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

Today in NYC: The Nasdaq Entrepreneurial Center honored #MBDA's 43 Capital Readiness Program (CRP) awardees on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square. After a little over a year since the program's inception, our #CRP awardees have: - Served 6,326 entrepreneurs - Helped raise $263 million in capital - Helped form 2,636 new businesses - Helped develop 1,726 business pitches - Helped host 2,486 networking events Thank you for empowering America's minority entrepreneurs. Your work and contributions are seen, acknowledged … celebrated. #DiversityInBusiness #PoweredByMBDA #TeamMBDA #NasdaqCenter

When the pandemic hit, Theresa Jones, CSA, CMMC-RP of Evalv IQ didn’t slow down. She saw an opportunity to sharpen her skills, earning three certifications and rebranding herself as “The Cyber Lady” to position her business as a leader in cybersecurity. That bold move paid off when she secured a contract with the Small Business Development Center and Louisiana Delta Community College to help small businesses protect their IT assets. As the program expanded, Theresa called on her MBDA network to find the right partner: Annette J. Morris of Goal Getter. Together, they not only landed $170,000 in contracts but also set a powerful example of how collaboration, strategy, and perseverance can drive success. Entrepreneurs like Theresa and Annette prove that with the right mindset and support, the possibilities are endless. Learn more about the Louisiana MBDA Business Center: https://lnkd.in/eHGP9_jw #WeAreMBDA #Entrepreneurship

Attn Linkedin Network🚨 Grab your virtual seat now! You dont want to miss todays webinar on gaining access to your working capital with accelerated access to the payments you are owed. Explore differentiated financing solutions with Raistone ! Our guest speaker panelist Terry Pierce Director of Alliances will be leaning in on this amazing capital opportunity for MBE and SEDI entrepreneurs. #capitalaccess #fasterpayments #workingcapital #differentiatedfinancing #businessgrowth #NMSDC #CRP #MBDA #MBE #SEDI

Listen in as Yahoo Finance's Ross Mac interviews Deputy Under Secretary Eric Morrissette on Financial Freestyle today. #WeAreMBDA #ClosingTheGap #FinancialFreestyle

Don't miss Deputy Under Secretary Eric Morrissette interview with Ross Mac on Yahoo Finance's Financial Freestyle this Monday at 12PM ET. Deputy Under Secretary Morrissette will talk about his New York roots, his career in public service, and his case as to why closing the economic opportunity gap is not just a matter of equity, but one of national security. Visit: https://lnkd.in/dbNnFZvn The interview will re-air at 2:30PM and 6:30PM ET. #YahooFinance #FinancialFreestyle #WeAreMBDA #ClosingTheGap

Tribal businesses are poised to transform the U.S. economy, but access to capital remains a critical barrier. During our "Expanding Access to Capital in Indian Country" webinar, leaders Mahrinah Shije and Councilman Dillon Shije joined MBDA Deputy Under Secretary Eric Morrissette to discuss how investing in tribal digital economies can fuel growth, environmental innovation, and economic resilience. From expanding broadband to overcoming venture capital gaps, the conversation showed how Indian Country is ready to lead the charge. Watch the webinar and discover what’s next: https://lnkd.in/eb6g5Tvg #WeAreMBDA #NAHM

AmerInd Contracting, LLC, a third-generation American Indian-owned business, turned its decades of expertise in construction, mechanical, and electrical projects into a $2 billion federal contract. With guidance from the Maryland MBDA Business Center, AmerInd navigated the complexities of the federal marketplace, gaining training, resources, and key connections to secure a contract to install EV charging stations across 23 states, DC, and Puerto Rico. By leveraging MBDA’s support, AmerInd increased its revenue sevenfold, expanded its workforce, and became a vital player in advancing the nation’s zero-emission goals. Their success exemplifies how the right support and unstoppable determination can turn ambition into groundbreaking success. Ready to scale your business? MBDA is here to help. Learn more: https://lnkd.in/ethTGm9u #WeAreMBDA #Entrepreneurship

Ten new members have joined the USPTO’s Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI2), tasked with increasing opportunity and developing initiatives to increase the number of U.S. innovators. The Council this week met at the White House to discuss an action plan to adopt and implement the USPTO’s National Strategy for Inclusive Innovation to grow the economy, create quality jobs, and address global challenges. Since the Council was formed in 2020, it has launched a program to expedite examination of patent applications from first-time filers and an innovation internship program. New Council members are: • Christopher James, President and CEO, The National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development • Hervé Hoppenot, President and CEO, Incyte • Liren Chen, President and CEO, InterDigital, Inc. • Megan Smith, CEO and Founder, shift7 • Pamela Melroy, Deputy Administrator, NASA • Rory Cooper, National Medal of Technology and Innovation Laureate and Assistant Vice Chancellor for Research, University of Pittsburgh • Grant Warner, Executive Director, Center for Black Entrepreneurship • Wendy Lea, Co-Founder and Partner, TechHubNow! • Mae Jemison, Founder, The Jemison Group, Inc. • Tony Allen, President, Delaware State University Learn more about the Council: https://bit.ly/49sFsbD

Only 17% of architects are women, and until recently, none were Native American. Tamara Begay, CEO of Indigenous Design Studio + Architecture (IDS+A), is changing that. With a 100% Indigenous staff, IDS+A is redefining architecture by creating spaces that honor Native culture, language, and traditions. From the San Carlos Early Childhood Education Program to the Tse’bit’a’i’ Justice Center, the firm’s projects are transforming communities across the Southwest. The journey hasn’t been easy, but with support from the Four Winds Diversified Project MBDA Business Center, IDS+A earned key certifications like the SBA 8(a) and Women-Owned Business designations. These opened doors to critical opportunities, helping Tamara and her team expand their impact. Read more about IDS+A’s road to success with MBDA: https://lnkd.in/e2DNYeWt #WeAreMBDA #Entrepreneurship #NativeBusiness

Success in securing government and corporate contracts starts with one question: Is your business “contract ready”? Being contract ready goes beyond meeting requirements—it’s about having the right tools, certifications, and strategies to stand out and deliver. That’s where MBDA comes in. With a national network of 131 Business Centers and Grant Programs, MBDA equips minority business enterprises (MBEs) with the resources they need to secure and execute contracts. From building capacity and crafting capability statements to navigating certifications like 8(a) or women-owned, we’re here to support your growth. Take your business to the next level. Let MBDA help you secure opportunities and scale: https://www.mbda.gov/ #WeAreMBDA #Entrepreneurship