§9552 Business Centers

Summary

The Under Secretary can create MBDA Rural Business Centers to help rural minority-owned businesses grow. Each center must be run with a local partner called an eligible entity. The partner must give space, facilities, and staff. The Under Secretary must give money and oversee the center. The partner normally must match 20 percent of the federal funding, which can include the value of space and staff. The match can be smaller or waived if the partner shows limited resources or big need. Federal money from other programs can count as the match. Each center agreement must last at least 3 years and can be extended. Centers must mainly serve rural minority business enterprises or minority businesses more than 50 miles from another MBDA center. Centers should work on things like broadband and e-commerce, digital skills, advanced and U.S. manufacturing, fixing supply chain gaps, transportation and logistics, trade and exports, getting capital, helping entrepreneurs, and creating local jobs. They must give education, training, and legal, financial, and technical help. Not later than 90 days after November 15, 2021, the Under Secretary had to ask for applications from eligible partners. When choosing partners, the Under Secretary must look for groups that can work with government and businesses, do outreach and research, offer business solutions and STEM support, use their own resources, and refer clients to community groups. Priority goes to partners in places with many socially or economically disadvantaged people, those with a history of serving them, or those the Under Secretary finds were treated inequitably under the First or Second Morrill Acts. Definitions: MBDA Rural Business Center — a center to help rural minority businesses. Eligible entity — the local partner that runs the center with the Under Secretary.