MBDI to Help Create More Bondable MWBE Contractors

The Minority Business Development Institute (MBDI), a not-for-profit committed to helping socially and economically disadvantaged businesses prosper through surety bonding preparedness, announced that the Dormitory Authority of the State of New York (DASNY) has renewed its contract with The Cayemitte Group (TCG) under which MBDI will administer the educational component of the Statewide Surety Bond and Capital Access Program.

The DASNY Surety Bond and Capital Access Program is designed to help create MWBE Prime Contractors. The DASNY program works with participant firms to acquire the surety bonding and working capital needed to compete for work on state construction projects, in order to increase the number of MWBEs qualified to bid on state jobs.

Through the executive workforce development component, MBDI will provide the DASNY Surety Bond and Capital Access Program participants with the following: education for CEOs and management personnel to improve managerial, operational and financial functions with an emphasis on financial literacy and community development, preparation for both participant’s first contracts requiring surety bonding, and for growing capacity to compete for larger contracts requiring larger bonds, support during the preparation process for surety bond application, development of road maps for the participant firm’s continued growth and success.

MBDI is a not-for-profit organization that focuses on positioning socially and economically disadvantaged construction industry businesses for growth. For more information, go to www.minoritybdi.org.

Online Cash Flow Management Tool Launched for DBE and HUB Zone Firms

The U.S. Small Business Administration has joined with Experian, a global information services provider, to launch BusinessIQ ExpressSM, an online cash flow management tool, for small disadvantaged firms in SBAs 8(a) Business Development program and firms certified in SBAs Historically Underutilized Business (HUB) Zone program.

BusinessIQ Express is an online cash flow management tool that provides small businesses with the resources to make quick and informed decisions on prospective customers ability to pay by providing insight on the financial health of the business. The online tool will help small business owners to: evaluate prospective customers and suppliers ability to pay; monitor business relationships with alerts and notifications of key changes; and collect outstanding debts and avoid future losses.

Ford Motor Company Issues Call for Unsung Hero Nominations

To honor the achievements of Unsung Heroes in the African American community, Ford Motor Company is launching a search for the Unsung Heroes of Southern California.

To be considered for an award, nominees should be “outstanding, distinctive and dedicated living individuals or organizations performing exceptional and impactful work. Their noteworthy accomplishments should provide positive outcomes in their community and beyond.”

A minimum of three honorees will be selected from each of the following categories: Community, an individual whose deeds have benefitted the lives of others in their community; Education, an individual who works or volunteers in an educational setting for the benefit of others, including teachers, students, parents of students, and the public; Military, an individual demonstrating dedication and commitment to our country through past or present military service. Youth, young people (ages 17 and under) who have demonstrated an exemplary commitment to their school, neighborhood or community; Organization, a non-profit organization whose work positively impacts many lives in the community it serves.

To enter, submit the name, address, and telephone number of both your nominee and yourself as the nominator. Please indicate which category (community, education, military, youth or organization) for which you are submitting a nomination. Write a brief (500 words or less) compelling summary describing what distinguishes your nominee as an individual and/or organization including information that highlights how the nominee’s actions benefit the lives of others.

All nominations must be completed and postmarked or received by email no later than April 29, 2013 in order to be considered by the Board of Judges. Recipients will be notified by May 22, 2013.

Nominations may be mailed to Ford Motor Company World Headquarters, Attn: Najah Woods, One American Road – 212 ES, Dearborn, Ml48126, or emailed to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Honorees will be recognized at a special reception and program held June 19, 2013 in Southern California. Recipients must be present at the program (Military personnel on active deployment may appoint a representative).

AT&T Seeking SDVBEs 

AT&T issued a call for Service Disabled Veteran Business Enterprise suppliers that can provide services and products in a large selection of categories, including: wireless construction, Engineering & Installation, general contracting services, building maintenance and facilities management, network system integration, marketing communications & advertising, mobile application development, cloud services, government contracts, corporate real estate, credit and collection services, finance and legal services

Businesses should have at least three years in business and a minimum of $3M in revenues.

Interested firms should register in AT&T’s supplier database at: attsupplierdiversityevents.com/dvbe.aspx and use referral code 165.

NMSDC Announces Business Mission to South Africa for Certified MBEs 

The NMSDC, along with corporate sponsors and partners, has announced a Business Matchmaking Opportunity Mission to South Africa for introductions to South African

Black-Economic Empowerment (BEE) companies seeking partnerships with American MBEs from June 22 to June 29 in Johannesburg.

This Mission will: provide participants with direct South African market exposure, Provide one-on-one, targeted business matchmaking meetings with certified BEE companies, include participation in the South African Supplier Diversity Council’s national conference and business fair, meet with key industry and government experts, include participation in many networking opportunities, receptions, seminars,

briefings and site visits, and provide a better understanding of South African life and culture.

The cost is $3,000 and includes lodging, group ground transportation, SASDC Conference & Business Fair admission, and most meals. It does not include airfare or activities outside of the official itinerary.

For a descriptive brochure and application form or further information, please contact:

Eric J. Vicioso, Director of International Programs, NMSDC,E-mail: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , (212) 944-2430 ext. 129.

Clark County, Nevada offers Business Growth Program

The Clark County Business Opportunity and Workforce Development (BOWD) program is accepting applications from small business owners and job seekers who wish to grow their companies or careers. 

The program is offered free of charge to participating firms and job applicants.

To qualify a small firm must have a business license, offer goods or services the County would purchase and complete an assessment that determines whether the organization fits into the basic, intermediate or advanced level of BOWD’s four-month curriculum. Participating firms will attend weekly, bi-weekly or monthly classes, depending upon assigned curriculum levels.     

Small business owners who sign up for BOWD will receive professional guidance and support as they build capacity to compete for contracts through a combination of classroom sessions, mentoring, coaching and County relationship-building activities. 

Unemployed and underemployed participants will have opportunities to be trained and matched with BOWD firms seeking to hire as they build capacity.  Each job seeker will work with one case manager who will assist with income maintenance, employment and training issues. To qualify, an applicant must be a Nevada resident, at least 18 years old, eligible to work in the United States and have a valid Social Security number. Men born after 1960 must be in compliance with U.S. Selective Service requirements. 

Small business owners who wish to enroll in the BOWD program can contact Akers & Associates, Inc. at (702) 724-1500 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .  Job seekers who wish to participate in the BOWD program can contact FIT’s Jake McClelland at (702) 367-4348 or This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .