Resources for Minority-owned Businesses
There are many resources to help minority-owned businesses start and grow in Connecticut. If you are a minority business owner, check out this list of resources that you may be able to take advantage of.
All Resource Lists
If you are a small contractor, minority or woman owned business in Hartford you should look into this program.
The City of Hartford maintains a stand alone registry of eligible small contractors and minority and women enterprises for program Small Contractors- SC and Minority Women Business Enterprise- Minority and Woman
Learn more about City of Hartford Supplier Diversity Program
If you are looking to procure state contracts.
The Department of Administrative Services administers statewide contracts for the purchase of supplies, equipment and contractual services through programs such as:
- Supplier Diversity (Set-Aside) Program for women and minorities
- State and Federal Surplus Property Distribution
- Construction Contractor Pre-qualification
- P-Card
- Environmentally Preferred Purchase
- State and Federal Surplus
Learn more about Connecticut Procurement Services
Training and education for under-served citizens to support job growth and business development.
The Spanish American Merchants Association (SAMA) is a non-profit corporation created to assist business people, in particular Latinos, to acquire a better understanding of economic principles. The Association effectively communicates the needs and potential of the Hispanic enterprise to the public, government and private sector.
Learn more about Empresario Development Center - SAMA
If you are a woman-, minority- or veteran-owned technology business looking for SBIR support services.
To maximize each business's potential, we tailor solutions that often combine our funds with resources from other financial leaders.
When you need additional funding to run your business, Connecticut Innovations (CI) can work with you and your bank to get you financed. We offer loans of up to $5 million for owner-occupied real estate, equipment purchases, working capital and more.
CI has a number of equity funds for when you're ready to take your technology idea or business to the next level. We are highly selective and have a stringent due diligence process, but if you meet our investment criteria, our team will recommend the fund that best fits your needs.
Learn more about FAST Partnership Program
If you are a certified minority business enterprise looking for business opportunities.
The Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) advances business opportunities for certified Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises and connects them to corporate members. One of the regions leading corporate membership organizations, GNEMSDC was incorporated in 1975 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.
Learn more about Greater NE Minority Supplier Dev. Council CT Office
If you are a certified minority business enterprise looking for business opportunities.
The Greater New England Minority Supplier Development Council (GNEMSDC) advances business opportunities for certified Asian, Black, Hispanic and Native American business enterprises and connects them to corporate members. One of the regions leading corporate membership organizations, GNEMSDC was incorporated in 1975 to provide increased procurement and business opportunities for minority businesses of all sizes.
Learn more about GreaterNE Minority Supplier Dev. Council MA Office
If you are a woman- or minority-owned business looking for up to a 30 percent guarantee of principal on loans under $50,000.
The mission of CEDF is to strengthen neighborhood economies by providing flexible financial and technical support to small businesses, community organizations and initiatives in targeted communities and to low- and moderate-income individuals throughout Connecticut.
Learn more about Microloan Guarantee Program (CEDF/DECD)
If you are a woman and/or minority business owner looking for a business loan you may be interested in this program.
CEDF offers a special loan guarantee in conjunction with the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) to help women and minority owned businesses obtain flexible financing. This program is for start up businesses as well as existing businesses looking to expand. CEDF provides the loan and the Department of Economic and Community Development provides up to a 30% guarantee. This guarantee is particularly helpful to start up businesses that need a greater degree of flexibility in obtaining a loan.
Learn more about Women and Minority Loan Guarantee Program
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