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Created on October 30, 2014 |
The National Football League (NFL) and San Francisco Bay Area Super Bowl 50 Host Committee launched their Business Connect program to link Bay Area diverse businesses with contracting opportunities related to Super Bowl 50. "Super Bowl 50 is more than the NFL's marquee game of the year - it's a chance for the region's diverse business community to tap into opportunities for new contracts, work and business growth,"...
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Created on October 29, 2014 |
October is not only National Cyber Security Awareness Month, it's also the time to celebrate Halloween, bringing to mind scary things that are merely figments of our imagination. In the digital world, however, there are many scary things that are not figments of our imagination, that we should in fact be worried about. The threats in cyber space are real. One of the most important concerns is malware, short...
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Created on October 24, 2014 |
The United States Commerce Department will host a free webinar on Thursday November 12, 2014, which will provide an overview of the US Department of Commerce March 2015 Executive-led Business Development Mission to Morocco, Algeria and Egypt. Speakers from the US Commercial Service in Morocco, Algeria and Egypt will provide a brief market overview and discuss opportunities for American exporters in these markets. ...
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Created on October 23, 2014 |
Inaugural Minority Investment Forum
On October 21st, in partnership with the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), MBDA, and the Chicago MBDA Business Center launched the inaugural 2014 Minority Finance Forum during the 15th annual Midwest ACG Capital Connection, the country’s largest collection of private capital for middle market investment. The Forum had...
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Created on October 22, 2014 |
The SHOP Marketplace makes it possible for small businesses to provide qualified health plans to their employees. No matter what state you do business in, you’ll have access to the Small Business Health Options Program (SHOP) Marketplace.
Starting November 2014, you and your employees will be able to visit HealthCare.gov to enroll online for coverage...
Small and medium-sized businesses are the backbone of the Nation’s economy. Aside from the wide range of services they offer, small and medium-sized businesses store significant amounts of sensitive data, from customer information to intellectual property.
While bigger businesses can often dedicate greater resources towards cybersecurity, small and medium-sized businesses and entrepreneurs face the same cybersecurity challenges and threats with limited resources, capacity, and personnel.
Entrepreneurs also face a unique cybersecurity threat as their data includes not only...
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Created on October 20, 2014 |
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is sponsoring a Panama Airport and Air Traffic Management Reverse Trade Mission Industry Briefing on Wednesday, November 5, at USTDA headquarters, Suite 1501, 1000 Wilson Blvd, Arlington, Virginia. The Industry Briefing will begin at 9 a.m. and conclude at 1:30 p.m. This includes a catered lunch.
The Panama delegation will consist of senior representatives...
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Created on October 20, 2014 |
The United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) in collaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) are hosting a delegation of up to fifteen Latin American and Caribbean officials for the Regional Latin America and Caribbean: Renewable Energy Grid Integration Orientation Visit (OV) from October 27-31, 2014. The delegation will include high-level public sector energy officials from Mexico, El...
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Created on October 17, 2014 |
Surety bond companies associated with the U.S. Small Business Administration will now be able to file their claims and supporting documents electronically thanks to a significantly enhanced, web-based processing system launched by the SBA.
The new system, announced by SBA’s Office of Surety...
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Created on October 7, 2014 |
Canada is the largest single export market for the U.S. and is a highly receptive market for U.S. goods and services. The North American Free Trade Agreement and Canada’s geographic proximity have afforded U.S. firms with a significant advantage in selling to Canada’s markets.
Are you maximizing your opportunity? Whether you currently export to Canada or are new to exporting, the importance of developing a...
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Created on October 3, 2014 |
Today is Manufacturing Day and it deserves special attention this year. Manufacturing drives economic recovery and for the first time in more than 10 years, manufacturing output and employment are growing. Manufacturing employment has grown faster than it has in decades, with more than...
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Created on October 3, 2014 |
The Phoenix MBDA Business Center will partner with the Thunderbird School of Global Management Oct. 23-24 to host their second annual Global Business Conference.
“We’re very excited to have the opportunity to continue our partnership with the Thunderbird School of Global Management,” said Alika Kumar, Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center.
The event will provide a platform to talk about the...
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Created on October 3, 2014 |
The Cleveland Browns presented the NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Award to Luis Cartagena, a business development specialist with the Cleveland MBDA Business Center on Sept. 21.
The NFL and the Hispanic Heritage Foundation (HHF) have partnered for the fourth annual NFL Hispanic Heritage Leadership Awards during the 2014 celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. The awards recognize the contributions of...
The Department of Commerce’s trade missions help U.S. firms explore and pursue exporting by meeting directly with potential clients in their markets. Each year the department organizes trade missions that target specific countries or groups of countries with promising export opportunities.
Below is a list of upcoming trade missions:
Executive-Led Ports and Marine Technology Mission to India
February 2-6, 2015
Application deadline is October 20, 2014....
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Created on October 1, 2014 |
Employers can learn the basics of the Affordable Care Act and what it means for their organization and employees at free weekly webinar.
Topics covered include cost containment, the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit, the new Health Insurance Marketplace, and Employer Shared Responsibility.
Webinar content will generally be the same each week. Below are the registration links for upcoming webinars...
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Created on October 1, 2014 |
Veterans Advantage program also extended, expanded to loans up to $5 million
Good news for entrepreneurs seeking SBA financing to purchase or grow a small business. The SBA will continue its provision to eliminate the upfront fee paid by all borrowers for the guaranteed portion of 7(a) loans of $150,000 or less, and will expand the no upfront-fee program for veteran-owned small businesses,...
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Created on September 26, 2014 |
Recent studies have shown that the pace of growth in the U.S. manufacturing sector continues to rise. Minority businesses are playing an integral part in that growth and are helping to keep the “Made in America” product strong.
This year, the Minority Business Development Agency recognized two businesses for outstanding manufacturing impact and achieving significant success in employing new and innovative...
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Created on September 9, 2014 |
The U.S. Small Business Administration published two proposed rules to revise small business size standards in North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 31-33 (Manufacturing) and industries with employee-based size standards that are not a part of NAICS Sector 31-33, Sector 42 (Wholesale Trade), and Sector 44-45 (Retail Trade). The proposed rules were published in the Federal Register today. ...
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Created on September 18, 2014 |
Young entrepreneurs have a new tool to help determine if they’re ready for business ownership and to help them get started. Young Entrepreneurs: An Essential Guide to Starting Your Own Business (Jóvenes Emprendedores) is a free, self-paced online course in Spanish that gives an overview of basic business principles and introduces resources available from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
“This...
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Created on September 16, 2014 |
Sharpening your skills in any profession is a continuing effort. That is why the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) conducts annual training so our “boots on the ground,” can continue delivering excellent technical assistance, business development resources, as well as access to contract, capital and markets.
This year’s training conference will take place Sept. 15-19 in Detroit and will host...
The Department of Commerce announces the renewal of the Manufacturing Council (Council) and is currently seeking applications for appointment of up to 30 members of the Council for a two-year term to begin in December 2014. The Council advise the Secretary of Commerce on policies and programs that affect manufacturing, provide a forum to discuss and propose solutions to industry related problems, and ensure that the U.S. remains the top world destination for manufacturing in the world.
The Industry and Analysis...
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Created on September 11, 2014 |
Cross blog post by John Thompson, Director, U.S. Census Bureau
Did you know that there are 27.1 million non-farm businesses in America? The U.S. Census Bureau’s Survey of Business Owners and Self-Employed Persons provides the only comprehensive source of...
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Created on September 9, 2014 |
This post originally appeared on the Tradeology, the ITA Blog
Kenneth R. Mouradian is the Director of the International Trade Administration’s Orlando U.S. Export Assistance Center.
With the United States continuing its focus on doing business in Africa, we are working to connect more U.S. companies with every opportunity available on the continent.
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Did you know that in the wake of a disaster, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) provides low-interest disaster loans to homeowners, renters, businesses of all sizes and private, nonprofit organizations? In the aftermath of hurricanes, floods, earthquakes, wildfires, tornadoes and other disasters, SBA is the primary source of money from the federal government for long-term recovery assistance.
Am I eligible?
SBA’s Disaster Loan Program is not exclusively for small businesses. These low-interest, long-term loans are available for damage to...
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Created on September 5, 2014, 2014
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Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade Stefan M. Selig speaking with Elizabeth Littlefield, President & CEO of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum.
Earlier this month, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bloomberg Philanthropies co-hosted an event...
September is National Preparedness Month.
There are steps you can take to safeguard your company and secure your physical assets.
Review Insurance Coverage: Inadequate insurance coverage can lead to major financial loss if your business is damaged, destroyed or simply interrupted for a period of time. Insurance policies vary, so check with your agent or provider about things such as physical losses, flood coverage and business interruption. Understand what your policy covers and what it does not. Ask about any deductibles, if applicable. Consider how you will...
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Created on August 28, 2014 |
Each year small businesses nationwide are forced to close their doors in the aftermath of severe storms, flooding, tornadoes, wildfires and hurricanes. Business interruptions, even if they last just a few hours, are costly in terms of lost productivity and profits.
You can get help with your own business preparedness planning through a series of free webinars in September hosted by the U.S. Small Business...
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Created on August 28, 2014 |
In support of U.S. renewable energy and energy efficiency manufacturers and services providers, the U.S. Department of Commerce has re-established the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Advisory Committee (RE&EEAC). The RE&EEAC shall advise the Secretary regarding the development and administration of programs and policies to expand the...
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Created on August 20, 2014 |
This post originally appeared on the Tradeology, the ITA Blog
Leif Anderson recently completed an internship in the International Trade Administration’s Office for Export Policy, Promotion, and Strategy.
...
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Created on August 15, 2014 |
Yesterday, MBDA National Director Alejandra Y. Castillo concluded her week-long tour of California where she spoke to local businesses and community leaders about the Obama Administration’s work to spur continued economic growth and job creation through support of exporters, entrepreneurs, and small, women- and minority-owned businesses.
Earlier this week, Castillo joined U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny...
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Created on August 14, 2014 |
The Minority Business Development Agency is the only federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority-owned businesses; and most of our work is accomplished through our nationwide network of MBDA Business Centers and their work directly with the nation’s MBEs. While, we often report their successes in terms of contracts and capital obtained for MBEs, we rarely talk about how they...
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Created on August 13, 2014 |
Originally posted on the Commerce.gov Blog
On August 5th, at the U.S.-Africa Business Forum, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker highlighted a number of Commerce Department efforts to help more American businesses explore opportunities in Africa’s fast-growing markets. The Forum, focused on trade and investment opportunities on the continent, was part of President Obama’s three-day U.S.-Africa...
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Created on August 13, 2014 |
This post originally appeared on the Tradeology, the ITA Blog
The United States is putting full focus on doing business in Africa, following President Obama’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit and the U.S.-Africa Business Forum. Business Forum co-hosts Bloomberg.org and the Department of Commerce...
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Created on August 12, 2014 |
Last year, U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker unveiled the Commerce Department’s “Open for Business Agenda,” a bold policy agenda focused on boosting trade and investment, supporting innovation and entrepreneurship, and unleashing more government data. Yesterday, she took the...
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Created on August 12, 2014 |
Purnima Voria’s story is one of inspiration and achievement. Growing up in India, Voria watched her father build a successful company importing U.S. farm equipment. After several years and many business successes, her family came to the U.S. to pursue the American dream. Inspired by her father’s example, she merged her love for her home and her newly adopted-country, and developed a strong desire to help U.S....
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Created on August 6, 2014 |
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) will co-host the second of three complementary three part webinar series to help business owners understand the intellectual property process, starting on Wednesday, August 12.
This webinar series will...
Originally posted on the SBA.gov Blog
Small businesses are the key to advancing America’s economy by bringing cutting-edge, high-impact technologies to the marketplace that improve health care, strengthen our military and protect the environment. However, small businesses often have difficulty competing with larger technology companies due to lack of capital for research and development (R&D) work that is critical for moving products from the planning to deployment stages.
To help entrepreneurs successfully commercialize their products and services, the federal...
Originally posted on the SBA.gov Blog
Three years ago, entrepreneur Maurice Brewster made one of the best business decisions of his life: He signed his limousine company, Mosaic Transportation, up for IBM’s Supplier Connection – a collaboration between small businesses and the supply chains of Fortune 500 corporations
It was a wise decision because small firms that enter the supply chains of major corporations grow their revenue by an average of 250 percent and their workforce by an average of 150 percent.
In three years, Maurice has signed contracts with...
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Created on July 24, 2014 |
The U.S. Department of the Treasury will develop the myRASM (“My Retirement Account”) program, offering a new retirement savings account for individuals looking for a simple, safe, and affordable way to start saving. Savers will be able to open an account with as little as $25 and contribute $5 or more every payday. myRA balances will never go down, and there will be no fees. Initially, myRA will be made...
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Created on July 24, 2014 |
The U.S.-Africa Business Forum will be part of President Obama’s U.S.-Africa Leaders Summit
Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker and Michael R. Bloomberg to host
President Obama to be keynote speaker
On August 5, 2014, the U.S. Department of Commerce and Bloomberg Philanthropies will co-host the first-ever U...
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Created on July 23, 2014 |
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The Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) signature event is right around the corner. The 2014 National MED Week Conference will be held July 31 to Aug. 1 at the Washington Hilton Hotel in Washington, D.C.
The yearly conference features opportunities for minority businesses to engage and connect with numerous subject-matter experts in the private and public sectors. One of the featured events during the conference is the MED Week Awards Luncheon.
“This year’s MED Week awardees exemplify growth, diversity and transformation, and are true champions for the minority...
Small businesses are growing at unprecedented rates. They employ about half – 55 million – of the nation’s private workforce and account for 99.7% percent of all employers in the U.S. Through exporting, they have the opportunity to grow even more: two-thirds of the world’s purchasing power is in foreign countries. In a 2013 survey of 500 small business owners, the National Small Business Association (NSBA) found that 63% of...
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Created on July 18, 2014 |
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Created on July 18, 2014 |
Minority businesses learned valuable tips, like how to grow their businesses by connecting with the 95% of consumers who live outside the United States, at the Bridgeport MBDA Business Center on June 12.
These tips were given as part of a series of global procurement workshops hosted in Bridgeport, Conn. Through the work of interagency collaboration, David Leister, an international trade specialist and MBDA...
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Created on July 18, 2014 |
Last month, MBDA participated in the 82nd Annual Meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors (USCM) in Dallas, Tex. The USCM Annual Meeting is an opportunity for mayors from across the country to discuss the economic health of our cities through important issues including transportation, housing, infrastructure, and education.
MBDA had a strong presence at the event with National Director Alejandra Y....
Originally posted on the SBA.gov Blog
If you run a company, your business credit profile is related to your reputation. With a strong business credit profile, you have access to much greater financing opportunities with favorable terms and lower interest rates.
For lenders, a company with a creditworthy profile is considered a good risk. Whether you own a startup or existing business, managing and protecting your profile with all three major business credit reporting agencies is crucial.
Here are ten essential tips for establishing, maintaining and protecting...
Originally posted on the Manufacturing Innovation Blog
Access to capital, especially access by small privately held companies, is a component of growth.
According to an article in Forbes magazine, citing data from Pepperdine University’s 2014 Capital Markets Report, while nearly 89% of business owners report having the enthusiasm to execute...
