MBDA Business Center Program | MBDA OBD 2021 2006809

Opportunity Information: Apply for MBDA OBD 2021 2006809

The MBDA Business Center Program is a discretionary federal funding opportunity from the U.S. Department of Commerce, offered through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA). Its purpose is to fund programs that directly support Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs) in ways that align with MBDA's strategic plan and mission goals. In practical terms, the program is aimed at strengthening the capacity of organizations to deliver business assistance services that help minority-owned firms grow, compete, and access economic opportunities. The notice is also written to lay out how proposals will be evaluated and how awards will be managed, so applicants have a clearer sense of what MBDA expects in both program design and ongoing administration.

Funding under this opportunity is provided through a cooperative agreement, which generally means MBDA expects to be more involved than it would be with a standard grant. Cooperative agreements typically include substantial federal involvement during the period of performance, such as coordination on goals, reporting, and program direction. Applicants should anticipate structured oversight and performance expectations tied to MBDA priorities, rather than a hands-off award model.

The opportunity number is MBDA OBD 2021 2006809, and the CFDA/Assistance Listing number is 11.805. The funding activity category is listed as "Environment, Natural Resources, Science and Technology and other Research and Development," although the substance of the notice is centered on business development and service delivery for MBEs. The program was posted on February 17, 2021, with an original application deadline of March 17, 2021, indicating a roughly one-month application window for that funding cycle.

In terms of funding size and scale, the award ceiling is $415,000 per award, and MBDA expected to make 36 awards. That combination suggests MBDA intended to support a relatively broad network of funded operators, each responsible for delivering measurable business assistance outcomes within its service area or target market. While the summary data does not list an award floor, applicants would generally need to propose a budget and workplan that fits within the stated cap and that can credibly deliver the required services and results.

Eligibility is categorized broadly as "Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification)," which signals that the full eligibility rules are contained in the complete NOFO rather than in the headline fields. Opportunities like this often allow applications from a range of entities such as nonprofits, universities, economic development organizations, local or tribal entities, and other qualified operators that can demonstrate the capability to serve minority-owned businesses. The notice emphasizes that MBDA will use the NOFO to explain selection criteria and administrative requirements, so an applicant's competitiveness would depend on showing strong alignment with MBDA goals, a clear service model for MBEs, capacity to manage federal funds, and a plan to track and report performance outcomes.

Overall, the MBDA Business Center Program is designed to expand and professionalize the delivery of business development services for minority-owned firms through a network of competitively selected organizations. It focuses on mission alignment, measurable support to MBEs, and structured federal involvement through the cooperative agreement model, with awards up to $415,000 and dozens of anticipated recipients in the referenced funding round.

• The Department of Commerce in the environment, natural resources, science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MBDA Business Center Program" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 11.805.
• This funding opportunity was created on Feb 17, 2021.
• Applicants must submit their applications by Mar 17, 2021. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $415,000.00 in funding.
• The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 36 candidate(s).
• Eligible applicants include: Others (see text field entitled Additional Information on Eligibility for clarification).

Apply for MBDA OBD 2021 2006809

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