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Resources

Photo of person at laptop. Overlay of text says, "Overviews, how-tos and scholarly articles at your fingertips."

We know that starting or re-configuring a business can be daunting, but don't let it overwhelm you. We are here to guide you, and there are many excellent resources, many of them free of cost and user-friendly, right at the click of your mouse.

The Federal Reserve’s frequently asked questions on money, interest rates and federal policy.

Google’s has partnered with Coursera to provide online courses and certifications in a myriad of subjects including marketing and finance. Hone your skills with courses in less than a hour.

The US Chamber of Commerce has free videos from heads of industry speaking on many topics including diversity and inclusivity, leadership, cybersecurity, small business and much more.

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Service Corp of Retired Executives (SCORE) – Free business advice from retired execs who can serve as mentors to your small business. Use the zip code finder to access help in your area.

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Watch short, informative videos on financial literacy on Annuity.org’s website. They also have great information about how you can invest in your business.

grants

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There are many grants tailored just for small businesses owned by minorities, veterans and women.

When you apply for business grants, you’re not just being judged on your personal business acumen. Instead, you’re being compared to other businesses that have applied for the same funding opportunities.


To increase your chances of winning the grant:

Check that you meet all the qualifying criteria. Some grants can get very detailed, and you don’t want to waste time applying for ones that aren’t a good fit.

Take your time on each app. While it’s tempting to apply for a large number of grants quickly, you’re more likely to get a grant if you take your time on a select few and customize each application to the grantor’s requirements.

Be specific, not general, when it comes to describing your business, your values, and your goals. The more a grantor can see what sets you apart, the more likely they are to buy into your mission.

Understand what the grantor is hoping to achieve by awarding these grants. In your application, explain how selecting your business would help the grantor achieve its goals.

Include a well-written business plan. Some grant applications request a business plan. If required, your business plan should highlight your business goals, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Also include an excellent pitch for why your business should get the grant.

Follow the application instructions to the letter. If you’re asked to submit one page, don’t go over and submit two instead. This can disqualify you in many instances, so make sure to read and follow the instructions carefully during the application process.

These sites below have just a few of the resources for you to research and apply for grants online.

1. Grants.gov: This is a comprehensive directory of 1,000+ federal grants. Eligibility requirements are listed for each program.

2. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): The MBDA is the only federal government agency dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises. The website includes links to grant programs.

3. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE): With a membership to NASE you’ll get notifications about and access to grant opportunities. NASE also offers $4,000 Growth Grants to four NASE members each quarter.

4. U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): The SBA is a cabinet-level federal agency dedicated to small businesses. It runs a number of business centers and business development programs, including its Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR and STTR) programs. To qualify for these, your small business must be engaged in scientific research and development.

5. National Black MBA Association: This association helps create educational, wealth-building, and growth opportunities for historically underrepresented entrepreneurs and professionals. Its annual Scale-Up Pitch Challenge, a competition that connects startups with early-stage investors and venture capitalists, is part of that mission. Each year, three finalists compete, and the winning team takes home a $50,000 grand prize.

6. U.S. Department of Agriculture: The USDA keeps a list of grants and loans for small business owners who work in rural and agricultural communities. Many of these funding opportunities cater specifically to family farmers and ranchers who cannot obtain commercial credit from banks and other traditional financial institutions.