How to Find Minority Business Grants

Minority small business owners and entrepreneurs can get a financial boost through a combination of private and government business grants. If you need start-up capital, or loans, read below to get started finding grant money.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Contact local minority small business associations in your area. Many minority owners of small businesses have been able to get their companies off the ground through the help of government and private grants. Business owners can direct you to resources that they themselves used.

2. Find organizations that represent your field of commerce. For example, if your business is transporting good, contact your state's dept of transportation about grant opportunities. If you run an environmental or "green" business, contact related organizations and ask about grants for minorities.

3. Visit the website of the Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance. Click on the "programs" tab and select the advanced search options. You will see several pull-down menus to help you refine search results for state and federal business grants targeted to minorities, veterans, and those with disabilities.
   
   Some of the small business grants have no strings attached, others may have several requirements on how the money is spent. You can also find special low-interest business loans for minorities.

4. Another government website to check out is that of the Small Business Administration. You can find private lenders who many have special programs for minority-owned small businesses.

5. Many private foundations offer fellowships and grants for training and research projects. Visit the website of Foundation Center to find private institutions that fund special projects and businesses.