Latino-owned business resources and help

Resources and help for Latino-owned businesses

Get the help you’re looking for, including grants, loans, and sales opportunities for Hispanic businesses. These options are a great addition to the resources for all small businesses and entrepreneurs.

Grants and loans for Latino-owned businesses

Get advice and apply for minority business grants and loans that meet your needs.

Local

New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3): Grants for historically marginalized entrepreneurs, such as those who identify as Black, Latinx, and women. Provided by The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF) and the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)

Statewide

• Latinx banking specialists (PDF): Contact bank and loan experts who specialize in Hispanic businesses.
• Minority Business Revolving Loan Fund: Apply for term loans and lines of credit from $10,000 to $100,000. Provided by the DECD.
• Minority Prequalification Loan Program: This program helps you get prequalified for loans guaranteed by the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). It’s available in two locations:
  • Hartford
  • Bridgeport
• Women and Minority Loan Guarantee Program: Learn about these loans for existing businesses and startups. They can help you even if you don’t have much collateral or have a low credit score. Provided by the Community Economic Development Fund (CEDF).

Nationwide

• 7(a) Loan Program: Learn how this loan program helps small businesses and where you can apply. Provided by the U.S. SBA.
• Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): Get help applying for minority-owned business grants and loans. Provided by the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Advice and mentoring for Latino-owned businesses

Learn from Hispanic business and community experts.

Local

• New Haven Equitable Entrepreneurial Ecosystem (NHE3): Learn about their advisors and tools for people who want to start a business in Greater New Haven.
• The Exchange of Ives Squared: New Haven Free Public Library has resources for entrepreneurs and change-makers in the New Haven area.
  
  

Statewide

• Minority business advising program: Get links to leading organizations and resources for minority-owned businesses. The organizations are DECD partners.
• CT Small Business Development Center: Their Minority Business Growth Program can help you start or grow your business.
• Realist Lab: The Lab has mentors and funds for startups with diverse teams. They offer Startup Sanctuary and other programs that can help you launch a business.

Nationwide

• U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA):
  • Counseling and training: The SBA and its business partners are a powerful resource for your business.
  • Office of Diversity, Inclusion, and Civil Rights: Learn how this team supports a diverse workforce and inclusive culture.
• U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA):
  • Business resources: Their national network of business centers and programs can help you grow your business.
  • CT MBDA Advanced Manufacturing Center: See how they can help you increase productivity, improve efficiencies, and access new markets.

Education and development programs

These programs are designed for Latino and minority entrepreneurs and business owners. They can help you with business planning, marketing, finance, and more.

Statewide

• Entrepreneurial Network Program: This 18‑credit certificate program develops essential business skills. That includes accounting, management, marketing, professional presentation, and community impact. It’s available at:
  • Goodwin University (East Hartford)
  • University of Bridgeport

Nationwide

U.S. SBA 8(a) Business Development program: This program will help your business compete for federal government contracts.

Marketing and sales opportunities

Learn how to get in-state and federal contracts or promote your business in special ways. To win State contracts, start by getting certified as a Small and Minority Business Enterprise (S/MBE).

Local

• Small Local Business Enterprise (SLBE) Program: State-certified small businesses can apply for contracts from the Metropolitan District (MDC). MDC is greater Hartford’s public water supplier.
• Street Food New Haven: New Haven has four food truck areas. The trucks are famous for serving foods made by people from around the world.

Statewide

• State of Connecticut
  • Supplier Diversity Program: Get certified as a minority business and learn how you can grow your business with the State.
  • Government contracting support: Talk to experts who can help you compete for State contracts.
  • Procurement opportunities: Find business opportunities with State agencies, including contracts specifically set aside for certified small and minority companies.
• CTVisit: Get your event or restaurant listed on the Multicultural Connecticut tourism list.

Nationwide

• Federal Systems for Awards Management (SAM): Register your business today and see open contracts. Many SAM users are looking for minority businesses!