Minority- and women-owned business resource guide

Women- and minority-owned businesses play a crucial role in the U.S. economy. They create jobs, stimulate economic growth, foster innovation, contribute to social change, increase economic equality, and promote inclusion within our local, national and global economies.

Despite their importance and valuable contributions, minority- and women-owned businesses often face unique challenges that other business owners may not, including access to capital, discrimination, and a lack of resources and opportunities for growth. Addressing these challenges involves supportive economic development policies, equitable access to business funding, professional networking opportunities for minority business owners, and mentorship programs aimed at empowering marginalized business owners within a wide variety of industries and communities.

The presence and success of women-owned and minority-owned businesses is integral to fostering a more inclusive, vibrant and equitable U.S. economy that reflects the diversity of its population. Their impact extends beyond economic indicators to influence societal norms and promote a culture of diversity and inclusion, setting the stage for the next generation of female and minority entrepreneurs.

General small business resources

• American Rescue Plan Initiative: The Community Navigator Pilot Program
• Ascent Free Learning Platform from SBA for Entrepreneurs
• Alignable Learn: Business Networking for Introverts
• Chamber of Commerce: Small Business Resource (Resources for Every Step in Business Ownership)
• 10 Disciplines to Help Driven Entrepreneurs Find Peace and Shine
• Ten Tips for Building a Powerful Business Network
• Enterprise Communications Solutions
• Free Business Planning Documents
• Small Business Trends and Research
• Small Business Phone Systems
• How to Assess Cost and Benefits
• A Guide to Organizational Resources and How to Manage Them
• The U.S. Dept. of the Treasury Offers Small Business Resources and Programs
• Business Phone Plans for Small Businesses
• Small Business and Self-Employed IRS Tax Center

Women-owned business resources

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA): Women-Owned Business Information and Women’s Business Centers
• U.S. Census Bureau: Facts About Women-Owned Businesses in the United States
• The Women’s Global Trade Empowerment Program
• United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) Initiative to Empower Women’s Entrepreneurship
• How Women Entrepreneurs Are Overcoming Financial Challenges
• American Business Women’s Association: ABWA Chapters and Networks Across the U.S.
• The Association of Women in Communications (AWC)
• Association of Women’s Business Centers
• Hope2Women: Promoting Entrepreneurship to Women
• CHIEF: A Private Network for Women in Executives, VPs and C-Suite Leadership Positions
• Ellevate: Local Chapters for Women Entrepreneurs
• Lean In: Resources and Videos for Female Entrepreneurs

Minority-owned business resources