This is an archived site
This site contains information from September 2006 - August 2020. Visit the current MBDA.gov site.

MBDA Summit: Emerging Entrepreneurial Opportunities

Image(s) included
Post a comment

On July 6th and 7th, MBDA hosted a meeting of leaders in the minority business community, including program directors and advocates, to review and benchmark progress regarding the state of minority businesses.  The goal of the meeting was to establish a blueprint for minority business development programs that can be implemented by the public and private sectors in the future.

From the meeting, common themes emerged from the conversations.  MBDA is opening the discussion to include a variety of stakeholders in minority business success- we welcome your comments and suggestions.

The question that was asked is this:

Given the new market/emerging opportunities for MBEs in the national and global economy, what programs and strategies are needed for MBEs to enter and succeed in these emerging and new industries?

 

  • Provide incentives for larger companies to partner with smaller companies.
  • To strengthen competitive advantage, encourage MBE firms to partner with other firms that offer complementary technology.
  • Develop a group of 10 business owners in each state capable of entering emerging markets and provide the training, access to capital and other resources needed.
  • Federal government should identify new green technology to be used in the future for home and office construction where opportunities can be created for minorities
  • Direct MBEs toward ARRA growth industries and encourage teaming.
  • Identify top MBE leaders in emerging markets.  Use these leaders as mentors/resources to bring in new MBEs into these markets.
  • Work with universities to deploy interns with skill sets that can enhance the growth of MBE firms in emerging technologies
  • Identify national/state/local, private and public projects focused on helping MBEs.
  • Focus on educating high school students on understanding and identifying on Green and emerging business opportunities
  • Expand access to SBIR Program. Reserve a percentage of SBIR Grants for MBEs
  • Work with local colleges and universities to create incubators/entrepreneurial centers for emerging technology companies.

We would appreciate your comments and suggestions on the topic, to see participants specific comments per topic, please click here.

**This post contains the comments provided by participants at the Minority Business Development Agency Summit held on July 6 – 7, 2009 at the Hyatt Regency Washington on Capitol Hill.  Participants provided input on strategy, enforcement mechanisms, and legislation that may assist minority entrepreneurs in the future.  Note-takers memorialized the comments made at each of the tables.  These materials are being provided in raw data format and are for informational purposes only.  The views expressed herein are those of the participants and do not necessarily reflect those of MBDA or of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

MBDA Summit

MBDA Summit