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Created on February 19, 2014 |
I am honored to serve as the Agency’s Acting National Director. In this capacity, I will continue to promote our Agency’s important mission and the stellar work of minority-owned businesses.
As we celebrate African American Heritage this month and its 2014 theme of Civil...
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Created on February 14, 2014 |
This post originally appeared on International Trade Administration Tradeology blog.
Yuki Fujiyama is a trade finance specialist with the Office of Finance and Insurance Industries in the International Trade Administration.
The U.S. Department of Commerce is partnering with a number of local organizations and federal agencies in offering...
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Created on February 7, 2014 |
This post originally appeared on International Trade Administration Tradeology blog.
Moshtayeen Ahmad recently completed an internship in the International Trade Administration’s Office for Export Policy, Promotion, and Strategy.
Favorable market trends in Latin America make the region an excellent potential market for your business’s products and services. These countries all enjoy...
This blog was originally posted on the U.S. Department of Commerce website.
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Created on February 5, 2014 |
U.S. Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker officially began her five-day trade mission to Mexico on February 3rd, starting the trip in Mexico City. She is joined by representatives from 17 U.S. companies looking to expand partnerships and develop effective strategies for accessing and doing business in the Mexican market....
This post originally appeared on SBA.
SBA’s loan-guaranty programs are among the best-known ways we fulfill our mission of helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed. In FY13, for example, together with our lending partners we facilitated over $29 billion dollars in loans to new and existing small businesses.
But for some small businesses, equity financing is a better option – and SBA has great tools to help those businesses too. One of my priorities as Regional...
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Created on February 4, 2014 |
This post originally appeared on Census Global Reach Blog.
Specialists from the Commercial Service can help you overcome challenges in the market and reach specific goals. Below are some tidbits of knowledge that stemmed from last year’s American Association of Clinical Chemistry (AACC) tradeshow in Houston,...
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Created on February 4, 2014 |
For the fifth consecutive year, the U.S. Commercial Service’s Select USA team will organize the USA Investment Center at the world’s largest industrial technology show, the Hannover Fair, April 7-11, 2014. The USA Investment Center is a joint pavilion of the federal SelectUSA Program and participating Economic Development Organizations from U.S. states, cities and regions. The USA Investment Center promotes the...
As part of our blog series on tax literacy, MBDA will highlight the latest tax-related news issued by the IRS for business owners. The material presented in this website is not offered as legal or tax advice. You are urged to seek the advice of your tax advisor, attorney, and/or financial planner for any issue related to tax obligations.
This post originally appeared as a IRS Tax Tip
Many people look for help from professionals when it’s time to file their tax return. If you use a paid tax...
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Created on January 31, 2014 |
What is Emerging Leaders?
The Emerging Leaders is an intensive training initiative to accelerate high-potential small businesses’ growth in America’s inner-cities. This comprehensive curriculum provides the tools to catapult participating companies to the next level and help them emerge as growing, self-sustaining businesses in their community.
What does the Emerging Leaders...
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Created on January 30, 2014 |
This post originally appeared on International Trade Administration Tradeology blog.
Doug Barry is a Senior International Trade Specialist in the International Trade Administration’s Global Knowledge Center.
ERD Limited is a North Carolina-based company that has seen its number of export markets more than quintuple in less than three years. In that time span, its revenues from global...
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Created on January 30, 2014 |
Caribbean Trade Mission & Business Development Conference to Dominican Republic, Haiti, Jamaica, Bahamas, Barbados and Trinidad and Tobago. Caribbean regional conference followed by one-on-one business appointments with pre-screened potential buyers, agents, distributors, joint-venture partners or other key contacts.
Mission Dates: June 8-12, 2014
Registration Deadline: April 4...
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Created on January 30, 2014 |
This post originally appeared on NIST Baldrige Award.
Applications are now being accepted for the 2014 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nation’s highest Presidential honor for performance excellence. Organizations can apply for awards in three business sectors—manufacturing, small business and service—along with health care, education and nonprofit (including government agencies)....
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Created on January 27, 2014 |
Small businesses that suffered economic losses when the owner or a key employee was called up to active duty are eligible to apply for a low interest loan of up to $2 million from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
Small businesses can apply for a Military Reservist Economic Injury Disaster Loan (MREIDL) any time from the date of notice of expected call-up and ending one year after the date of discharge...
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Created on January 24, 2014 |
National Export Initiative Connects Businesses with World Markets
Did you know that according to the latest U.S. Census Bureau data, minority-owned firms are twice as likely to export as other U.S.-owned businesses? The data indicates that minority-owned firms are best positioned to succeed and expand in the growing global economy. With 95 percent of the world’s...
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Created on January 22, 2014 |
On October 23, 2013 the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) voted unanimously to propose rules under the JOBS Act to permit companies to offer and sell securities through crowdfunding.
Crowdfunding describes an evolving method of raising capital that has been used outside of the securities arena to raise funds through the Internet for a variety of projects ranging from innovative product ideas to...
One of the most effective ways to grow your business is also one of the oldest: networking. While it may not get as much buzz these days as social networking sites like Facebook and Twitter, old-fashioned, face-to-face networking is still essential for building a business.
When we think of networking often times images of happy hour, spending an inordinate amount of time in the evenings at a restaurant or office building with a whole lot of chit chat that may yield little to no business at all. While this type of activity can seem tiresome and...
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Created on January 13, 2014 |
During President Barack Obama’s Weekly Address, he expressed that, “Latin America represents an incredible opportunity for the United States, especially when it comes to my top priority as President: creating good, middle-class jobs… Right now, over 40...
The U.S. Small Business Administration will present Not Just Contracts: The SBA’s 8(a) Business Development Program, the first of a free, two-part webinar series on Jan.15 at 2 p.m. EST. The second webinar will be held Jan. 22 at 2 p.m. ET.
The hour-long webinars will cover:
Eligibility requirements for 8(a) certification
Technical assistance available through the 8(a) Program
Common misconceptions about the 8(a) Program
The top reasons why an 8(a) application is declined or returned
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Created on January 10, 2014 |
Looking for the information and tips to grow your business, here are the 15 most visited blogs on mbda.gov for 2013.
Minority-owned businesses are the fastest growing business sector in the Nation, in terms of gross...
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Created on January 8, 2014 |
Fifty years ago, in January of 1964, President Lyndon B. Johnson declared a “War on Poverty” and introduced initiatives designed to improve the education, health, skills, jobs, and access to economic resources of those struggling to make ends meet.
» ...
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Created on January 7, 2014 |
More than a century after its passage, an act of legislation with the potential to transform the federal government’s purchasing practices in Indian Country finally has the force of law.
Effective July 8, 2013, the U.S. Department of the Interior adopted final rules that require the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) to give preference to Indian-owned or -controlled businesses in matters of procurement. The rules...
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Created on January 7, 2014 |
Dear Friends,
After four and a half years as National Director of the Minority Business Development Agency, I am leaving the Agency to return to the private sector on January 15, 2014. It has been a privilege to work with each and every one of you and to serve the American people under the leadership of President Obama and four Commerce Department secretaries, including Secretary Pritzker.
During my...
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Created on January 3, 2014 |
Start 2014 off right. Here are some actions to take now or in early January that will help you optimize your tax and financial results for the coming year.
1. Revisit your recordkeeping practices
Records are vital for both business and tax purposes. They help know whether or not you’re profitable and provide key information to help you take business actions, such as adjusting prices...
Looking for New Year's resolutions for your business. No business, or business owner, is perfect, and there is always room for improvement. In case you missed it, here are 10 top articles on business resolutions to help you grow your business.
10 small-business resolutions for the new year
What could you do to make your small business better in 2014? Let these New Year's Resolutions from small-business owners and managers in the Shreveport, La.,...
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Created on December 31, 2013 |
Are you a small business owner with an amazing success story to tell? If so, submit your nomination today for the 2014 National Small Business Week Awards. Nominations are currently being accepted online at http://nationalsmallbusinessweek.sba.gov/.
For more than 50 years, National Small Business Week has recognized the outstanding...
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Created on December 30, 2013 |
The U.S. Commercial Service and the Embassy of the United States of America in Canada is pleased to announce our upcoming webinar series on The Logistics of Doing Business in Canada. The North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) has made doing business in Canada easier, however, many questions still exist.
This webinar series will give you the opportunity to get answers to the most frequently asked...
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Created on December 24, 2013 |
The U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) issued two final rules in the Federal Register today, revising size standards for firms in two North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) sectors, namely, Utilities (Sector 22) and Construction (Sector 23).
Size standards define the maximum size a firm can be and still be considered a small business. The revised standards reflect changes in...
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Created on November 4, 2013 |
Announcing two unprecedented opportunities for U.S. economic development organizations to participate in SelectUSA events in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, and Guangzhou in early 2014.
January 13 - 14, 2014 - SelectUSA Booth at the Asian Financial Forum (AFF), Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre
The U.S. Commercial Service team in Hong Kong is recruiting interested U.S. economic...
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Created on December 18, 2013 |
Business is underway, and you’ve hired some help. You’ll need to take care of employees by making sure that the right tax forms are complete.
One-on-One Help from the Social Security Administration
Employers who need help with general wage reporting information can call the Social Security Administration’s Employer Reporting Service Center at 800-772-...
The U.S. Small Business Administration's 8(a) Business Development Program is designed to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the federal marketplace. The 8(a) Program offers executive level business training that helps to keep your small business competitive. Read on to learn about the benefits, the requirements and how to apply. What is the 8(a) Business Development Program?
BENEFITS:
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Created on December 10, 2013 |
One of the real joys of the holiday season is having the opportunity to say thank you. As the year ends and the Agency reflects on all the things we are grateful for, MBDA’s relationship with you, our stakeholders, is especially treasured. Your continued partnership throughout this year has greatly contributed to our success in increasing the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned businesses.
...
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Created on December 10, 2013 |
St. Louis Mayor Welcomes the Opening of the St. Louis MBDA Business Center
Mayor Francis Slay announced the opening of the St. Louis MBDA Business Center and said the center will increase financing and contract opportunities for minority business enterprises and help foster ties with major corporations.
» Read More: ...
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Created on December 6, 2013 |
In observance of Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week, as proclaimed by President Barrack Obama, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) recognized the 2013 National MED Week Award winners at the U.S. Department of Commerce on Dec. 2. The 12 winners represented organizations, businesses and individuals who have demonstrated leadership and commitment in advancing the minority business community. U.S....
Throughout the years, the hospitality industry has grown through a series of transformations. While many industries struggled with unemployment in 2011, new growth in the hospitality industry sparked a boom in the number of jobs created and economic opportunities. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics the leisure / hospitality sector was second only to health care in the number of jobs created in 2011.[1]
One key reason for this growth has been the rise of the gaming industry across the United States. Today, many states have either...
The holiday season is quickly approaching, and the time is now to make sure you get the most of your marketing efforts to help secure sales success in the coming months. Here are a few budget-friendly ideas to help get you started.
Social Media Contests
If your small business has a social media presence, contests on Facebook and Twitter are often a popular way highlight your brand and engage with customers, reminding them that your product or service is available – and a potentially great gift idea. With a few rules, a clever hashtag and incentive such as a...
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Created on November 26, 2013 |
Acting Deputy U.S. Commerce Secretary Patrick Gallagher delivered remarks at “From DC to Africa: Growing Local, Going Global,” a business forum hosted by the D.C. Office on African Affairs to raise awareness of opportunities for U.S. companies to do business in Africa. D.C. Mayor Vincent Gray also gave remarks at the forum and introduced Dr. Gallagher.
The...
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Created on November 22, 2013 |
That’s the core objective of BusinessUSA. Approaching two years since its launch in early 2012, BusinessUSA was created to provide businesses a better entryway into the host of programs and opportunities the federal government has to offer. Too often, interactions with the government are burdensome,...
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Created on November 21, 2013 |
The 2013 Rainbow PUSH Coalition & Citizen Education Fund Public Policy Institute & Media and Telecommunications Symposium was held Nov. 15 at the Capital Hilton Hotel in Washington, DC.
The annual event titled “The Future of Media: Policies, People and Players,” presented cutting edge information about racial diversity in the media landscape and how to think more broadly about media policy. It also...
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Created on November 18, 2013
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I am pleased to invite you to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission’s (SEC) 2013 Government-Business Forum on Small Business Capital Formation to be held on Thursday, November 21, 2013, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:15 p.m., at our headquarters at 100 F Street, N.E., Washington, D.C. 20549.
Similar to last year, the...
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Created on November 8, 2013 |
Every day I go to work wearing a small pin on my coat’s lapel. The pin is black and gold with a white star in the center. Although the pin is no larger than half an inch, it represents more than 26 years of military service.
I retired from the U.S. Army approximately one and a half years ago. Leaving the organization that I credit with instilling tremendous values in me was the hardest thing I’ve ever done...
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Created on November 7, 2013 |
Secretary of Commerce Penny Pritzker wrapped up the inaugural SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit, following two high-impact days of meetings and discussions among senior government officials, major business executives, global economic experts and U.S. economic development officials about strategies to increase foreign direct investment (FDI) in the United...
With new health insurance marketplaces now open, the Small Business Administration and Small Business Majority are excited to announce the next set of Affordable Care Act 101 weekly webinar dates.
Each week, small business owners can learn the basics of the Affordable Care Act and how they can enroll in small business health insurance marketplaces. Other topics discussed include insurance reforms, the small business health care tax credit, and employer shared responsibility provisions. SBA representatives help small business owners understand the facts of the Affordable Care Act so...
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Created on November 5, 2013 |
Small businesses can help keep their business information safe and protect their online information with a new free course from the U.S. Small Business Administration.
In support of President Obama proclaiming October as National Cybersecurity Awareness Month, SBA is launching this new course, designed for small businesses, to provide an overview on how to secure business information, identify security...
As we celebrate Native American Heritage Month the Minority Business Development Agency would like to pay tribute to the rich ancestry and traditions of Native Americans. While we take great pride in honoring their many accomplishments and contributions to American society, I want to highlight their contributions to the U.S. economy and the minority business community. Here are some quick facts about the Native American business community:
There are 236,000 Native American-owned firms in the U.S.
10 percent have paid employees (average 8 per
The Phoenix MBDA Business Center will partner with the Thunderbird School of Global Management on November 21 to host its first Global Business Conference. The idea began as the result of a casual conversation between Alika Kumar, Project Director of the Phoenix MBDA Business Center and a former professor. They both saw the need to ensure that the Arizona minority-owned business community is informed about the business opportunities that exist outside of the U.S.
As ideas evolve, so have the topics that will be covered during the conference. Among the scheduled sessions are:...
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Created on November 4, 2013 |
David A. Hinson, MBDA National Director, was selected as one of Diversity Plus magazine’s 2013 Top 30 Champions of Diversity. Hinson was selected for his demonstrated leadership, and for going above and beyond to mentor and assist with the growth of minority-owned firms. Diversity Plus acknowledged the fact that since the start of the Obama Administration, MBDA has helped minority-owned businesses access $...
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Created on October 31, 2013 |
The SelectUSA 2013 Investment Summit is at capacity, but that doesn’t mean investors around the world who couldn’t register can’t be a part of the event.
If you haven’t heard, we’ll be pairing investors from around the world with federal and state...
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Created on October 30, 2013 |
Dates: November 3-14, 2013
Location: Washington, D.C.; San Diego, Sacramento and San Francisco, CA
The U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) is supporting a regional Reverse Trade Mission (RTM) intended to introduce 13 officials and project developers in the waste-to-energy and related biomass power subsector in Indonesia, the Philippines and Thailand to...
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Created on October 25, 2013 |
The Hispanic Heritage Foundation held their first Hispanic Business Community Awards celebration Oct. 23 at the Capital One Bank headquarters in McLean, Va. The awards recognized the impact of Latino business leaders on the Greater Washington, DC community.
Alejandra Y. Castillo, MBDA National Deputy Director, was one of five awardees honored at the event. Castillo received the Public Service Leadership...
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Created on October 22, 2013 |
October is Energy Awareness month, and it’s a great opportunity to look around your office for ways to save energy.
Why do some companies save more than others? One reason is how they approach energy management. Companies that follow a few basic principles achieve greater savings. If you are serious about reducing energy use, you can apply these principles and save!
Make energy a priority...