SBA adds Reg’l Innovation Clusters in OR & MS

      The SBA announced grants for two new Regional Innovation Clusters located in Oregon and Mississippi, bringing the national total to 14 clusters.

      The clusters are networks of small businesses and other organizations and agencies.

      In Oregon, the SBA is providing a $319,000 grant to the AgLaunch consortium, which focuses on innovations in agriculture and farmer networks.

      A grant of $240,800 will go to support shipbuilding innovation spearheaded by NVision Solutions Inc.in Mississippi.

Read more:
SBA news release: https://bit.ly/3QbctzC

SBA, Governor added HUBZones in LA

      On Dec. 20, the SBA announced new governor-designated HUBZones in Louisiana permitted under a 2020 final rule. SBA added 25 new HUBZones in the state in rural and underserved areas.

Read more at:
List of new zones: https://bit.ly/3i3hDBi

MBDA: $93.5M in grants available

      The Commerce Dept. on Dec. 21 launched its new Capital Readiness Program offering $93.5 million in competitive grants available for organizations that assist minority and underserved entrepreneurs. The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) will administer the grants.

Read more at:
MBDA press release: https://bit.ly/3G4Unuw

Inside this edition:

Consolidated Appropriations Act boosts SBA funds in fiscal 2023

State Dept.’s Evolve RFP

NDAA 2023 has small biz items

Will NDAA cut inflation cost?

MBDA gets 27% budget lift

SBA takes over veteran certs

DHS: 18% in SDB buys

Column: Final Rule Establishes Requirements for New SBA Veteran Certification Program

Washington Insider:

Coronavirus Update