Minority Owned Businesses Online Resources.
The resources listed below are some of the best free and low-cost online business resources for minority owned businesses. The list includes professional organizations, social and networking groups, informational websites, and government organizations. Though most of the sites offer business resources for free, some of them require a small yearly membership of up to $250 to have full access to all of their resources. In such a case, the most recent membership fee is noted below.
Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI) CDFI Fund is a program within the U.S. Department of the Treasury that offers small loans, grants, tax credits, and advice to small businesses located in low-income urban and rural communities across America via its network of community development financial institutions. Though assistance is offered to any business, there are several prgrams dedicated to local, minority owned companies.
Hispanic Business This online magazine provides Hispanic news and research coupled with general business and economic reporting. Be sure to check out the Federal Resource Guide to get information on 8(a) certification, procurement contacts within federal agencies, as well as grant information.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) The MBDA is a Federal agency created to enhance the creation, growth, and expansion of minority-owned businesses in the U.S. The agency supports over 40 business development centers throughout the coumtry.
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program The 8(a) Business Development Program was created to help small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the market place and to assist these companies in gaining access to federal and private procurement markets by providing mentoring, procurement assistance, business counseling, training, and financial assistance.
Black Enterprise Black Enterprise provides a wealth of informative articles, videos, and other resources for African American entrepreneurs.
Black Women Enterprises Black Women Enterprise seeks to support black women entrepreneurs through numerous resources, including workshops, assistance in MBE/WBE certification, training, and counseling. Yearly basic membership is $115.
Hispanic SMB Hispanic SMB provides a free comprehensive collection of business documents, resources, and assistance to help Hispanic business owners start, run, and grow their businesses.
Making IT Based on the California TV show about successful minority entrepreneurs, Making It provides personal accounts, advice, a calendar of events and other resources.
Minority Business News Minority Business News resource for up-to-date news and information on minority business enterprise and diversity.
National Association of Asian American Professionals NAAAP is a nonprofit organization for professionals of Asian descent. The organization provides networking and development opportunities for members (including a free webinar series), and raises awareness of Asian Americans in the corporate world.
National Black Chamber of Commerce The National Black Chamber of Commerce is dedicated to the empowerment and development of African American enterprises. The site is a source for free tools and resources as well as contracting opportunities.
National Center for American Indian Enterprise Development NCAIED is a non-profit organization committed to business development for Native Americans. The organization currently supports several Business Enterprise Centers offering professional consulting and technical assistance to American Indian business owners.
National Minority Supplier Development Council The National Minority Supplier Development Council works to secure increased procurement and business opportunities for minority owned businesses.
United States Pan Asian American Chamber of Commerce USPAACC is a national, nonprofit organization dedicated to spurring economic growth via educational, professional, and contract opportunities to Asian Americans and their business partners. Annual membership is $250.