The UEP Founders, led by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, are spearheading a major new initiative to help position entrepreneurs, particularly local, minority-owned businesses, for opportunities related to the rebuilding of Gulf Coast communities following the devastation of Hurricane Katrina.  To support this effort, UEP Gulf Coast, Inc. was created and is opening three offices in the Gulf region.

The new Gulf Coast Centers provide coaching and training to entrepreneurs, especially minorities, to assist them in gaining the skills and understanding they need to grow their businesses, including educating them to be better prepared to win rebuilding contracts from government agencies and private sector corporations. 

UEP Gulf Coast is also coordinating services of federal and local government agencies, private corporations and community groups to provide information to entrepreneurs so they can better secure rebuilding contracts.