Being a minority small business owner can be particularly challenging due to issues that other business owners don't face, like racial and gender discrimination, having low (or no) collateral and having a low credit scores. These factors definitely make it harder to finance a business. There are, however, resources that can help make financing your business easier, given these constraints. Here are a few: SBA Loans While we have not been impressed with the outcome of their efforts focusing on African American businesses, the Small Business Administration (SBA) offers services and programs you need to know about if you are looking to start or fund a minority business. To begin with, SBA’s 8(a) Business Development program is focused on small businesses that are 51% or more owned and controlled by members of disadvantaged subgroups by ethnicity or race. The program offers a plethora of business support services, including financial assistance, business counseling, and mentorin...
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