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The Minority Business Development Agency Kicks Off 2025 With $11 Million in Technical Assistance Funding Competitions

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The Minority Business Development Agency Kicks Off 2025 With $11 Million in Technical Assistance Funding Competitions

The U.S. Department of Commerce’s Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is kicking off 2025 with an exciting announcement: approximately $11 million in federal funding is now available through three new technical assistance programs designed to support, educate, and empower socially and economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs and business owners.
 
These funding competitions focus on addressing systemic barriers to entrepreneurship, strengthening rural businesses, and fostering entrepreneurship education.
 
Eligible entities can apply for funding under the following programs:
 
1. MBDA Women's Entrepreneurship Program (WEP)

  • Focus: Address barriers traditionally experienced by women entrepreneurs and increase access to capital, training, and high-growth opportunities.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Support for minority business enterprises (MBEs) in industries like STEM and federal contracting.
    • $2 million in FY 2025, with anticipated renewals through 2029.
2. MBDA Rural Business Center Program
  • Focus: Empower Rural Minority Business Enterprises (RMBEs) through technical assistance, capacity building, and entrepreneurial development.
  • Key Benefits:
    • $4 million in FY 2025, with anticipated renewals through 2030.
    • Partnerships with higher education institutions and private sector stakeholders.
3. Parren J. Mitchell Entrepreneurship Education Program
  • Focus: Provide entrepreneurship education in business management, financial planning, and technology adoption to underserved communities.
  • Key Benefits:
    • Collaboration with HBCUs, Tribal Colleges, and other eligible institutions.
    • $5 million in FY 2025, with anticipated renewals through 2029.
 
Why This Matters:
MBEs represent a $7.1 trillion economic opportunity, and these programs are designed to help unlock their potential while promoting job creation, innovation, and sustainable economic growth.
 
How Constituents Can Apply:
Eligible entities should visit the MBDA Grants Page for detailed information and to access the Notices of Funding Opportunity (NOFOs) for each program.
 
Letter of Support:
Please let us know if you intend to apply for this funding opportunity and submit the attached request form for a Letter of Support from Congressman Gus Bilirakis.

2025 Grant Letter of Support Request Form:  Click Here

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