Opportunity Information: Apply for MBDA OBC 2025 1002158
The MBDA Rural Business Center Program is a discretionary federal grant opportunity run by the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), which sits within the U.S. Department of Commerce. Through this program, MBDA plans to make cooperative agreement awards to expand hands-on business support in rural communities for Rural Minority Business Enterprises (RMBEs). The core purpose is to strengthen minority-owned businesses across the full business lifecycle, meaning the funded centers are expected to help entrepreneurs from the earliest idea stage all the way through established, growth-oriented operations.
The services supported under this opportunity focus on technical assistance, capacity building, and entrepreneurial development. In practical terms, that generally means providing targeted business advising and training, helping firms build operational and management capacity, and supporting activities that move a business from concept to launch, or from stability to expansion. The emphasis on rural RMBEs signals that MBDA wants these services to be accessible and tailored to the realities of rural markets, where businesses may face additional barriers such as limited local networks, fewer professional service providers, and reduced access to capital or contracting pipelines.
Eligibility is narrow and is set by statute under the MBDA Act (15 USC 9551). Applicants must be either: (1) a minority-serving institution (MSI), or (2) a consortium of higher education institutions that is led by an MSI. The term "minority-serving institution" is specifically defined by law (15 U.S.C. 9551(5)) and points to the Higher Education Act of 1965, section 371(a) (20 U.S.C. 1067q(a)), which lists the categories of institutions that qualify as MSIs. Individuals are not eligible to apply, and applications from individuals will not be considered for funding.
For consortium applications, MBDA requires a clearly designated lead applicant. That lead institution must be an MSI and would be the formal award recipient, meaning it would sign the cooperative agreement with MBDA and carry the primary responsibility for program operations, compliance, and financial management. Even if multiple schools or partners participate, MBDA is clear that the lead MSI remains accountable for completing the project as proposed if an award is made.
Administratively, the opportunity is identified as "MBDA Rural Business Center Program" with Funding Opportunity Number MBDA OBC 2025 1002158. The instrument type is a Cooperative Agreement, which typically indicates substantial federal involvement compared with a standard grant (for example, more ongoing coordination, reporting expectations, and collaboration with the agency during implementation). The CFDA/Assistance Listing number included is 11.805, and the funding activity category is listed as Science and Technology and other Research and Development. The posting shows an expected number of awards of 50, with an original closing date of March 17, 2025. The award ceiling is not specified in the provided summary, so applicants would need to consult the full notice for budget limits, match requirements (if any), performance period details, and the specific service and reporting deliverables MBDA expects from Rural MBDA Business Centers.Apply for MBDA OBC 2025 1002158
- The Minority Business Development Agency in the science and technology and other research and development sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "MBDA Rural 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 2025-01-15.
- Applicants must submit their applications by 2025-03-17. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
- The number of recipients for this funding is limited to 50 candidate(s).
- Eligible applicants include: Others.
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