The U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency’s (MBDA) mission is to foster the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises (MBEs).  MBDA accomplishes its mission by funding and working cooperatively with Business Centers that assist clients that are socially or economically disadvantaged, regardless of race or ethnicity, by facilitating transactions through referrals, business consulting, contract bid/proposal preparation, loan packaging, and/or matching contract opportunities and capital sources (i.e., loans, equity, bonding, etc.). In addition, Business Centers help clients to achieve their growth objectives by connecting them with prospective strategic partners through business-to-business matching, teaming arrangements, joint ventures, or other strategic advisory services.