President Trump's Budget Eliminates Key Resource for Black Entrepreneurs

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Media Contact: Krystal Glass
202-463-8722

We urge Congress to resist Trump's ludicrous proposal

Washington, D.C.- Today's release of the Fiscal Year 2018 budget by the Trump Administration is another failure to recognize the impact of Black business owners. The President's proposal calls for the elimination of the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), a key institution at the Department of Commerce and the only program dedicated to advancing minority business enterprises.

The program, which accounts for less than .001% of federal spending, supports business centers throughout the country and has helped secure $36 billion in contracts and capital for minority-owned businesses, retaining 125,000 jobs.

Only three weeks ago, Congress saw fit to increase the program's funding to $34,000,000--legislation signed into law by President Trump. That funding followed USBC President Ron Busby's testimony submitted to House Appropriators about the importance of continuing funding for the Minority Business Development Agency. Following today's announcement, USBC President Ron Busby released the following statement:

"Yet again, the Trump Administration that campaigned on job creation turns its back on the very programs proven to spur minority business growth. Eliminating the only program dedicated to a diversity of job creators is an affront to the millions of minority entrepreneurs nationwide. We urge Congress to resist this ludicrous proposal and maintain their bipartisan support of the Minority Business Development Agency."

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About USBC: The U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) provides committed, visionary leadership and advocacy in the realization of economic empowerment. Through the creation of resources and initiatives, we support African American Chambers of Commerce and business organizations in their work of developing and growing Black enterprises.