The National Minority Business Council, Inc. (NMBC) is expanding and doing exciting things to help our membership. We are the pioneers in helping minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE). There are many agencies, which promote themselves and the Cause for Supplier Diversity, but the NMBC exists as the advocate for its members, one by one. We take the ground up approach ­ one on one with our business members NOT the top trickle down approach taken by other agencies. We are a membership friendly organization. We know what our members want: Better access to capital and more sales. And we give them the personalized assistance to accomplish these goals with our member centric and focused programs. After all, our members are our first priority! Our services include: Contract Procurement and RFP Announcements: Appropriate members are alerted to RFPs and contract opportunities. RFP preparation, contract negotiation assistance will be provided. Financing Assistance: The NMBC Micro-Loan Fund provides short-term loans at competitive rates for working capital in amounts from $1,500-$25,000 to qualified NMBC members and to qualified M/WBEs who are NMBC members at the time the loan is made. [Non-refundable application fee of $150.00 required.] Initial Public Offering (IPO) Service: This service provides support for qualified NMBC members and qualified M/WBEs that wish to access the capital markets through either an IPO or Limited Public Offering (LPO). View Qualifications. [Non-refundable pre-qualification application fee of $175.00 for NMBC members and $225.00 for Non-Members required.] Education and Training: Seminars and workshops on topics such as how to write a business plan, how to get certified as a Minority- or Woman-owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE), marketing and sales techniques, contract procurement. SBA (8a) Certification Program: This program assists M/WBE firms in becoming certified by the SBA to bid on Government contracts. BizDev Program: This program provides active participation of the NMBC staff and consultants in organizing and implementing marketing, advertising and sales campaigns. Consulting and Needs Assessments: NMBC consultants are available to meet with members to assess their business needs and make recommendations. The NMBC database of professional advisors, which includes attorneys, accountants, engineers, computer consultants, management advisors etc., is made available to members who want to utilize them. Purchasing Exchanges and Networking Events: Events run throughout the year to introduce members to each other, to enable them to share experiences, join forces to market corporations and buy and sell among each other. Exchanges allow corporate buyers and NMBC member companies to interact. Newsletters and Special Bulletins: Sent via email on timely business topics, event announcements and available resources. Join NMBC now and begin to participate in these programs which are geared to serve you first, second and foremost. Come join us and let us help you toward your goal of profitability! National Minority Business Council Inc. 120 Broadway 19th Floor New York, New York 10271 Phone: (212) 693-5050 Fax: (212) 693-5048 nmbc@msn.com