Opening and operating a small business is a challenge without outside support. There are many programs and businesses dedicated to helping small business owners get on their feet. If you are a minority business owner, there are specific programs designed to give you extra help. Here are a few programs that are specifically set up to help minority small businesses.
- U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency
The MBDA is a federal agency that helps advance and grow minority-owned businesses in the United States. They have business centers and partners located throughout the U.S. to work with business owners.
http://www.mbda.gov/
- Small Business Administration
The SBA has an 8(a) program and the Office of Native American Affairs. These programs help minorities seeking to open a business get information, resources, and make sure business owners have full access to business development tools.
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/8abd/index.html
http://www.sba.gov/aboutsba/sbaprograms/naa/index.html?cm_sp=ExternalLink-_-Federal-_-SBA
- Minority Business RoundTable
MBRT is a non-profit corporation that works with minority representatives who hold positions equivalent to CEO or chairperson in their business. The representatives analyze public policies that impact minority-owned businesses and work to change policies to help these businesses.
http://www.mbrt.net/
For further information, tips, financing, and resources for minority owned businesses, you can visit http://www.business.gov/industries/minority-owned/.