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Directions: Passage For Question 1 to 9
Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.
Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?
  • a)
    What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?
  • b)
    To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?
  • c)
    How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?
  • d)
    How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?
  • e)
    What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?
Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?
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Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both...
The passage discusses how small minority-owned businesses, unlike large businesses, may face financial overextension when they need to make substantial investments in new plants, staff, and equipment to fulfill subcontracted work.
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Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both...
Understanding Financial Overextension in Small Minority Businesses
The passage outlines various challenges and risks faced by minority-owned businesses, particularly in the context of federal contracting and corporate patronage. One key aspect highlighted is the potential for small minority firms to become financially overextended.
Conditions Leading to Financial Overextension
- Rapid Expansion:
- Small minority businesses might feel pressured to grow quickly to meet the demands of new contracts. This urgency can lead to over-investment in assets that they cannot sustain.
- Infrastructure and Staffing Costs:
- Unlike larger firms, small businesses often need to invest significantly in infrastructure and personnel to fulfill contracts. These fixed costs can become burdensome if the expected revenue from contracts does not materialize.
- Vulnerability to Reduced Subcontracts:
- If a small business takes on too many contracts too quickly, it risks becoming financially vulnerable. A decrease in subcontracting opportunities can lead to substantial financial strain.
- Dependency on a Single Client:
- Many minority enterprises may depend heavily on one major corporate customer for their revenue. This reliance can create a false sense of security, leading to complacency and a lack of diversification in their customer base.
In summary, the passage highlights that small minority businesses, driven by the opportunities from federal contracts, may overextend themselves financially due to rapid growth, significant infrastructure investments, and dependency on single large clients. These factors can put them at risk if market conditions change or if they cannot secure additional contracts.
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Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?a)What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?b)To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?c)How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?d)How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?e)What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? for MCAT 2025 is part of MCAT preparation. The Question and answers have been prepared according to the MCAT exam syllabus. Information about Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?a)What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?b)To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?c)How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?d)How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?e)What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? covers all topics & solutions for MCAT 2025 Exam. Find important definitions, questions, meanings, examples, exercises and tests below for Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?a)What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?b)To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?c)How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?d)How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?e)What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?.
Solutions for Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?a)What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?b)To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?c)How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?d)How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?e)What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? in English & in Hindi are available as part of our courses for MCAT. Download more important topics, notes, lectures and mock test series for MCAT Exam by signing up for free.
Here you can find the meaning of Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?a)What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?b)To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?c)How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?d)How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?e)What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? defined & explained in the simplest way possible. Besides giving the explanation of Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?a)What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?b)To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?c)How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?d)How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?e)What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer?, a detailed solution for Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?a)What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?b)To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?c)How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?d)How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?e)What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? has been provided alongside types of Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?a)What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?b)To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?c)How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?d)How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?e)What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? theory, EduRev gives you an ample number of questions to practice Directions:Passage For Question 1 to 9Recent years have presented both opportunities and risks for minority-owned businesses in the United States. Activists have long argued that the lack of access to substantial contracts and subcontracts from large companies hinders the establishment of minority businesses. In response to this concern, Congress has mandated that businesses awarded federal contracts over $500,000 make an effort to find minority subcontractors and document their efforts with the government. Some federal and local agencies have even set specific percentage goals for allocating parts of public works contracts to minority enterprises. Corporate response to these initiatives has been significant, with corporate contracts with minority businesses increasing from $77 million to $1.1 billion in 1977. Projections indicate that corporate contracts with minority businesses will surpass $3 billion per year in the early 1980s. While this patronage is promising for minority businesses, it also poses risks. Firstly, small minority firms may risk expanding too quickly and becoming financially overextended. Unlike large businesses, they often need to make substantial investments in infrastructure and staff to fulfill subcontracted work, making them vulnerable to reduced subcontracts and crippling fixed expenses. Secondly, white-owned companies may seek to capitalize on the increased apportionments by forming joint ventures with minority-owned businesses. While legitimate joint ventures can be formed, there is a risk of white backers using minority-owned concerns as fronts to obtain subcontracts. Thirdly, minority enterprises that rely heavily on a single large corporate customer run the danger of becoming dependent. Fierce competition from larger, established companies makes it challenging for small businesses to broaden their customer bases. When these firms have guaranteed orders from a single benefactor, they may become complacent and struggle to seek new opportunities.Q. The passage supplies information that would answer which of the following questions?a)What federal agencies have set percentage goals for the use of minority owned businesses inpublic works contracts?b)To which governments agencies must businesses awarded federal contracts report theirefforts to find minority subcontractors?c)How widespread is the use of minority-owned concerns as "fronts; by White backers seekingto obtain subcontracts?d)How many more minority owned businesses were there in 1977 than in 1972?e)What is one set of conditions under which a small business might find itself financiallyoverextended?Correct answer is option 'E'. Can you explain this answer? tests, examples and also practice MCAT tests.
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