Potential minority entrepreneurs may have new help on the way in seven new cities thanks to a special grant funded by the US Department of Commerce (USDOC).

The USDOC's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) recently awarded $7.3 million in funding to establish seven new MBDA Business Centers in the United States. The MBDA was redesigned in 2011 by combining the existing Minority Business Enterprise Center (MBEC) and Minority Business Opportunity Center (MBOC) programs into one program.

MBDA Business Centers help the minority entrepreneur; "secure financial capital. identify and access opportunities, categorize immediate and long-term business needs, and provide group and one-on-one training and education."

 "MBDA is committed to the continued success of all minority-owned firms, who strengthen the economy and create American jobs," said David A. Hinson, MBDA National Director. "These new centers will expand the number of front-line business experts we have providing resources to minority-owned businesses to help grow economies in more cities across the U.S."

The recipients of the $7.3 million in grants include: The City of Baltimore ($900,000), Houston Community College ($900,000), the South Bronx Overall Economic Development Corporation ($1.5 million), ASIAN Inc. of San Francisco ($1.2 million), Chicago Minority Supplier Development Council ($900,000), Performance-Based Solutions ($900,000) and the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council ($1,020,000).

These funds will be dispersed to operate the MBDA Business Centers in their respective areas as well as to focus on the needs of specific populations.

"The organizations will receive federal funds over a three-year period, except for the Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council, which will receive funds over a four-year period," MBDA press secretary Al Betancourt wrote in a press release. "The funds became effective September 1, 2013. MBDA will make additional announcements regarding site selections and when the new centers will open once details are available."

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