US Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

: 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 business enterprises with the tools to scale, compete globally, and secure federal contracts.

Swipe through to see how these centers are driving success, and learn more at https://www.MBDA.gov.

🔨 Imari Mackey didn’t just rebuild his life—he built a business that’s laying the foundation for lasting success.

After overcoming a difficult chapter, he was determined to turn his future around. With support from the MBDA, he enrolled in an entrepreneurship program that gave him the skills and mentorship to start fresh. His dedication in the classroom stood out, catching the eye of the job placement and entrepreneurial training coordinator, who introduced him to an unexpected industry—waterproofing.

Imari absorbed everything he could about the business and soon launched Noah’s Ark, his own waterproofing company. Based in Alabama, he now serves clients across Birmingham and Jefferson County, proving that resilience, hard work, and the right support can build something great.

"Some people would call it a success story, but I’m just scratching the surface." – Imari Mackey
Read more inspiring success stories at: https://www.mbda.gov/about/success-stories

When U.S. businesses thrive, so does our nation’s competitive edge. A resilient economy isn’t just good business; it’s essential to our national security.

At MBDA, we’re not just advocating for businesses; we’re championing the future of American economic leadership. Empowering our clients unlocks their ingenuity, creates jobs, and fuels growth for everyone.

By seizing untapped opportunities and investing in lasting prosperity, we create a future where U.S. businesses flourish.

Big ideas don’t stop at city limits, and neither should business success.

Rural businesses face challenges securing capital, winning contracts, and growing their workforce compared to their urban counterparts. MBDA’s Rural Business Center Program is expanding resources, expertise, and opportunities to help level the playing field.

Learn more at https://www.MBDA.gov.

With the support of MBDA’s Capital Readiness Program, Dr. Suma Metla secured $45K in capital to grow her business.

As the founder of Three Little Ducks, LLC a pediatric physical therapy company in Hawaii, Dr. Metla is dedicated to helping Keiki—Hawaiian for “children”—build strength and independence. To expand her impact, she needed the right financial foundation to scale sustainably.

That’s why she joined the YWCA Oahu MBDA Capital Readiness Program, where she participated in their Wrap Around Counseling and attended networking events to refine her financial planning and business operations. As a result, between May 2024 and January 2025, Three Little Ducks LLC secured approximately $45,000 in capital, which will be used primarily to build capacity and hire new staff.

Learn how the Capital Readiness Program can help your business grow: https://www.mbda.gov/financial-resources/capital-readiness-program

: The Minority Business Development Agency 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

Read the White House Proclamation on National Black History Month here: https://ow.ly/4rHU50UTxIP

📣 Strengthening rural economies starts here! The Rural MBDA Business Center Program is allocating $4M to minority-serving institutions and consortia led by MSIs to support rural minority business enterprises.

Funding will support:

🔹 Technical assistance and capacity-building services
🔹 Solutions for broadband access and supply chain gaps
🔹 Partnerships with private sector collaborators to expand economic access

Up to 10 multi-year projects will be funded to enhance resilience and boost opportunities for rural businesses.

Applications close on March 17, 2025. Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/MBDARuralBusinessCenterProgram

📣 Attention higher education institutions: $5M in funding to empower the next generation of entrepreneurs!

The Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education Program supports eligible institutions—HBCUs, Hispanic-serving institutions, Tribal Colleges, and more—in delivering the tools MBEs need to succeed.

Up to 10 multi-year projects will be funded to focus on technology commercialization and supply chain resilience—critical areas for business success. The grant provides evidence-based training in business management and financial planning, equipping MBEs with the skills to achieve measurable growth.

Applications close on March 17, 2025. Learn more and apply: https://bit.ly/MBDAParrenJMitchellEntrepreneurship

The MBDA Women’s Entrepreneurship Program is opening doors for women entrepreneurs to advance their ventures from ideation to scaling. 📈

With $2M in funding for FY 2025 and renewals through 2029, this program is designed to help you achieve your next big milestone.

What’s included:

🔹 Tailored resources to tackle challenges women entrepreneurs often face

🔹 Access to capital and entry into competitive industries like STEM and federal contracting

🔹 Support to foster growth and long-term success

Apply by March 17, 2025: https://bit.ly/MBDAWomensEntrepreneurshipProgram

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.