In direct alignment with the Department’s “Open for Business Agenda,” the
Center has created Commerce’s first-ever “Community
Development Resource Toolkit,” which highlights how community-based
organizations can utilize Commerce Department programs to promote local-level
economic development. The Center has also revamped its website and will begin a
“Commerce in the Community” blog series highlighting the many ways in which
local business, nonprofit and religious leaders are partnering with Commerce to
make a positive impact at the local level. Additionally, the Center will begin
a series of place-based convenings this summer, focused on connecting communities
with Commerce Department programs and resources, while also promoting local
partnerships around skills and workforce development.
On March 30, 2014, the Center co-hosted Business Sunday - its first event
under Secretary Pritkzer - at 19th Street Baptist Church in
Washington, DC. A collaboration between the Minority Business Development
Agency and the Small Business Administration, Business Sunday is focused on
providing current and aspiring business leaders from congregations and
communities around the country with the federal resources they need to start
and grow their companies. As a reflection of the President’s commitment to job
creation and economic opportunity for all Americans, Business Sunday connects
people to valuable technical assistance, grant information and other resources
from the Minority Business Development Agency, BusinessUSA and the Small
Business Administration.
The Center for Faith-based and Neighborhood Partnerships is led by Director
Josh Dickson. Originally from Upstate New York, Josh is a graduate of the
Harvard Kennedy School and a long-time community organizer who’s been involved
in numerous initiatives focused on engaging faith-based and neighborhood
organizations in community development. In his role as Director, Josh will oversee
faith-based and community partnership projects across all Commerce bureaus as
well as within the Office of the Secretary.