The minority business development agency (mbda), a bureau of the U.S. Department of commerce, will provide federal assistance to support innovative projects seeking to promote and ensure the growth of…

The minority business development agency (mbda), a bureau of the U.S. Department of commerce, will provide federal assistance to support innovative projects seeking to promote and ensure the growth of minority enterprises. The mbda minority business enterprise (MBE) equity multiplier project will facilitate technical assistance to mbes related to accessing capital. In accordance with executive order 11625 and 15 U.S.C. ? 1512, mbda is soliciting competitive applications from eligible organizations for the operation of mbda MBE equity multiplier projects as described in this broad agency announcement (BAA). Mbda anticipates awarding approximately one (1) individual cooperative agreement pursuant to this BAA. The minority business development agency (mbda) provides federal assistance in support of innovative projects that promote and seek to resolve the challenges faced by minority enterprises. The funds to be awarded by this program are not congressionally directed funds or designated for existing funded awards. In the fiscal year 2021 appropriations bill, congress authorized mbda to foster, promote, and develop minority business enterprise, through grants, contracts, and other agreements with public or private organizations. See consolidated appropriations act of 2021, PUB. L. No. 116-260 (december 27, 2020). Mbda is authorized pursuant to executive order 11625 to provide financial assistance to public and private organizations so that they may render technical and management assistance to minority business enterprises and defray all or part of the costs of pilot or demonstration projects conducted by public or private agencies or organizations that are designed to overcome the special challenges of minority business enterprises.