DOC PROGRAMS
:: The
Department
of Commerce runs a number of programs to assist small businesses in
targeted areas of business development. Three big focus areas are
international trade, technology and manufacturing. This page
covers the major programs. You may contact us for further
assistance or sign up for our free newsletter updates.
Advanced
Technology Program. Provides resources to assist private
sector R&D efforts that promise a high pay-off in the commercial
marketplace. Although not specifically tailored as a small
business assistance program, more than half the funding to date has gone
to small businesses or to joint ventures led by small business.
International
Trade Administration. Offers guidance and counseling to
businesses interested in exporting goods and services to foreign
countries. ITA resources include a Trade Information Center and a
division for international Market Access and Compliance.
Minority
Business Development Agency (MBDA). Provides sponsorship
for a range of business development and resource centers around the
country targeted at minority groups. MBDA's business centers
provide free and low-cost business development counseling and guidance
to qualifying recipients. MBDA also collaborates with the SBA to
sponsors MEDWeek,
a major annual advocacy and educational forum event on minority business
development issues.
Manufacturing
Extension Partnership (MEP). Under the auspices of the
National Institute of Standards and Technology, this program provides
assistance to small and medium-sized business in the manufacturing
sector. MEP operates through a network of more than 400
not-for-profit centers nationwide.
Internet
Commerce for Manufacturing (ICM) Project. A technical
project to promote a national environment that supports the use of
electronic commerce protocols in the manufacturing process.
Beneficiaries include small and medium-sized manufacturers of mechanical
and electronic components, as well as manufacturing-related software
vendors.
