Virtual Business Center

Agency: Department of Commerce

11.802 -- Minority Business Resource Development

Archived opportunityLast Updated: May 13, 2026

Description

This notice requests applications for the development of a Minority Business Development Agency Virtual Business Center (VBC). The VBC is a new business assistance program designed to maximize the use of technology in serving Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs). The VBC will leverage partner resources to deliver robust tools and services. This program can support the use of a fee for service model.

This notice also provides the public with information and guidelines on how MBDA will select proposals and administer Federal financial assistance under this Announcement. The funding instrument is a Cooperative Agreement and includes substantial Federal government programmatic involvement. Substantial involvement means that, after award, MBDA program staff will assist and guide the provision of VBC activities.

...

This Notice of Federal Funding Opportunity (NOFO) is not to start an individual business. Applications must be submitted for the operation of the VBC that will provide business development services to eligible minority-owned firms as set forth in this Announcement. Applications that do not meet these requirements will not be considered.

Eligibility

Eligible applicants

Miscellaneous

Other

Additional information

Eligible applicants include: for-profit entities (including but not limited to sole-proprietorships, partnerships, limited liability companies, and corporations), non-profit organizations, state and local government entities, quasi-government entities, Tribal entities, and educational institutions.

Grantor contact information

Description

Nakita Chambers 202-482-0065 1401 Constitution Ave., NW Washington, DC 20230

Email

Work

nchambers@mbda.gov

Documents

File name	Description	Last updated
MBDA-OBD-2019-2006126_FFO_Report.pdf	Full Announcement	Jun 14, 2019 05:40 PM UTC
MBDA_Virtual_Business_Center_FFO_Part_2_-_6.06.19_Final_CLEAN_OBD-FALD.docx	MBDA Virtual Business Center	Jun 17, 2019 03:24 PM UTC

Link to additional information

Archived: August 25, 2019

Application process

This site is a work in progress. Go to www.grants.gov to apply, track application status, and subscribe to updates.

Award

$5,200,000

Program Funding

Expected awards

Award Minimum

$5,200,000

Award Maximum

Funding opportunity number:

MBDA-OBD-2019-2006126

Cost sharing or matching requirement:

Yes

Funding instrument type:

Cooperative agreement

Opportunity Category:

Discretionary

Opportunity Category Explanation:

Category of Funding Activity:

Environment

Natural resources

Science technology and other research and development

Category Explanation:

History

Version:

Posted date:

June 14, 2019

Archive date:

August 25, 2019