Thank you, Miguel, for that introduction and for your leadership at MBDA. And thank you to Cedric Richmond for joining us from the White House.

And thanks to all our attendees for joining, and for your work to support minority business enterprises, which are crucial to our nation’s economic well-being, global competitiveness, and closing the wealth gap.

At our previous MBDA stakeholder meeting, we were pleased to announce that the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law made MBDA a permanent part of the federal government.

This means we’ll have more resources to support our minority-owned businesses. And it will allow MBDA to expand its geographic reach through regional MBDA offices and rural business centers.

Last month, MBDA announced that it is awarding $2.1 million to expand its business center network to six new locations, bringing the total number to 41 nationwide.

Today, you’ll hear from MBDA staff about these new business centers as well as funding opportunities through the MBDA in Fiscal Year 2022.

We’re very excited that just last week, the Treasury Department and MBDA announced that they are teaming up to deploy $100 million of the State Small Business Credit Initiative Technical Assistance funding to support small businesses and entrepreneurs around the country.

Underserved entrepreneurs have traditionally lacked access to capital and often experience even greater disparities in access to venture capital financing. This significant funding being transferred to the MBDA will help ensure that more underserved businesses have the tools they need to succeed at home and abroad.

MBDA is also requesting applications for its Minority Colleges and Universities Program. $1.8 million in federal funding will be distributed to six minority serving institutions to establish and grow entrepreneurship programs for students.

Addressing access to capital, contracts, and network barriers for MBEs continue to be major priorities for MBDA’s work. I hope you find today’s session informative, and that you’ll continue to consider both MBDA and the entire Commerce Department as allies. Together, we can continue supporting minority businesses, and secure an equitable and prosperous future for all Americans.

With that, let me turn it back over to Miguel.