7 No-nonsense paths to grants for Hispanic small business owners

Finding grant opportunities available for Hispanic small business owners can be tricky, but they do exist. 

Some websites may try to grab your attention by appearing to offer grants, but their disclaimers soon make it clear that they’re actually providing loans, financial counseling, venture capital programs, private equity, contracts, business capital advances or other options that do not include grants. These may be good options so don’t discount them, but make sure you know what you’re signing up for. 

Some funding sources restrict Hispanic awards to not-for-profit organizations. Others offer grants to local governments that use the money to provide “technical assistance” to Hispanic-owned businesses. 

A true grant does not require repayment like almost all other forms of funding do. The money you get from a grant can help you start up your small business and invest in necessary resources.

The following seven sites and programs offer access to authentic grants that can provide you with the funds you need to get your business venture off the ground.

1. Minority Business Development Agency

Through a program that connects owners of small businesses to investors, the US Department of Commerce helps Hispanic business owners access grant programs at the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) and the Business Opportunity Center. In one year, the MBDA helped minority-owned businesses secure almost $4 billion in capital and contracts. The grant funding distributions occur every year, and you need to submit your application for consideration in the spring or summer.

Related: Hispanic-owned businesses key to economic recovery

2. FedEx small business grant

The multinational delivery service conducts an annual contest that awards 10 small businesses grants up to a maximum of $50,000 each. While not limited to just Hispanic participants, it welcomes everyone to enter. As a qualification, you must have a FedEx account in good standing as a US-based payer. However, you may not qualify if you currently have certain FedEx discounts. The 2022 contest is over, but check the website for updates on the 2023 contest.

3. Grants.gov

Grants.gov is a one-stop shop for federal grant opportunities. To apply for a federal grant, you must obtain a unique nine-digit number for your business from Dun & Bradstreet. This DUNS number registers you as an entity that can conduct business with the US government through its System Award Management program. The grants provide billions of dollars that can make the application process worthwhile. 

The grants.gov site offers guidance on 1,000 or more programs from 26 grant-making agencies in the federal government. While the paperwork may tax your patience, you might find an opportunity to fund your business plans through grants that welcome everyone to apply.

Related: 5 Influential Hispanic Americans you should know about

4. Business Consortium Fund

Under the umbrella of the National Minority Supplier Development Council, the Business Consortium Fund offers financial services as a nonprofit business development entity. As an organization with certification from the United States Department of the Treasury, it provides a wide-range of financing options as well as business support for certified minority-owned companies through its network of strategic partners.

5. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

This nonprofit trade association offers access to grants for entrepreneurs and owners of small businesses. You can apply for a maximum amount of $4,000 if you hold active membership in the organization. The application will ask you to present documentation that explains how you plan to use the funds and their importance to your business growth. 

Since the start of this program, the NASE has awarded close to $1,000,000 to members. You can use the funds for hiring, marketing, expansion, advertising, or other business needs. A resume and a business plan may help support your application.

6. Small Business Technology Transfer and Small Business Innovation Research

As a Hispanic small business owner, you can apply to the National Institutes of Health (NIH) through two programs that provide grants for “early stage” small businesses. 

NIH supports more biomedical research than any other public funder. With an annual investment of $32 billion, it provides grants that have helped people live better, longer, and healthier lives. Look into the Small Business Technology Transfer and Small Business Innovation Research programs, for more details on the application process and how to submit and track your request.

7. USDA Rural Business Development Grant (RBDG)

Hispanic-owned small businesses can apply for a grant from RBDG for up to $500,000 if they serve an eligible rural area and have fewer than 50 workers. The funds must benefit regions that lie outside the “urbanized periphery” of a population center of 50,000 or more. Smaller requests seem to receive higher priority than larger ones. 

These grants provide funds for training, land purchase, construction, renovation, feasibility studies, pavement and parking areas, technical reports, distance learning, and capitalization of revolving loans. The state offices of the USDA’s Rural Development program accept applications once a year.

By doing your own additional research on these and other grants, you'll be able to secure the funds you need for your small business.

How to apply for a grant

The grant application process can seem onerous, but it can be worthwhile if you’re awarded the funds. Here are some tips for applying for grants.

1. Make sure you meet the criteria. There’s no reason to apply for a grant you’re not eligible to win.
2. Have your records in order. Make sure your financial records are available – balance sheet, cash flow, income statement, payroll records, etc. 
3. Update your business plan. You may not need to submit it with your application, but having it handy may help you answer some of the questions. 
4. Answer all the questions and provide all the requested information. An incomplete application will be eliminated early. 
5. Respond as soon as possible. Replying after the deadline means your application won’t be considered. 

Protect your business

Whether you’re applying for a grant to start or grow a business, or you already have your financing in place, it’s important to protect the business you’ve worked so hard to build. Get a fast, free quote and your business could be covered today.