DIR's Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide 20, Jan 2012 | Page 44

COPYRIGHT 2012, DIVERSITY
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) INFORMATION RESOURCES, MINNEAPOLIS, MN

into entrepreneurial parity and strategic growth through increased gross receipts, number of employees,
size and scale of firms associated with minority business enterprise.
Programs
MBDA provides funding for a network of Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Native American
Business Development Centers (NABDCs), and Business Resource Centers (BRCs) located throughout the
Nation. The Centers provide minority entrepreneurs with one-on-one assistance in writing business plans,
marketing, management and technical assistance and financial planning to assure adequate financing for
business ventures. The Centers are staffed by business specialists who have the knowledge and practical
experience needed to run successful and profitable businesses.
MBDA’s Portal
MBDA's new Minority Business Internet Portal (website) is an e-commerce solution designed for the MBE
.
on
community. This Internet platform provides MBEs with access to customized tools and business information
ati
rm
o
inf
to help them grow and thrive in an ever-changing digital economy.
ore
User-driven applications of the Portal (website) include the Phoenix Database of minority-owned firms for m
m
and the Opportunity Contract Matching System. The Phoenix Database contains descriptive informations.on
co
rce will
MBEs throughout the U.S and is designed to match firms with actual contract opportunities. Individuals
ou
es
automatically receive E-mail alerts of contractual and international trade opportunities in theirInarea. PurfoR
ty
rsi
chasers from government and the private sector use Phoenix to identify MBEs that can provide the products
ve
Di
and services they need. There is no charge for use of the system.
o@
Inf
ct
Other applications of the Portal (website) include the Resource Locator -- a Business Assistance Identifier
nta
co
System; the Business Locator -- a Business-to-Business Matching System; and Match Me to Capital -- a Finanse
a
Ple
cier Matching System. The Portal (website) also features a Business Tool Bar for on-line business, business
N.
,M
news, success stories, a research library and calendar of events.
lis
po
ea

nn

i
,M

s
MEDWeek
rce
ou
Since 1983, the US President has proclaimed a National Res
MEDWeek observance to recognize the outstanding
n
tio
achievements of MBEs and to honor those corporations and financial institutions that support minority
a
orm
business development. Annual regional conferences and activities are organized by the US Department of
Inf
y
sit
Commerce's Minority Business DevelopmenterAgency (MBDA) in collaboration with the US Small Business
v
Di
n
Administration's (SBA) Office of Government Contracting and Business Development. These events
tha
er
culminate at the National MED Week Conference in Washington, DC, which provides a unique forum to
oth
tity
en the growth and development of MBEs.
address the major issues affecting
ny
old

by

a

rs
For additional information on MEDWeek, contact MBDA: [phone] or visit www.medweek.gov
do
ce

is

Th

ca

li
ub

p

tio

n

t
no
ay
m

SECTION 3

be

u
rod
rep

- 36 -

2012 Supplier Diversity Information Resource Guide

CONTENT MAY BE EXPIRED; SEE WWW.DIVERSITYINFORESOURCES.COM FOR LATEST VERSION