The Department of Commerce provides technical assistance to socially or economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, including minority business enterprises (MBEs), through:

Assistance securing capital and contracts:

• Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Centers: Minority business enterprises seeking to expand into new markets — domestic & global — and grow and scale, can access business experts at MBDA’s Business Centers or Specialty Centers. Whether it’s securing capital, competing for a contract, identifying a strategic partner or becoming export-ready, your success is our priority. Find your local business center and specialty centers.
• MBDA Capital Readiness Program (CRP):  Minority and other underserved entrepreneurs can seek support from the 43 incubators and accelerators funded through MBDA’s Capital Readiness Program. These programs support minority and other underserved businesses in launching a business, pitching investors, and tapping equity capital. Learn more about CRP.
• Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU): The OSDBU promotes the use of small, small disadvantaged, 8(a), women-owned, veteran-owned, service-disabled veteran-owned, and HUBZone small businesses within the Department of Commerce's acquisition process. The OSDBU serves as a liaison between the small business community and Commerce procurement offices and has consistently outperformed our SBA targets. Learn more about OSDBU.

Export assistance:

• International Trade Administration’s (ITA) Export Assistance Programs: Businesses who want to start or expand export operations can seek assistance from ITA’s global network of experienced trade experts in more than 100 U.S. cities and 80 countries, which deliver proven export solutions to help underserved communities identify export opportunities, access financing, connect with international buyers and partners and more. Additionally, the Global Diversity Export Initiative is committed to helping underserved entrepreneurs in the United States, including MBEs, increase their exports. Get connected to export expertise.
• MBDA Export Centers: MBDA’s four Export Centers provide technical assistance and business development services to generate increased financing, contract opportunities, and greater access to new and global markets for MBEs. Learn more about Export Centers.

Assistance protecting intellectual property and securing patents:

• U.S. Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) Patent Pro Bono Program: Inventors or small business owners, including MBEs, may be eligible for free legal assistance in preparing and filing a patent application. The Patent Pro Bono Program is a nationwide network of independently operated regional programs that matches volunteer patent attorneys and agents with financially under-resourced inventors and small businesses to provide free legal assistance in securing patent protection.  Learn more about the Patent Pro Bono Program.
• USPTO First-Time Filer Expedited Examination Pilot Program: The First-Time Filer Expedited Examination Pilot Program, implemented by the USPTO and its Council for Inclusive Innovation (CI²), is designed to increase accessibility to the patent system for inventors who are new to the patent application process, including MBEs. Learn more about your eligibility for the First-Time Filer Expedited Examination Pilot Program.
• USPTO Law School Clinic Certification Program (free legal service): The Law School Clinic Certification Program includes over 60 participating law school clinics that provide legal services pro bono to the public, including to inventors, entrepreneurs, and small businesses. Participating law school clinics provide patent and/or trademark legal services to qualified members of the public who are accepted as a client of a clinic. Find a local clinic.

Manufacturing Assistance:

• National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP) Program: Manufacturing Extension Partnership centers are located in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. The MEP network includes hundreds of specialists who understand the needs of America's small manufacturers and help companies develop the next-generation workforce, find new markets, and achieve business success. Find a local MEP center.
• MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center Program: The MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Centers offers targeted assistance to minority business enterprise manufacturers that aim to employ new technologies to increase the number of “Made in America” products that can be sold domestically and globally. Learn more about MBDA’s specialty centers.

The Department of Commerce supports MBE growth and broad-based innovation through direct investments, including:

Investments in broadband and digital equity:

• State Digital Equity Grants: The National Telecommunications and Information Administration’s State Digital Equity Capacity Grant Program Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) will make $1.4 billion available to State Governments to expand the availability and affordability of access to broadband technology; online accessibility and inclusivity of public resources and services; digital literacy; awareness of online privacy and cybersecurity; and the availability and affordability of consumer devices and technical support for those devices. Detailed application information is available.
  • U.S. Territories must submit applications by July 31, 2024.
  • Native Entities (Indian Tribes, Alaska Native Entities, and Native Hawaiian Organizations) must submit applications by February 7, 2025.

Investments in regional economic development and innovation:

• Economic Development Grants: In 2021, the Economic Development Administration (EDA), revised its investment priorities to include equity as a priority consideration when making investments. Under EDA’s Economic Adjustment Assistance Program, EDA aims to promote innovation and business growth in economically distressed communities. This includes through the Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program, which supplies small businesses and entrepreneurs with the gap financing needed to start or expand their business.  Learn more about the RLF Program and where to locate available RLF Grantees by State.