Partnership Positions MBDA Business Centers to Offer Streamlined Lending Process
Provides Minority Business Enterprises with Enhanced Financing Options
WASHINGTON DC and NEW YORK – July 21, 2016 – The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (“MBDA”) and Fundation Group LLC announced today a memorandum of understanding (MOU) designed to provide U.S. minority business enterprises (MBEs) with cutting edge, digitally enabled financing solutions and expanded access to capital.
MBDA, a bureau of the U.S. Department of Commerce, currently operates a national network of 38 business centers equipped with specialists who help the nation’s minority-owned businesses grow. Center specialists assist clients with access to capital, contracts, and new markets opportunities to create new jobs.
Fundation Group LLC, one of the nation’s leading digitally-enabled small business lenders and financing solutions providers, offers simple, fixed-rate conventional term loans, lines of credit and credit products for small businesses through its banking and other partnerships.
Major provisions of the MOU include:
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Collaborating and utilizing both MBDA and Fundation’s capabilities and technical resources to provide expanded access to capital across the country;
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Educating businesses on best practices through joint business webinars and/or workshops for clients, program participants and stakeholders; and
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Connecting MBDA Business Centers and clients to Fundation’s Partner Portal and lending platform for a streamlined and simplified lending process.
Alejandra Y. Castillo, MBDA National Director, said, “This is truly an exciting opportunity for both MBDA and Fundation. Fundation’s programs and resources will offer quick and accessible financing options for MBEs looking to grow and manage their cash flow at the most competitive pricing outside of the banking system. This partnership will also allow us to work together to support and spotlight the successes of MBEs across the Nation.”
Sam Graziano, CEO of Fundation Group LLC, said, “We are thrilled to partner with MBDA to serve the MBE community. Young and growing small businesses need a lot of things to be successful. The combination of MBDA’s capabilities with ours will offer MBE’s with both high quality business advice and best-in-class credit products, two of the cornerstones in any growing enterprise.”
The official signing of the MOU took place on July 21, 2016 at the office of Nelson Mullins Riley & Scarborough, LLP in Washington, DC.
About the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
MBDA, www.mbda.gov, is the only Federal agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of U.S. minority-owned businesses. Our programs and services better equip minority-owned firms to create jobs, build scale and capacity, increase revenues and expand regionally, nationally and internationally. Services are provided through a network of MBDA Business Centers. After 47 years of service, MBDA continues to be a dedicated strategic partner to all U.S. minority-owned businesses, committed to providing programs and services that build size, scale and capacity through access to capital, contracts and markets. Follow us on Twitter @usmbda.
About Fundation Group LLC
Fundation is one of the nation’s leading digitally enabled small business lenders and financing solutions provider. Fundation partners with a broad array of financial and nonfinancial institutions that serve the small business market in a variety of capacities to offer value-added credit solutions. Fundation builds customized product offerings and delivery methods to meet the needs of each unique partner and the credit needs of its small commercial customers. Visit http://www.fundation.com for more information.
Media Contacts:
Minority Business Development Agency
Dijon Rolle
drolle@mbda.gov
202-482-1375
Fundation
Debbie Miller
Debbie.miller@fundation.com
202-888-2738
