How to apply for minority business grants

To apply for minority business grants you need to use one of the following resources:

• Grants.gov

  Grants.gov is a website that has a database that can help minority business people find access to and apply for minority business grants. The site contains information regarding more than 1,000 grant opportunities and programs. These are all associated with federal agencies, such as the US Department of Commerce and the Small Business Association.

• The USDA Rural Development Program

  The USDA Rural Development Program has a minority business grant for the expansion or development of small businesses in rural regions of the United States. This particular grant is for minorities, but can also be used by non-minority business people. Qualifying traits include having a staff of 50 or fewer employees, and gross annual revenue of under $1 million.

• Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Programs

  These are two small business programs that provide access to contracts and grants for early-stage businesses. Specifically, businesses seeking to monetize innovative RD programs.

• SBA 8(a) Business Development Program

  This program is designed for socially and economically disadvantaged business people. Minority small business owners are able to receive services via the SBA(a) Business Development Program. This program focuses more on business development training, assistance, management, and technical guidance.

• National Minority Supplier Development Council

  The National Minority Supplier Development Council is an organization of corporate members that seeks to increase different types of opportunities for minority-owned businesses. It does this via the operation of its Business Consortium Fund. This gives members a chance to use financing programs and business advisory services.

• Minority Business Development Agency business centers

  The Minority Business Development Agency is a part of the Department of Commerce and seeks to encourage the growth of minority-owned small businesses by networking owners with useful financial resources, market opportunities, and specific federal contracts. To find out more info you can reach out to the MBDA business center in your specific region.

• Small Business Development Centers

  These are sponsored by the Small Business Association (SBA) and offer many different helpful resources for minority business owners, such as free business coaching and consulting on different areas of business like market research and financing small businesses.

• Coalition to Back Black Businesses

  The Coalition to Back Black Businesses offers grants of up to $5,000 each fall season to black business owners. The business must have between three and 20 employees, and not exceed 20 employees. This private organization also offers grantees the chance to participate in their mentor and experience programs. Some may even receive up to $25,000 upon completion.

• National Black MBA Association Scale-Up Pitch Challenge

  The National Black MBA Association Scale-Up Pitch Challenge hosts a chance for three black-owned businesses to win cash prizes at their contest, with the grand prize being a $50,000 grant. To apply to this contest applicants must have at least one black founder associated with their business and a National Black MBA Association member on their pitch team.