MBDA Awards $2 Million Grant to Benedict College Women's Business Center

The U.S. Department of Commerce's Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), one of 43 organisations nationally, has picked the Benedict College Women's Business Centre (WBC) as one of its recipients for a sizeable grant. Vice President Kamala Harris made the official announcement of the award on August 4 at the White House's "Investing in America: Small Business" event.

The $2 million award is a component of the Capital Readiness Programme (CRP) of the Biden Administration, which aims to help various organisations promoting the development of minority entrepreneurs. The WBC intends to use the money throughout the course of the following four years to carry out a number of focused projects made to meet the particular requirements of South Carolina's socially and economically disadvantaged business owners.

By providing accessible and adaptable technical help services, the WBC's programmes seek to provide a fair playing field for all businesses. This all-encompassing strategy aims to provide company owners with the skills and resources they need to overcome obstacles and be successful in their ventures.

The programme is planned to include a wide variety of materials, including both online and offline ones. This includes networking events, mentorship opportunities, advisory services, and accelerator programmes that are both agnostic and focused on the retail industry. All of these are carefully crafted to match the individual needs of the participants. The WBC hopes to create a welcoming atmosphere for entrepreneurs from all backgrounds with this all-encompassing strategy.

"With this funding, we can further our commitment to supporting under-resourced entrepreneurs, especially women, veterans, and those from rural communities in South Carolina," said Shauna R. Cooper, Executive Director of the Benedict College Women's Business Centre, of the potential benefits of the grant. Our mission is to promote inclusion and diversity in the corporate sector. We will be able to have a long-lasting effect on the entrepreneurial scene thanks to this award.

The MBDA grant was awarded to the Benedict College Women's Business Centre, demonstrating the center's commitment to promoting an inclusive and fair business environment. The centre seeks to substantially contribute to the development and success of underprivileged entrepreneurs in South Carolina by offering essential resources and specialised support.