Black-owned Business Resources and Help

Resources for Black-owned businesses

Empower your Black-owned business with the right support. Find a list of minority- and Black-owned business grants, mentorship, training, and more. They are a great addition to resources for all small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Black-owned business grants, loans, and funding

Access the capital you need to grow your Black-owned business. Find minority business grants, Black-owned business loans, and more.

Statewide

• Minority Business Revolving Loan Fund: Apply for term loans and lines of credit from $10,000 to $100,000. Provided by the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD).
• Women and Minority Loan Guarantee Program: Loans for women- or minority-owned businesses. Provided by the Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF).

National

• Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): Financial resources for minority business owners.
• Black Business Alliance (BBA): More access to funding for Black business owners.

Advice and mentoring for Black-owned businesses

• Explore mentorship and advice, Black-owned business coaching, and more.

Local advice and mentorship

• New Haven Free Public Library, Exchange of Ives Squared: Resources for entrepreneurs and local change-makers.

Statewide

• Minority business advising: Leading organizations and resources for minority-owned businesses. Provided by the DECD.
• Black Business Alliance (BBA): A community of entrepreneurs fostering growth and opportunity for Black-owned businesses.
• Minority Business Growth Program (MBGP): Expert advice for minority-owned businesses, starting with a review of your operations.
• Realist Lab: Mentorship for startups with diverse teams. Includes a ”Startup Sanctuary” program to help entrepreneurs learn and grow.
• CT Advanced Manufacturing Center: Help to increase productivity and access new markets.

National

• Mentorship resources from the U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
  • Minority business enterprise resources: National network of business centers and programs to help grow your business.
• Mentorship resources from the U.S. Small Business Association (SBA)
  • Counseling and training: Support for those with limited access to business funding opportunities.
  • Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights: Promotes business diversity and inclusivity.

Education, training, and business development

Polish your skills with education and development help for minority and Black-owned businesses. Learn about business planning, marketing, finance, and more from experienced professionals.

Local and statewide training and development

• Entrepreneurial Network Program: 18‑credit certificate program to help develop business skills. Subjects includes accounting, management, marketing, professional presentation, and positive community impact. It’s available at:
  • Goodwin University (East Hartford)
  • University of Bridgeport
• Perfect Pitch: Monthly virtual event to practice your startup pitch and get feedback. Provided by Realist Lab.

Federal

• 8(a) Business Development Program: A nine-year program for small, disadvantaged businesses. Business must have been in business for two or more years. Access to business development help, training, and more. Provided by the SBA.

Market and sales opportunities for Black-owned businesses

Maximize your business' potential to land in-state and federal contracts. Start by getting certified as a Small and Minority Business Enterprise (S/MBE).

Local

• Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Program: Contracting opportunities for small businesses in the Metropolitan District of Hartford (MDC).

Statewide

• Supplier Diversity Program: Helps minority-owned businesses get certified and find state contract opportunities. Through the Department of Administrative Services (DAS). Get certified today.
  • View contracts set aside for minority-owned businesses.
• Government Contracting Support: Experts who can help you compete for State contracts. Provided by DECD.
• Get your business on these CTVisit lists:
  • Black Culture & Businesses in Connecticut
  • Multicultural Connecticut

Federal

• Register in the Federal System for Awards Management (SAM) to do business with the federal government.