As the business environment becomes decidedly more global, so does the need for networking on a global basis. Globalization has made MWBE participation in business trade missions a critical success strategy. That is why organizations like the WBENC Regional Partner, Astra Women’s Business Alliance, and WEConnect Canada held a Trade Mission in December 2011 to “foster relationships across borders.” It is also why the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) has Global Link Partners with Australia, Canada, China, the United Kingdom and South Africa. MBDA was one of the promoters for a South African Summit in September 2011 to expand U.S. exporting and U.S. minority business enterprises.

Did you know the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Republic of Turkey Ministry of Industry and Trade Small and Medium Enterprises Development Organization during the September 2011 annual Minority Enterprise Development (MED) Week Conference? The MOU gives U.S. minority owned businesses greater access to the Turkey marketplace. The Turkey partnership is an exciting development that creates Business Matching Centers to make networking easier for MWBEs interested in developing export businesses.