In general, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), U.S. Department of Commerce, provides direct business development services to minority businesses through a network of Native American Business Development Centers (NABDCs), located in key states, and Minority Business Development Centers (MBDCs) located in most major cities throughout the County. Neither MBDA nor the NABDCs/MBDCs provide direct loans or grants to qualified minorities or minority businesses. For a nominal fee, an MBDC maybe able to provide a Minority Business Entrepreneur (MBE) with services such as management and technical assistance, financial planning, loan packaging, assistance in business expansions, business saves and business startups. These are just a few of the services the Centers provide to qualified minorities.

The following groups are considered eligible to receive MBDA assistance: Blacks, Puerto-Ricans, Spanish speaking Americans, American Indians, Eskimos, Aleuts, Hasidic Jews, Asian Pacific Americans and Asian Indians. In addition, they must be a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence.

For further minority business information, you can contact our MBDA Atlanta Regional Office at (404)730-3300 or email them at aro-info@mbda.gov. They will be able to refer you to the Minority Business Development Center close to your business who may be able to provide some assistance.

In the event that you are not an MBE, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) offers similar business consulting services to all small businesses through its Small Business Development Center (SBDC) program. You can contact SBA at its toll free Answer Desk at 1-800-827-5722 for the phone number of the nearest SBDC located near your residence.

In regard to your special situation, we recommend that you go to the Search Engine at Google Websearch at www.google.com. This is a good site for searching for financing. In addition, you may want to contact both your city and county offices of economic development to see what assistance is offered.

The Program Number 11.800 relates to cooperative agreements between MBDA and organizations to operate our MBDCs/NABDCs. These cooperative agreements are awarded competitively for one year, with two-one year renewal options based upon performance.

I thank you again for your interest and I wish you success in your endeavors.