Improved Efforts Needed to Assist in the Development of the Nation's Minority-Owned Businesses

摘要

The Office of Inspector General conducted an evaluation of the effectiveness ofthe Department of Commerce--primarily through its Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)--in leading the federal government's efforts to assist in the development of minority businesses. An important aspect of this review was to determine the efficiency and effectiveness of Commerce's efforts in providing assistance aimed at developing the nation's minority businesses. We also sought to address other pertinent issues, such as: (1) Is there an overall national strategy to address the obstacles facing minority business enterprises; (2) What specific role should Commerce have in this effort; (3) What steps must MBDA take if it is to be a major player--if not the leader--in the federal government's minority business development effort. The resulting observations, conclusions, and recommendations are contained in this report.