Minority Business Development Agency - U.S. Department of Commerce

📣 MBDA is rolling out $11 million in grants through three programs designed to elevate MBEs nationwide: 🔹 MBDA Women’s Entrepreneurship Program: https://lnkd.in/e9fZC-AU 🔹MBDA Rural Business Center Program: https://lnkd.in/e45yJyJn 🔹 MBDA Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship: https://lnkd.in/em5azezF From advancing opportunities for women entrepreneurs to strengthening rural businesses and enhancing education for long-term success, these grants are built to create lasting impact. Take the first step toward accessing transformative funding that addresses systemic challenges and empowers diverse business owners to thrive - apply today. #WeAreMBDA

📣 The Rural MBDA Business Center Program is investing $4M to support institutions that serve rural minority business enterprises. Eligible minority-serving institutions and consortia led by MSIs can leverage this funding to: 🔹 Provide technical assistance and capacity-building support 🔹 Address broadband access and supply chain challenges 🔹 Collaborate with private sector partners to enhance economic opportunities Selected institutions will receive funding for up to 10 multi-year projects aimed at enhancing business development, fostering economic resilience, and driving long-term growth in rural communities. Applications close on March 17, 2025. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/e45yJyJn #WeAreMBDA #Entrepreneurship

📣 $5M in funding is available for higher education institutions committed to empowering MBEs through the Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education Program. HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges, and other eligible institutions can access funding for up to 10 multi-year projects focused on strengthening supply chains, advancing technology commercialization, and providing evidence-based business training in management, financial planning, and technology adoption. Applications close on March 17, 2025. Explore this opportunity and apply: https://lnkd.in/em5azezF #WeAreMBDA #Entrepreneurship

Take your business to the next level with the MBDA Women’s Entrepreneurship Program. 📈 Designed to support women entrepreneurs at all stages, this program offers resources to secure capital and break into industries like STEM and federal contracting. Whether you’re launching a new venture or scaling an established one, this program provides counseling, training, and technical assistance to help you grow. With $2M in funding for FY 2025 and annual renewals through 2029, it’s an investment in your success. Applications close March 17, 2025. Learn more and apply: https://lnkd.in/e9fZC-AU #WeAreMBDA #Entrepreneurship

The Virginia MBDA Business Center invites you to join a virtual discussion on doing business with federal agencies!   Their panelist, NASA Deputy Assistant Administrator Robert Medina, will share important insights and training resources to arm your business when preparing to do business with agencies like NASA next Thursday, January 30th at 1 P.M. EST! Register via QR code or by going to https://lnkd.in/epsQ5idu!

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. https://lnkd.in/erwbCAGY

#ICYMI: Madiha Latif was sworn in this week as the Minority Business Development Agency's new Deputy Under Secretary of Commerce for Minority Business Development. DUS Latif has over two decades of experience in both the private and public sector, with a passion for fostering collaboration, driving innovation, and placing people at the core of organizational success. Before coming to MBDA, she was previously the Deputy Assistant Commissioner at the Bureau of the Fiscal Service, where she had oversight responsibility for providing executive day-to-day leadership in support of the Federal Government’s collection and settlement of over $5 trillion in federal revenue each year. Prior to joining the Federal Government, DUS Latif held several leadership positions within the private sector supporting Department of State and Department of Homeland Security initiatives. DUS Latif is also a veteran; having served in active duty in the United States Army. She has an Executive Certificate in Public Leadership from Harvard Kennedy School, an Executive Master of Business Administration (EMBA) from the University of Maryland and Bachelor of Science in Financial Management from University of Phoenix.

Funding is no longer bound by traditional banking—FinTech is connecting minority business enterprises (MBEs) directly to opportunity. Defined by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce as “any technology that delivers financial services through software,” FinTech uses advanced, data-driven platforms to link borrowers, lenders, and investors. As MBDA’s Deputy Under Secretary Eric Morissette explains, FinTech isn’t just a tool, it’s a bridge. By integrating technology into financing systems, MBEs are accessing flexible funding options to penetrate new markets and thrive. 🔗 Explore our Information Clearinghouse to see how FinTech is reshaping capital access for MBEs: https://lnkd.in/eDVd2FbE #FinTech #Entrepreneurship #BusinessCapital

Today, MBDA signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with MoveAmerica.org. This agreement will solidify their collaboration to strengthen America's industrial base and supply chain by increasing access to government contracts, resources, and services for minority business enterprises. MoveAmerica.org Executive Director, Earl Wyatt, joined the MBDA team at the U.S. Department of Commerce for the ceremonial signing. #WeAreMBDA #MoveAmerica Eric Morrissette, Madiha Latif, Joann J. Hill