The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) at the U.S. Department of Commerce is the only federal agency that works with minority-owned businesses in the United States to ensure growth. These businesses eventually become better equipped to create job opportunities, and make a big impact on a local and global stage.
Speaking at the Congressional Black Caucus Foundations’ Economic Recovery Forum in Baltimore, Maryland on Oct. 31, 2009, David Hinson, National Director of the MBDA said his agency is tasked as the only agency in the Federal government to promote the growth and competitiveness of Minority Businesses nationwide.
“We work with businesses of all sizes. And so, one key point I always like to make is that Minority Business is not small business. It’s business of all size. In that respect there is economic opportunity through the Recovery Act for businesses of all sizes,” Hinson said.
He said his agency runs 46 centers across the country with some of its focus geared towards business consulting, procurement matching, private equity, venture capital, funding, bonding, assistance in loan packaging and market promotion, and relationship development.
“The best use of our agency is really to build the types of relationships you need as business owners to execute your business model,” Hinson said. “And so I cannot underscore enough: if there is one relationship you want to build, that is the relationship with Minority Business Development Agency.”
To get more information on how the office of MBDA can help, call the Washington, D.C. office of Minority Business Enterprise Center (DCMBEC) on 202-671-1552 and ask for Mary Middleton or Owen Jackson.
“Tell us about your company, and set up an appointment to come in and to meet with us,” Hinson said. “We will sit with you, we will review your business model, and we will tell you exactly where you fit in to Stimulus opportunity.”
Hinson said his agency can help businesses to structure their programs to make sure you have the best chance of gaining access to contracts.
He mentioned that technology is vital in allowing his agency to track money on a Federal and State level.
“There are minority firms that are getting contracts from the Economic Stimulus program and we are making sure that you will understand exactly who those companies are and the amount of contracts that they’ve been able to obtain,” Hinson said.
Also see:
· Congressman Elijah Cummings Emphasizes The Need To Know Technology
· CBCF’s “Economic Recovery Forum” Lays The Basics On “Preparing To Start Your Business”
· Maryland State Officials and Business Leaders Gather To Discuss New Business Strategies
· Ross: We Need To View Security As An Investment In Our Mission’s Success
· Ibrahim Dabo Inspires Lehigh University Students To Become Agents Of Change
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