Grant Programs for Black Women Starting Their Own Business

Have you dreamt of ways to turn your plans of owning a business into a reality? More and more African American women are funding their entrepreneurship dreams through available grant programs. Matching your business goals with grant sponsorship is a simple matter of getting the correct information. This article introduces ways to locate the right programs for Black Women starting their own business.

SBA offers support and business planning

Created in 1953, the Small Business Administration (SBA) is an independent agency of the federal government that provides assistance, business planning, and guidance to help position Black women starting a business as a competitive enterprise and to contribute economically in the U.S. marketplace.

Score with S.C.O.R.E.

A resource partner with the U.S. SBA, S.C.O.R.E. has 370 chapters across the United States comprised of retired executives and business owners donating their time as one-on-one mentors for Black women starting their own businesses. Their service is free and confidential and they match government and other grant programs with start-up ventures.

Technology grants available to small business start-ups

Black women starting a business in technology can benefit from grant programs such as Brainshark, a nonprofit program that awards quarterly software communication grants allowing small businesses free communication software licenses, such as the communications used between police departments.

Effective education of innovative entrepreneurs

According to the SBA, the Effective Education of Innovative Entrepreneurs grant is funded through the Challenge Grant to small businesses providing innovation and technology. Black women-owned businesses that introduce new products and new production processes, find new markets or innovative methods qualify for this grant program.

Disaster response services

As a small-disadvantaged business, if you provide support services as a result of natural disasters, organizations such as National Association of the Self-employed, Seton Hill University's National Education Center for Women in Business, and the Edward Lowe Foundation offers assistance with financing your small business.

References

• Business plan for start up business
• SBA financial assistance forms
• Financing your new business

Resources

• SBA grants