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