MBDA - An Integral Link to the Success of Minority-Owned Firms: An Intern’s Perspective

My name is Sara G. Arellano. This summer, I joined many other students as a Department of Commerce intern. However, that may be where the similarities end, as I am considered a non-traditional student. After raising a family and working in the private sector, I decided to pursue a bachelor degree in Political Science at the University of California, Irvine. As a non-traditional, female student of Mexican descent my journey thus far has been at times – challenging. Nonetheless, I have overcome stereotypical assumptions based on my gender and ethnicity with determination and support from mentors who believed in my ability to succeed.

Similarly, minority-owned firms encounter challenges and obstacles as they grow their businesses.  Over 45 years ago, President Nixon recognized these barriers and established the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) to promote the growth and expansion of minority-owned business.  Today, MBDA continues to link minority-owned firms with the access to capital, contracts, and markets they need to expand.

Minority-owned firms contribute over $1 trillion in annual economic output to the U.S. economy and employ nearly 6 million people. For the U.S. to remain competitive in the global market, minority-owned firms must have access to resources that empower and encourage their growth. Working through the MBDA Business Center network, MBDA is committed to creating a new generation of minority-owned businesses generating $100 million in annual revenues.

I look forward to seeing the growth of minority-owned firms, as MBDA fulfills its mandate and the United States leverages its diversity in the marketplace.