RD Business and Cooperative Programs and Minority Business Development Agency

On June 7, 2004, Gilbert G. Gonzalez, U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Acting Under Secretary for Rural Development (RD), and Ron Langston, U.S. Department of Commerce’s National Director for Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), signed a Memorandum of Understanding to spur rural economic development among minorities.

The signed agreement establishes guidelines for an increased working relationship between the two agencies, in order to enhance the economic well-being and limited resources of minority populations and increase rural business financing for minority-owned rural firms and cooperatives in an effort to further expand and create new markets to provide jobs for rural Americans. In addition, the Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization of each agency is involved to help increase financial, advisory, and contract opportunities for minority-owned rural firms.

On April 5, 2005, the increased working relationship between the two agencies was apparent as the Agriculture Secretary Mike Johanns and Commerce Secretary Carlos Gutierrez announced a series of three listening forums across the country as part of their collaborative effort to expand minority business investments.

The listening forums were held in three locations: Clarksdale, MS on May 25, 2005, co-sponsored by the Delta Regional Authority; Albuquerque, NM on June 21, 2005; and Fresno, CA on July 21, 2005.

MBDA is the only federal agency created specifically to foster the establishment and growth of minority-owned businesses in America. MBDA helps minority businesses by providing funding for a network of centers throughout the country to assist with the start-up, expansion, and development of minority-owned firms. Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs), Native American Business Development Centers (NABDCs), and Business Resource Centers (BRCs) provide individualized management and technical assistance to minority entrepreneurs at every stage of business development. In addition, Minority Business Opportunity Committees (MBOCs) coordinate Federal, state, and local business resources to identify business opportunities and leverage existing programs to increase market access for minority-owned firms.

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU):

USDA OSDBU

USDOC OSDBU