MBN USA Portal

MBN USA

June 15, 2022

USBC partnership pushes for expansion of SBA 8(a) program

The U.S. Black Chambers Inc. (USBC), the nation’s leading advocate for black-owned businesses, and the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce (PRCC) recently announced the signing of a multi-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), that will provide critical support to economic development in Puerto Rico through access to capital, business expertise, technology, and other resources through USBC’s national network of more than 100 local chambers of commerce and business associations across the country.

The MOU was signed by USBC President and CEO, Ron Busby Sr. and Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce President, Mr. Luis Gierbolini. This alliance was agreed upon in an effort to strengthen and jointly advocate for the expansion of the U.S. Small Business Administration’s 8(a) Business Development Program with the goal of fomenting an environment of greater prosperity for Hispanic and Black communities through more inclusive federal programs.

“This is a milestone for USBC and for the Chamber of Commerce community, specifically in Puerto Rico,” said Ron Busby Sr. USBC President & CEO. “We are excited to be partnering with an organization as reputable as the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce, which is playing a key role in helping create opportunities for some of our nation’s largest minority groups.

This historic alliance between USBC and PRCC will build upon their commonalities to further strengthen their voice in Washington D.C., develop new markets for U.S.-based African American businesses in Puerto Rico, enhance Puerto Rico’s economic development sector, and provide greater opportunities for their respective members.

“This is a very important day for USBC and our network of Black & African American Chambers nationwide as we continue to build our presence in the Caribbean,” said Busy. “I vow to make this partnership a great success. The Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce brings tremendous value to this alliance, and I am excited about the possibilities for expansion throughout Latin America.”

The MOU signing was attended by the SBA, members of USBC’s governmental affairs team NABOB, and the USHCC. The partnership will enable both entities to better serve the combined membership of over 250,000 minority-owned businesses through their respective Chambers.