USMBDA

#ICYMI: Last week, MBDA attended the NACo Legislative Conference, alongside other Commerce bureaus. The NACo Legislative Conference brings together nearly 2,000 elected and appointed county officials to focus on federal policy issues that impact counties and their residents.

Success isn’t just about ambition—it’s about having the right resources to build and sustain growth. MBDA Specialty Centers help equip businesses with the tools to scale, compete globally, and secure federal contracts. Learn more: mbda.gov

Breaking into new markets is challenging without the right connections. MBDA’s Export and Manufacturing centers help U.S. businesses expand domestically and globally. Recent efforts led to nearly $400M in contracts. See how MBDA is opening doors. 📈

After overcoming a difficult time, Imari Mackey was ready for a new path. With MBDA’s support, he joined an entrepreneurship program where his dedication stood out. A mentor introduced him to waterproofing, and he soon launched Noah’s Ark, now serving clients across Alabama.

When U.S. businesses prosper, so do the American people. However, without capital and resources, economic potential can go untapped. MBDA's programs educate and empower our clients to unlock ingenuity, create jobs, and fuel growth—strengthening the U.S. economy in the process.

Big ideas don’t stop at city limits, and neither should business success. Rural businesses face challenges securing capital, contracts, and growing their workforce. MBDA’s Rural Business Center Program is expanding resources and opportunities to help level the playing field.

With support from MBDA’s Capital Readiness Program (CRP), Dr. Suma Metla secured $45K to grow Three Little Ducks LLC, a pediatric physical therapy company helping Hawaiian children build strength and independence. Learn more about the CRP: mbda.gov/financial-reso…

#ICYMI: MBDA celebrates National Black History Month. "Every year, National Black History Month is an occasion to celebrate the contributions of so many black American patriots who have indelibly shaped our Nation’s history." President Donald J. Trump ow.ly/JiPp50UTxLj

📣 The Rural MBDA Business Center Program is investing $4M to help minority-serving institutions support rural minority business enterprises through technical assistance, broadband solutions, and supply chain support. Apply by 3/17: bit.ly/MBDARuralBusin…

$5M in funding is available for higher education institutions to empower MBEs through the Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education Program. Up to 10 multi-year projects will focus on business training, tech commercialization, and more. Apply by 3/17: bit.ly/MBDAParrenJMit…

The MBDA Women’s Entrepreneurship Program helps women grow their ventures from ideation to scaling. With $2M in FY 2025, it offers resources, access to capital, and tools for growth. Apply by 3/17: bit.ly/MBDAWomensEntr… #WeAreMBDA

Today, the Minority Business Development Agency celebrates the life of Martin Luther King Jr., whose work led to a grand expansion of civil rights for millions of Americans. His legacy and impact will always be remembered.

Reflections and a Farewell from Eric Morrissette. youtu.be/t14LFVzezSI

#ICYMI: Madiha Latif was sworn this week as the Minority Business Development Agency's new Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development!

FinTech offers MBEs an alternative to traditional financing. Using advanced platforms, it connects borrowers, lenders, and investors to create faster, more accessible funding opportunities. Discover how #FinTech is transforming access to capital: mbda.gov/research

Yesterday, MBDA signed an MOU with Move America, Inc. This agreement will solidify their collaboration to strengthen America's industrial base & supply chain by increasing access to government contracts, resources, and services for MBEs. #WeAreMBDA #MoveAmerica

ICYMI: This week, MBDA signed an MOU with the Orthodox Jewish Chamber of Commerce foster economic development, increased access to opportunities, and support for MBEs within the Orthodox Jewish community. #WeAreMBDA #OJC

📣 $11M in grants are available for MBEs through programs advancing women entrepreneurs, rural businesses & MBE education. 🔹 Women’s Program: bit.ly/MBDAWomensEntr… 🔹 Rural Business: bit.ly/MBDARuralBusin… 🔹 Entrepreneurship: bit.ly/MBDAParrenJMit… #WeAreMBDA

For MBEs, capital access remains a challenge. #FinTech offers faster, fairer, and accessible options. Our report with @thirdwaytweet reveals how FinTech is becoming an alternative source of capital for MBEs: library.mbda.gov/view/mbda/53

At MBDA, we know that ambition needs opportunity to thrive. Going into 2025, our mission remains steadfast: to drive the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises (MBEs) and unlock the nation’s economic potential through access, equity, and opportunity.