Minorities often find themselves in a situation where the environment makes it harder for them to grow, and develop financially. However, there is good news for them that in the US there are a lot of opportunities to get business grants for minorities to encourage them to involve in the national economic development efforts.
We will not go to lie to you that it is easy to get the minority grant as it is needed diligence, persistence, patience and detail to be able to get it. I have the aforementioned quality combined with the certain know-how then there is big chance you will get the grant. Here we will provide you with the detailed information on steps to acquire the business grants for minorities.
Steps to Get Business Grants for Minorities
- The very first thing to do before you apply for any kind of minority grants is to make sure you have one key ingredient for it: dedication. It seems trivial and cliché but with committed dedication, you will be able to create a proper business plan and stick to it until you reach the success.
- The next step is to check on the federally funded government grants on the official website at www.grants.gov. This site contains hundreds of grants information in detail; look for several grants which you’re eligible for.
- Other places to look for minority grants are the Small business Administration or SBA and your local public library. In SBA office, you can get information and guidance related to the business startup and how to register and legalize it. You can find the offices in every state or you can also visit their official website on the internet.
- If you are looking for more guidance on how to start your way toward entrepreneurship you can also visit these association and agencies:
- Prosperity partnership(.org)
- National Minority Supply and Diversity Council (NMSDC)
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
- Minority Enterprise Development Conference
Each one of them has programs to guide US citizens, especially minorities to move out from unemployment or employment toward independent entrepreneurship. The guidance is usually including loans and private sponsorship.
- The next step to get the business grants for minorities is to prepare the necessary documentation in proper order. Well-documented and accountable business and person are very appreciated by agencies and association that funded the minority grant therefore if you already start your business you have to keep saving all the documents and certificates regarding your business such as expenditure notes and tax record. In addition, if you still in the business preparation phase, you have to prepare prior tax records and identification.
- Find the application for minority business grants at the www.business.gov
Best Business Grants for Minorities
Here are some options to help you find the best business grants for minorities:
Grants.gov
Exploring Grants.gov is a crucial step when searching for business grants, including those designated for minority-owned businesses. This comprehensive database, overseen by the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), provides information on over 1,000 federal grants, along with eligibility requirements for each program.
To initiate the grant application process through Grants.gov, establishing a Workspace account is necessary. This account serves as a central hub for you and your team to access the system’s applications. Once your Workspace is set up, you can freely search for federal grants aligning with your business goals. Then, submit applications for those that suit your needs.
RBD Grant Program
The USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG) is a federal resource providing funding, technical assistance, and training for small rural businesses. While there’s no maximum grant amount, the standard RBDG award range is $10,000 to $500,000.
To qualify for this USDA grant, your small rural business should generate less than $1 million in annual gross revenue. Also, you must have 50 or fewer new workers. If you believe your business meets the eligibility criteria, you can visit the USDA website for information on contacting a Business Program Specialist in your state. The specialist can offer guidance on the required forms and applications.
USDA Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program
The USDA Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program, administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, is not directly accessible to small businesses. However, small businesses, along with households, can potentially benefit if an eligible applicant applies. This program is to upgrade local water and waste disposal infrastructure. It is also open to rural federally-recognized tribes, private nonprofit organizations, or state and local governments.
The assistance is provided as a loan repayable over a term of up to 40 years. The specific term length and interest rate depend on the urgency of the infrastructure need and the area’s median household income. In certain cases, the USDA may offer this assistance in the form of a grant rather than a loan.
SBIR/STTR Program Grant
If your business is actively engaged in developing innovative technology through collaborations with research institutions, you might be eligible for a Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) or Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) program grant. These competitive grants can reach amounts close to $2 million.
Importantly, these programs do not impose any restrictions based on minority status. Thus, it is accessible to a broad range of businesses.
Other Sources
Here are other sources to help you go with business grants alternatives for minorities:
1. Microloans: These are smaller-dollar loans accessible through SBA-partnered lenders and nonprofits. They are available to assist minority-run businesses with modest capital requirements.
2. CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions): These institutions, including banks, nonprofits, and credit unions, receive government funds. The purpose is to enhance access to affordable loans in underserved communities.
3. Venture Capital: If you’re open to relinquishing some control of your business idea, seeking an angel investor can provide the funding and guidance necessary for your venture.
But, if you are Muslim, we don’t recommend you to take any loans and other things related to Riba, because it is not allowed in this belief!
Summary
Persistence and patience, as we mentioned earlier is key to get the business grants for minorities. In the process, you may get rejected in one or two grants because you don’t fulfill all the necessary requirements. However don’t give up, there is thousands of funding option available and with persistence and patience, you will get one of them.
References:
- How to Obtain Minority Business Grants. ehow.com/how_5046936_obtain-minority-business-grants.html#ixzz2MleQiRNu
- Images: businesslineofcredittoday.com
- (https://www.forbes.com/advisor/business-loans/small-business-grants-for-minorities/)
