Grants for Minority First Time Business Owners

Being a first-time business owner can be an exciting and nerve-racking process. Don’t fret, there are organizations and resources for minority entrepreneurs that can help you get started. Grants are just one of the resources you can explore to help get your business funded. One of the advantages of using grant funding is that the money does not have to be repaid.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation invests in education, environment, entrepreneurs and community enrichment. Within 60 days of submitting the proposal a representative will notify you of an approval or decline. The foundation seeks organizations that help bring value in the neighborhoods where Georgia Pacific facilities are located. The price of the grant varies and is based on the budget. The proposal should specify how much funding is needed from Georgia Pacific with details of how that money would be spent.

Georgia-Pacific 133 Peachtree St., N.E. Atlanta, GA 30303 404-652-4000 gp.com

The Amber Grant is open for women entrepreneurs and is available across the country. The application is available online. The grant awards $500 to $1,000 to women who want to start or upgrade a small business. The identity of winners is keep confidential for their safety. All applicants must be over the age of 18.

The Amber Grant WomensNet womensnet.net

The Iowa Targeted Small Business program provides grants to organizations that are majority-owned and operated by women, minorities and/or people with a disability. To qualify, the applicant must be 18 or older and the organization must gross less than $4 million per year. The scholarship provides funding for organizations that help those in need. The grant should be used to expand or create a new business in Iowa.

Targeted Small Business Assistance Iowa Department of Economic Development 200 E. Grand Ave. Des Moines, IA 50309 iowalifechanging.com 800-532-1215