Small business funding for the minority-owned business is still challenging, but there are options to consider that can bridge any startup gaps and help you scale.
In this article, we will explore options and provide entrepreneurship tips for starting a small business if you have a minority-owned business.
Entrepreneurial Help with Small Business Funding Options
Reports show that small business funding for minority-owned businesses is still lagging behind non-minority companies. One study from the Federal Reserve Banks of Atlanta and Cleveland shows:
- Companies owned by African Americans report difficulties obtaining funding for the expansion of their companies.
- 68% of non-minority owned companies received the full amount of their loan requests, compared to just 40% of minority-owned firms.
- 40% of African American business owners did not even apply for loans, saying they didn’t believe they would be approved.
However, there are signs these trends are changing; there is an increasing number of minority-business owners in the United States today. If you’re considering starting a small business, look to these resources geared for the minority business owner:
- Grants.gov offers more than 1,000 federal funding opportunities to consider from agencies like the U.S. Small Business Administration or the Department of Commerce.
- If you live in or are considering starting a small business in a rural area, consider the USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program. To qualify you must live in a federally designated rural area, have less than 50-employees and fall below $1 million in revenue.
- Consider a growth grant from the National Association for the Self-Employed of up to $4,000 if you qualify. While there are hurdles to complete the application process, the grant could give your business a big boost.
- The Business Center for New Americans is a great resource for start-ups or if your minority-owned business needs a cash infusion. These are short-term loans lasting six months to a year and focusing on minority business owners, especially immigrants and refugees. This is a particularly helpful resource if you’ve been turned down for another type of loan.
- Consider SBA grants from the US Small Business Administration. There are several to choose from, each with requirements and rules. But there are grants specific to minority-owned businesses that could help you launch your company or provided much-needed fuel for growth.
- Operation Hope works for aspiring small businesses in low-income neighborhoods, many of which include minority communities. The program offers entrepreneurship tips and training as well as small business financing.
Fund Your Own Dream with Your Own Money
If you’d prefer to avoid debt but have retirement established, 401(k) funding may be an option for your business that you might not have considered. These rollovers allow you to draw money from your retirement account to fund a small business without an early withdrawal fee or tax penalty. They are an option for the minority business owner—and something with which Benetrends Financial can help you.
For more than three decades, we’ve assisted thousands of small business owners in starting and growing their dreams. We offer retirement fund management, legal services, insurance, SBA loan guidance, and more. Our startup and existing business loan programs can help you achieve your goals. To find out more, download Innovative Funding Strategies For Entrepreneurs.