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Created on March 17, 2016 |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) will launch a 20 state road tour, joined by 11 fellow federal agencies in the SBA’s Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs.
Each SBIR Road Tour stop will be hosted by a local organization committed to supporting technology-based entrepreneurship, and will provide attendees a...
As many of us know, Trade Shows can be a prime location to seal deals and make new connections. This is the first of a three part Tradeology blog series to help your business succeed at the next trade show. Stay tuned for part two.
At the Show
Anyone who has exhibited at one or more trade shows inevitably has a horror story to share: missing graphics, lost shipments, brochures lost in the mail, booths breaking during setup, etc. While these are indeed terrible incidents, the real horror stories are those of companies from the United States traveling halfway...
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Created on March 15, 2016 |
It’s rare that the topics of education, democracy, entrepreneurship, and partnership with the federal government intersect in a single conversation, but that’s exactly what happened at Harvard University.
Alejandra Y. Castillo, National Director of the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency, led the conversation before an audience of educators, students, and alumni at the Askwith...
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Created on March 11, 2016 |
One of the larger trade categories, Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Goods includes optical fibers, audio-video equipment, television reception apparatus, coaxial cable, and batteries, in addition to those items covered by the World Trade...
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Created on March 11, 2016 |
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency will host three reverse trade missions this spring designed to introduce delegates from high-growth emerging markets to U.S. providers of energy storage solutions.
The delegates include public and private sector officials from Jordan, South Africa, Brazil, Colombia, India, the Philippines, Turkey and Vietnam. These countries are planning to make significant investments in...
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Created on March 10, 2016 |
The Phoenix MBDA Business Center in collaboration with the Secretaría de Desarrollo Económico - Baja California (SEDECO) bring you an exciting opportunity to visit key companies in Mexicali, make new connections, identify new opportunities and potential partners at the targeted business to business forum.
FOCUS: AEROSPACE, MEDICAL DEVICES, AND ELECTRONICS. (Automotive tentative)
Mexicali...
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Created on March 10, 2016 |
Join the U.S. Commercial Service and the South Florida District Export Council for Discover Global Markets: The Americas. This conference brings together trade experts, economists, industry professionals, and U.S. commercial diplomats via panels and executive meetings to address opportunities, challenges, and winning strategies across the region. Your firm will leave this conference with the...
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Created on March 8, 2016 |
Operating an employee benefit plan can be challenging, especially for small and medium sized employers who have limited time, resources, and access to professional help with benefit programs. To help increase awareness and understanding about basic fiduciary responsibilities when operating a retirement or health benefit plan, the Department of Labor is presenting the Getting It Right – Know Your Fiduciary...
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Created on March 8, 2016 |
As we celebrate Women’s History Month and the vast contributions that women have made to the strength and well-being of our nation, we are seeing the next chapters in this history being written as women take a bigger role in building our economy
Women today make up nearly half of our workforce. Women-owned firms in the United States generate more than $1.4 trillion in revenues and employ millions of people....
For more than 45 years, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) supported the economic growth of Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) initially only through domestic operations. It was in 2003 that MBDA published its first export report titled Globalization and Minority-Owned Businesses in the United States: Assessment and Prospects.
The report led to the creation of our Global Business Strategies,...
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Created on March 3, 2016 |
In January 2016, we kicked off a new campaign called Entrepreneur of the Month, which allows MBDA audiences to meet creative business owners and executives who have leveraged MBDA’s programs and services in unique ways to foster growth. At MBDA, our core mission is infused with the energy and vision of minority business entrepreneurs. In highlighting those who exemplify passion, innovation, and...
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Created on March 2, 2016 |
Small employers who enroll in SHOP coverage may be eligible for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit worth up to 50% of their premium contribution.
Visit the SHOP Tax Credit Estimator on HealthCare.gov to find out more about the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit. The...
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Created on February 29, 2016 |
African-Americans currently make up less than three percent of the nation's technology workforce. Seeking to increase the number of African-American and other ethnic minority technology executives, engineers, and business owners, the second annual Black Tech Week was held earlier this month, featuring PowerMoves Miami, a nonprofit incubator and training...
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Created on February 29, 2016 |
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Created on February 19, 2016 |
With Valentine's Day a recent memory and the Groundhog predicting an early end to winter, the focus of the American public turns to consumer goods; items such as jewelry for your loved one, recreational vehicles, or sports gear for the summer.
It's no surprise that the world enjoys many of these items that are made in...
| Created on February 19, 2016 |
USA Partner Country status at Hannover Messe is an unparalleled opportunity for U.S. companies, research institutions, and economic development organizations to connect to the global industrial tech market.
Join President Obama, Commerce Secretary Pritzker, and global business leaders at Hannover Messe to connect to your next potential customers, partners, and buyers!
Secure your spot by Feb. 26...
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Created on February 16, 2016 |
Long before the concept of STEM entered the American lexicon, African-American scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs were creating important products, services, and businesses that helped shape the American economy. From Benjamin Banneker, a mathematician and polymath in 18th Century Maryland, to Dr. Charles Drew, a 20th Century doctor and blood specialist who revolutionized the process of blood transfusions, our...
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Created on February 16, 2016 |
The following is a cross-post from Tradeology ITA's Blog, .
A few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of joining more than one hundred reporters at the Hannover Exhibition Center in Germany for the Press Preview for...
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Created on February 16, 2016 |
On January 12, 2016, President Barrack Obama delivered his final State of the Union Address to members of Congress. During his highly-anticipated annual address, President Obama spoke optimistically of America’s future and our progress in the areas of foreign policy, the economy, health care, social progress and his desire to transform America into the global leader in fighting climate change.
As we...
Last month, Americans across the nation celebrated the 30th official observance of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, a day dedicated to celebrating the dreams that Dr. King had for a more inclusive and equal nation, and his historic and noble effort to turn these dreams into reality. One important part of continuing Dr. King’s effort is guaranteeing access to fulfilling educational opportunities for young people, particularly in the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) fields.
As technology continues to assume increasing prominence in our society, STEM skills are...
In January 2016, we kicked off a new campaign called Entrepreneur of the Month, which allows MBDA audiences to meet creative business owners and executives who have leveraged MBDA’s programs and services in unique ways to foster growth. At MBDA, our core mission is infused with the energy and vision of minority business entrepreneurs, and in highlighting those who exemplify passion, innovation, and determination, we hope to inspire business owners of today and tomorrow.
MBDA is proud to announce Patricia Watts of FCI Management as the February Entrepreneur of the Month. Her...
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Created on February 7, 2016 |
When a crisis hits your small business, getting the right message out quickly can protect your brand and speed up the recovery process. Increasingly, organizations are relying on social media to get ahead of and dispel misinformation that can lead to a tarnished reputation, and even failure of the company.
Get tips on creating a crisis communications plan using social media during a free webinar on Feb. 16...
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Created on February 4, 2016 |
Seven-month intensive, executive entrepreneurship education series now available in 51 Cities and Communities Across the United States
ONLY 3 WEEKS LEFT TO APPLY!
The U.S. Small Business Administration’s Emerging Leaders executive-level training series is launching in 51 cities and communities across the country this year.
The Emerging Leaders training focuses on small, poised-...
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Created on February 2, 2016 |
This year, the United States is the premier partner country for Hannover Messe 2016, the world's largest trade fair for industrial technology scheduled for April 25th – 29th in Hannover, Germany. The U.S. Department of Commerce has the privilege of spearheading our Country’s participation on this global stage and we are very excited about the opportunity to promote one of this Nation’s greatest assets—minority...
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Created on February 1, 2016 |
Why is it your business if identity theft victims can get free personal recovery plans and other help that makes it easier for them to report and recover from identity theft? Here’s an answer: Because it’s good business – for you, your customers, your employees, and your community.
Identity theft affects millions of people each year. You might see its telltale signs when a customer calls about an...
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Created on February 1, 2016 |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) increased small business size standards affecting businesses in 46 industries in North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) Sector 42, Wholesale Trade, and in one industry in Sector 44-45, Retail Trade. SBA retained the current size standards for the remaining industries in those sectors. The final rule was published in the Federal Register on January 25th and...
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Created on January 29, 2016 |
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Center-Baltimore and Global Political Solutions, LLC (GPS) hosted the first-ever Power Africa and Agribusiness Summit in Washington, D.C. at The National Press Club, Jan. 13-14.
The summit brought together more than 150 public and private sector investors, minority business entrepreneurs, U.S. government officials, Fortune...
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Created on January 28, 2016 |
If you – or someone you know – needs health insurance, now’s your chance to sign up for quality and affordable coverage.
Visit HealthCare.gov right now to apply and enroll in coverage.
Here are a few fast facts about getting covered through HealthCare.gov:
It's not as expensive as you think. 8 out of 10
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Created on January 26, 2016 |
Throughout my career, mentors changed my trajectory. Through them I met successful people who were willing to listen to my ideas—and give their advice on how to turn them into great opportunities.
Every year, my primary resolution has been to “give forward” what they gave to me, and to be a mentor. You might be pleased to know that January is National Mentoring Month—a great reminder to all of us to reach...
| Created on January 20, 2016 |
The United States and Latin America have one of the most active trade relationships in the world - one that continues to provide opportunities for U.S. businesses of any size and in almost any sector.
That is why the U.S. Commercial Service will host the next Trade Winds Business Forum in Latin America, Sept. 6-13, 2016.
Our webinar series will provide valuable insights to new and...
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Created on January 19, 2016 |
During the past few years, U.S. producers of transportation related goods and equipment have experienced an increase in demand for their products at home and overseas. Products such as U.S.-built commercial aircraft, aircraft engines, miscellaneous aircraft parts, and parts of railway rolling stock, have become critical components to other countries’ transportation infrastructure system.
U.S. exporters of...
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Created on January 19, 2016 |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) jointly provide an instructor-led business training curriculum, Money Smart for Small Business, for free. This curriculum is designed to provide introductory-style training for new and aspiring entrepreneurs.
The 13 modules provide the most essential information on running a small business from...
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Created on January 14, 2016 |
Tuesday, January 19th, 2016 at 10:00am EST
FREE webinar
Commercial Service Saudi Arabia is teaming up with the Saudi Ministry of Commerce & Industry and the U.S.-Saudi Business Council on the Saudi-U.S. Business Opportunities Forum in Riyadh March 22nd-23rd, 2016. This is the single largest U.S. business networking event in...
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Created on January 13, 2016 |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is seeking input and comments on certification of Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) and Economically Disadvantaged Women-Owned Small Businesses (EDWOSB) in connection with the Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program (WOSB Program).
SBA is planning to amend its regulations to implement section 825 of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal...
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Created on January 13, 2016 |
It is with great pleasure that I write to invite you to attend the National MBE Manufacturers Summit 2016 at the Georgia Tech Global Learning Center in Atlanta, GA on March 24, 2016.
Now is a time of...
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Created on January 8, 2016 |
Health Information Technology (Health IT) has the potential to be one of the world’s most transformative industries over the next few years. The use of electronic health records to comprehensively collect and organize patient information, remote monitoring and telemedicine services to treat patients, and the use of statistical and analytical tools to determine the best course of treatment for both individual patients...
| Created on January 8, 2016 |
Elise Hernandez, President of Ideal Systems Solutions Inc.
This January, we are kicking off a new campaign, Entrepreneur of the Month, which features a minority business owner who exemplifies innovation, passion, and a commitment to success. Each of these entrepreneurs has leveraged MBDA programs and services in a unique way to foster growth within his or her companies. In sharing success stories of minority...
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Created on January 7, 2016 |
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency is expanding its investments in sustainable energy projects across sub-Saharan Africa. An implementing agency of the U.S. government’s Power Africa initiative, USTDA invests in project preparation activities designed to generate renewable and gas-fired power, modernize electric grids and increase energy efficiency. The Agency’s programs are available to help African project...
| Created on January 7, 2016 |
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker today announced that registration is now open for the third SelectUSA Investment Summit to be held June 19-21, 2016, in Washington, D.C. The Summit’s theme is “The Innovation Advantage” and will feature investment opportunities from every corner of the United States for global investors, while high-profile business and government leaders will share their insights on the latest innovation and trends.
Whether you're interested in...
Starting a retirement savings plan can be easier than most business owners think. What’s more, there are a number of retirement programs that provide tax advantages to both employers and employees.
Why Save?
Experts estimate that Americans will need 70 to 90 percent of their preretirement income to maintain their current standard of living when they stop working. So now is the time to look into retirement plan programs. As an employer, you have an important role in helping America’s workers save.
By starting a retirement savings plan, you will help...
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Created on December 29, 2015 |
The Trans-Pacific Partnership TPP unlocks opportunities for U.S. small and medium-sized businesses, which are the backbone of the U.S. economy. By addressing trade barriers that are particularly challenging for small businesses to navigate, TPP allows our small businesses to reach new markets in the Asia-Pacific region.
Eliminating foreign taxes in the form of tariffs across the TPP region...
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Created on December 29, 2015 |
A small business or nonprofit gets what appears to be an invoice for a listing in an online yellow pages directory. On the face of it, it looks legit. It includes the name of an employee at the office, a copy of what the listing looks like, the “walking fingers” symbol associated with directories – and a demand for the $486.95 the business or nonprofit supposedly owes for the listing. What’s really going on? ...
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Created on December 28, 2015 |
The Fifth Americas Competitiveness Exchange on Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ACE) invites key leaders and decision makers to experience first-hand successful projects and experiences in the United States. The activity is carried out under the framework of the Inter-American Competitiveness Network (RIAC) Work Plan for 2016-2018 to facilitate the exchange of good practices, create partnerships for development and...
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Created on December 21, 2015 |
It’s a long-standing problem that continues to impact businesses and organizations across the nation at every level. A group of more than 100 Asian- American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business leaders and owners gathered in Washington, DC, to seek answers and develop a plan of action to increase diversity and business opportunities within the AAPI community.
Members of the White House Initiative on...
The U.S. Census Bureau, the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation, and the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) have teamed together to fund the first annual survey focused on the characteristics of employer businesses and their owners.
The Annual Survey of Entrepreneurs (ASE) is a supplement to the Survey of Business Owners (SBO), which collects economic and demographic information every five years and categorizes the business ownership by the gender, ethnicity, race, and veteran status of the majority owners. The new annual survey offers a more frequent collection of these data...
| Created on December 9, 2015 |
Are you a small business owner with an amazing success story to tell?
If so, submit your nomination today for the 2016 National Small Business Week Awards. Nominations are currently being accepted online at...
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Created on December 4, 2015 |
The industrial global village has its city center, and it’s in Hanover, Germany. Each year more than 250,000 of the world’s brightest technical talents gather at Hanover Messe to advance the art of worldwide manufacturing. And you should be there too!
As the U.S. leader of Phoenix Contact, I have learned firsthand the value of an annual pilgrimage to Hannover Messe each April. And because of its importance...
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Created on November 27, 2015 |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) is proposing revisions to its regulations for determining affiliation under SBA’s business loan programs and its surety bond guarantee program. These revisions are designed to simplify eligibility determinations and reduce costs and processing time.
The proposed revisions were published October 2, 2015 in the Federal Register...
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Created on November 27, 2015 |
This month, we recognize the contributions made by Native Americans since long before our founding, and we resolve to continue the work of strengthening government-to-government ties with tribal nations and expanding possibility for all. President Barack Obama, 2015 Presidential...
