MBDA - What Works to Make America Economically Strong – as Proven for Over Half a Century

Introduction: A Legacy of Economic Empowerment

For more than 50 years, the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has played a pivotal role in strengthening the U.S. economy by advancing the growth of small, emerging businesses.   Through a national network of specialized Business Centers, strategic partnerships, and a commitment to contributing to advancing economic development, job creation, and revenue expansion, MBDA Centers have empowered thousands of companies to access Federal contracting, capital, and critical industry resources for over 50 years.

At the core of the MBDA Centers’ success is their ability to train, educate, and deliver measurable outcomes for the businesses they serve.  From Federal procurement assistance to capital readiness programs, MBDA Centers are a model of efficiency and a leveraging economic impact.  The economic data and reportable outcomes offer a compelling case: MBDA’s impact is not only about contributing to our National GDP, and facilitating access to capital, but also driving innovation to our Nation’s defense industry.  In short, MBDA Centers are essential for sustaining America’s economic future.

The MBDA Federal Procurement Center: A National Force for Small Business Growth

The MBDA Federal Procurement Center (FPC) is the only MBDA Center in the entire country with a primary focus on growing MBEs’ capacity and increasing their revenues to expand regionally, nationally, and internationally though Government contracts.  The FPC carries out a Nationwide mission: to help small, emerging, and minority-owned businesses win Federal contracts.  This specialized center, operated by Keith Moore of KDM & Associates, serves as the strategic hub connecting businesses across the Nation to opportunities with the world’s largest buyer of goods and services – the U.S. Federal Government.

With a nationwide footprint, the MBDA FPC supports businesses regardless of where they are located.   Through a system of Shared Outcome Agreements among MBDA Business Centers, the MBDA has designed an operationally efficient approach to provide seamless access to Federal contracting expertise and advocacy from coast to coast.  Whether a business is based in California, Puerto Rico, or the Midwest, the FPC and its affiliate Centers ensure MBDA clients are represented in Washington D.C to win Federal contracts.

Shared Outcome Agreements: A Blueprint for National Reach

The MBDA Federal Procurement Center’s model of Shared Outcome Agreements has redefined collaboration across the Agency’s network.  This approach enables the FPC to work in tandem with local MBDA Centers around the country, ensuring that Federal procurement expertise is integrated into the technical assistance delivered at the community level.

Shared Outcome Agreements offer:
- Consistent support across MBDA Centers Nationwide
- Local business engagement with National-level advocacy
- Efficient use of Federal resources by eliminating duplication
- A coordinated pipeline of procurement-ready businesses

This collaborative structure has allowed MBDA to remain nimble, scalable, and impactful. These organizational qualities are essential in today’s rapidly evolving efficiency-driven priorities under the Trump Administration. 

Relationship Capital: The Cornerstone of MBDA's Success

“Without relationships, you have no business.” This mantra, popularized by George Fraser of Power Networking, is echoed by Keith Moore in every room he enters.  With over 24 years of Federal relationship-building experience, Moore understands that contract awards require relational credibility, proven competence, and a proven reputation as a trusted advisor.  Twenty-four years working with agencies across the Federal spectrum, aligning with Government contracting professionals, and years of conference participation and facilitation has enabled the KDM CEO to build trust, provide value, and build a reputation as a solution provider to Government.  As Operator of the Nation’s only MBDA Federal Procurement Center, Moore works tirelessly to build an ecosystem that catalyzes learning, and the application of what is learned in order to win Federal contracts. www.mbdafpcenter.com

The MBDA FPC’s emphasis on relationship building distinguishes it from many other support organizations.  Rather than taking a bureaucratic transactional approach, the FPC  fosters deep, strategic relationship building strategies that engage, educate, and empower small businesses, and provides Federal agencies with a pool of small businesses committed to scale in order to address Federal agencies’ challenges and priorities.  This relationship-first model is what helps small businesses navigate the complexity of Federal contracting with confidence.

Investing in Readiness: 141 MBDA Centers Strong and Growing

MBDA’s impact is not limited to the Federal Procurement Center.  With 141 MBDA Centers across the country – 44 of which are funded through the Treasury Department’s Capital Readiness Program – the Agency is strategically positioned to address one of the most pressing challenges facing small businesses: Access to capital.

These Centers:
- Offer technical assistance, strategic planning, and matchmaking services
- Help businesses prepare for investment and scale their operations
- Provide a critical infrastructure for underserved entrepreneurs

The Capital Readiness Program is a targeted effort to overcome barriers that disproportionately affect disadvantaged businesses to access much needed capital. By preparing businesses to attract and manage capital effectively, MBDA is laying the groundwork for sustainable growth.

Why Small Business Growth Matters to America

Small businesses are more than just economic contributors – they are the backbone of the American economy.  According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99.9% of all U.S. businesses and create nearly two-thirds of new jobs annually. However, these enterprises often face systemic barriers, especially in accessing Federal contracts and capital.

Failing to protect and grow this segment of the economy would be a National risk.  Federal contracting represents over $600 billion in annual spending.  If small businesses are not included in this supply chain, the wealth gap widens, innovation stalls, and communities suffer.  MBDA is America’s best defense partner against this economic peril.  By ensuring that small businesses – particularly those owned by minorities – have a seat at the table, MBDA is helping to secure an inclusive, resilient, and prosperous future.

Conclusion: The Next 50 Years Begin Now

For half a century, the MBDA has stood as a beacon of empowerment for underserved entrepreneurs, particularly in Federal procurement.  With strategic leadership, collaborative models, and a deep commitment to relationship-building, MBDA continues to deliver measurable results that ripple through the entire U.S. economy.  As we look ahead, the imperative is clear: Invest in what’s working.  Support the MBDA and its network of centers.  Leverage the MBDA Federal Procurement Center’s resources.  And most importantly, recognize that when minority-owned businesses grow, America grows with them.

Visualizing the Impact

Below is a visual representation of MBDA’s growing impact on the U.S. economy over the last five years, showing consistent growth in economic contributions.

To learn more about how the MBDA Federal Procurement Center can help your business, visit www.mbdafpcenter.com. Explore their services, connect with experts, and be part of a legacy that is making America economically stronger – one business at a time.