Federal funding will expand MBDA Business Centers to new locations in Arkansas, Indiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Wisconsin
WASHINGTON (April 18, 2022) — The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is awarding $2.1 million in federal funding to six grant recipients as part of its MBDA Business Center Program. The program is designed to help minority-owned firms create jobs, compete in the global economy, and grow their businesses.
“Everything we do at the Department of Commerce is focused on increasing America’s competitiveness in the global economy. And all Americans, especially those that have been historically excluded, will share in our prosperity,” said Secretary of Commerce, Gina Raimondo. According to data from the U.S. Census Bureau, more than 9.2 million minorityowned firms in the U.S. employ over 8 million American workers and pump $1.7 trillion dollars into the American economy. “I am thrilled to expand our footprint of MBDA Business Centers to new locations across the country and do our part to ensure minority business owners have access to resources they need.”
These Awards will add six (6) new MBDA Business Centers and expand coverage of the nationwide network of MBDA Business Centers from 35 to 41.
“The MBDA Business Centers are results-driven business development resources that advance the interests of minority business enterprises,” said Miguel Estién, Acting National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency. “All our Business Centers provide capacity building services supporting access to capital, contracts and markets. These new grants expand the network to include locations in Arkansas, Indiana, Oregon, South Carolina, Utah, and Wisconsin with an increased focus on supporting minority businesses to meet the Administration’s goal of greater supplier diversity in Federal procurement.”
The grants will run from September 1, 2022 – June 30, 2026, with an initial 10-month award of up to $350,000. For the latest information on MBDA programs and announcements, please visit www.MBDA.gov.