NMSDC Programs Get a Boost

The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) announced two major

milestones: the launch of a new federal partnership promoting export business opportunities for

minority businesses and a major grant expanding its business and economic development

program for Black farmers.

NMSDC and the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration (ITA) will

jointly conduct a trade and foreign direct investment educational outreach initiative showcasing

ITA and other federal assistance initiatives helping U.S. businesses expand globally through

exporting.

“We must create opportunities for our certified MBEs and corporate members to expand their

businesses globally,” said NMSDC CEO and President Ying McGuire. “This partnership with the

U.S. International Trade Administration is an important part of creating those opportunities.”

Kendee Yamaguchi, ITA Deputy Assistant Secretary for U.S. Field, added, “As more U.S.

businesses look to foreign markets, expanding the pool of exporters to include new and diverse

businesses is key to creating equitable economic growth.”

Separately, a $220,000 grant from Walmart will expand NMSDC’s Black Farmers Equity

Initiative. Black farmers, who represent less than 0.5% of total U.S. farm sales, operate at 70% of

the U.S. peer-level farm revenue.

The program provides strategic business support and skills development to help Black farmers

better access the U.S. agricultural supply chain. Ten farmers from across the country recently

completed the program’s first session.

To learn more about NMSDC’s international programs, contact Fang Fang, NMSDC Global Link

Program lead. Information about ITA is available at www.trade.gov

.

Visit NMSDC’s Black Farmers Equity Initiative page