The U.S. Department of Commerce, MBDA, operates under the federal government to support minority entrepreneurs in their attempts to start and run their own businesses. Market research studies report that minority owned businesses are creating wealth in the overall U.S. economy and providing millions of jobs nationwide.

The Dept of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency goes further than just giving money for minority business development. It helps minority business owners get access to capital and resources within the private and public sector that can foster business development. Whether you are starting a business from scratch or need assistance with a new research project, the MBDA stands ready to help:

1. Seek business opportunities in the Gulf Coast region that the Minority Business Development Agency identifies.

2. Locate regional minority business development department offices closest to you.

3. Find out about the financial assistance programs the MBDA offers.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find federal government minority business development opportunities in the Gulf Coast

Organizations within the Gulf Coast states of Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Florida offer assistance to minority vendors seeking business opportunities in those regions.

I recommend: The online search tool, Resource Locator, helps you identify business resources in Alabama, Louisiana and Mississippi. Register at MBDA Gulf Opportunities for free access to organizations in these states. Contact the Hurricane Katrina/Rita Reconstruction page if you're a vendor who wants to assist relief efforts in the Gulf Coast states.

Contact an MBDA regional enterprise center for opportunities in that state

The MBDA maintains regional offices nationwide that coordinate federal, state and local business opportunities for minority businesses and serve as the first point of contact for business owners seeking information about the MBDA resources.

I recommend: The MBDA Network is part of the Agency's comprehensive outreach program providing you quick access to the regional office near you. View All Centers identifies the regional directors in each area and gives their direct contact information.

Apply for loans and grants offered by the Department of Commerce and Minority Business

Find conventional and non conventional loans in addition to grants that are provided to particular development projects.

I recommend: State Resources for Your Business gives you direct contact information for offices providing financial assistance in the form of specific grants to minority businesses in your state. State Loan Programs (Non Conventional) identifies states with capital access programs and describes businesses eligible for this kind of financial help.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Register with the MBDA to receive email notifications when certain business opportunities arise in your state. As part of its minority business development services, the MBDA will match the opportunity according to the criteria you specify in your registration.