Getting the funding for a small business can be challenging. However, a wealth of grants and loans is available to help small business owners obtain financing and keep their businesses operational. If you are a minority and run a small company, or if you wish to start a minority-owned business, you could have an assortment of viable financing options available.
What Are Grants for Minorities?
According to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA), a minority is a U.S. citizen who is African American, Asian, Native American, or Hispanic. You can certify your company as a minority-owned business through the SBA’s 8(a) program. You may also certify via the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), a non-profit organization that promotes the success of small, minority-owned businesses.
Minority business grants enable minority business owners to get the funding they need for their businesses. To qualify for such a grant, a business usually must meet specific criteria. Additionally, some grants may only be used for specified purposes.
Federal Grants Available to Minorities
Although the federal government does not provide grants for start-up expenses, operational expenses, paying off business debts, or expansion, it does offer certain types of grants to businesses. If you need financial assistance to fund the research and development areas of your minority-owned business, you might qualify for a federal grant. If your minority business is research-related, you could be eligible for a grant from the federal government. If your small business is located in a rural area and is minority owned, you might also be eligible for a federal grant.
State Grants for Minority-owned Small Businesses
If your small business does not qualify for a federal grant, it could be eligible for a state-funded grant. Your business might need to be at least 51 percent minority-based, and there is generally a maximum amount for this kind of loan, such as $50,000.
SBA Grants for Minority Businesses
Your business might also qualify for a Small Business Administration grant. If the people who own and control your company comprise at least 51 percent socially and economically disadvantaged individuals, you could be approved for a grant via the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program.
Corporate Grants for Minority-owned Businesses
Another option is to apply for a corporate grant. Several corporations provide grants to small businesses owned by minorities. Like other types of small business grants, each grant has certain specifications you must meet to be considered eligible.
Small Business Loans for Minorities
If you find that you do not qualify for any of the minority grants available, you could still obtain other kinds of funding assistance. Operation Hope helps businesses that operate in low-wealth neighborhoods. Through this program, you might be able to get loan packaging assistance, SBA Loan Program commercial financing, and lines of credit.
From government grants to corporate grants to minority business loans, funds are available to help you start or run your minority-owned small business. We can help you find grants, loans, and other funding opportunities that fit your circumstances.