Startup USA Guide
Part B · Startup-relevant scheme

MBDA Business Center Program (MBDA Centers)

Minority Business Development Agency (US Dept. of Commerce)

Incubation IdeationPrototype / PoCSeed / Early-StageGrowth / ScalingMarket Access & IP

MBDA is the only federal agency dedicated exclusively to the growth of minority business enterprises. Its Business Center Program funds a network of centers that provide business consulting, help preparing for financing, and help pursuing contracts.

Type of support
Incubation
Best suited for
Any stage
Headline amount
Technical assistance (not direct funding)
How much
Free/low-cost consulting; no direct funding

Objectives

Expand minority business enterprises' access to capital, markets, and contracts through direct technical assistance plus coordination with other public and private programs.

Who can apply?

  • Minority business enterprises (MBEs) generally — specific center services and eligibility criteria vary by location.
  • No revenue or size floor to get started; centers work with businesses at a range of stages.

What do you get?

  • Business consulting and technical assistance, generally at low or no cost through the Business Center network.
  • Help identifying and applying for capital, and pursuing federal, state, and private-sector contracts.
  • Note: MBDA does not provide grants or loans directly — it helps businesses access financing from other sources.

How to apply

Find and contact your nearest MBDA Business Center through MBDA's website.

Go to official portal