eBLAST 030210

1.  Big Bucks for Creativity:  The US Chamber of Commerce Free Enterprise Initiative is sponsoring a contest.  Contestants are to create a 3-minute video explaining what free enterprise means to you – the successful launch of a business, the invention of an innovative product, or how your idea will generate new jobs to boost the economy.  First Place is $50,000; Second Place is $30,000; Third Place is $20,000 and the deadline to enter is April 9 by 6PM ET.  To get started visit:  www.FreeEnterprise.com/video.

2.  NNPA Luncheon:  The National Newspaper Publishers Association, NNPA, is hosting a luncheon in the Main Ballroom of the National Press Club, 1529 14^th St. NW, Washington, DC during Noon – 2:00PM on March 18 entitled “The State of the Black Press”.  Included on the panel is NBCC President/CEO Harry C. Alford.  There are complimentary seats available for NBCC members.  Those planning to attend should RSVP at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it by March 12.

3.  USDOT Development Programs:  The US Department of Transportation is marketing their new assistance programs for small businesses contracting with any of their modal agencies (FAA, Federal Highways (state DOT’s), Transit, AMTRAK).  We have committed to assisting in the marketing of these programs.  All contractors should learn more about them via:  DBE Financial Assistance at http://www.osdbu.dot.gov/financial/index.cfm. Short Term Lending Program at http://www.osdbu.dot.gov/financial/stlp.cfm. DBE ARRA (stimulus bill) Bonding Assistance Program at http://www.osdbu.dot.gov/bap/.  Also you may contact the office via 202-366-1930 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

4.  Education Grants:  The US Department of Education will be awarding up to $650 million in grants that will be used for:  Improving student achievement or student growth; closing achievement gaps; decreasing dropout rates; increasing high school graduation rates or increasing college enrollment and completion rates.  Information and applications for this “i3 program” can be obtained via:  http://www2.ed.gov/programs/innovation/index.html.

5.  Success in Houston:  We want to congratulate the 18 NBCC members who gave presentations to The Cooperative Procurement Network (TCPN) two weeks ago in Houston, TX.  We are tracking the process and will monitor the results as expected opportunities develop.  Shortly, we will be assembling a new wave of potential businesses to present to this national procurement entity that provides products for school systems in 48 states.  This is truly a unique partnership the NBCC has developed.

6.  Interesting Fact:  According to the Kauffman Foundation report, “The Entrepreneur Next Door, Characteristics of Individuals Starting Companies in America, 2002”, African Americans are 50 percent more likely to pursue entrepreneurial business activities than are whites, while Hispanic men are 20 percent more likely to pursue entrepreneurship than whites.  It is starting to sound like football or basketball.

7.  The Arthur A. Fletcher/Parren J. Mitchell Free Enterprise Tour has kicked off:  On March 5, the NBCC and MBELDEF kicked off its field hearings in Philadelphia, PA.  Next stop is Washington, DC on March 19 and Chicago on March 24.  We will be visiting 30 cities. Chapters where we don’t visit can be assisted in producing their own hearings.  The National Office will provide the technical support.  Those wishing to produce hearings that will be incorporated into the National Study should contact Chuck DeBow at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

8.  We Have Financing:  Members of the NBCC who are developing a new project that will produce jobs in our communities and are in need of GAP financing should consider calling the National Office.  We have a financing vehicle for such companies, particularly in the medical and energy fields.  Inquiries should be forwarded to This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

9.  18^th Annual Convention, July 22 – 24, 2010:   “Energy and Technology: The Drivers of the American Economy” is ramping up.  Don’t hesitate to make your hotel reservations at the NBCC special rate of $129 at the beautiful Four Seasons Hotel. Go to www.nationalbcc.org for more info or click here.