The Minority Business Assistance Center recently hosted an interactive workshop to help local entrepreneurs, with a focus on minorities, females and veterans, secure state funding and contracts. Industry experts delivered concise presentations on the gritty details of state-sponsored business grants and contracts application processes.
This informative event was led by certification expert, Ayana Beulah, with the purpose of alleviating the burdens that small and minority business entrepreneurs often face while securing funding or grants. The participants were offered valuable advice and strategic guidance while also having the chance to discuss their unique business situations.
The workshop’s primary objective was to help businesses scale, enhance their capital access, and assist in navigating through the often overwhelming application process for state grants.
Guiding minority businesses to secure funds
Once approved, the certification lasts for two years, allowing businesses to apply for financial assistance through various state programs, thus fostering growth and strengthening local economies.
Importance was placed on maintaining and regularly updating required documents in the application process such as tax returns, financial records and business plans. The participants also benefited from supplementary coaching to help them articulate their overall mission, values and impact, thus improving the chances of grant approval.
Catering to the needs of families with unconventional work hours and those in deprived areas, one of the attendees, Crystal Swiggett, aims to expand her Raising Young Royalty Child Development Center, showcasing the significant involvement of small businesses in the community.
In a quest to expand her services and reach out to more families, Swiggett collaborated with Valley Partners and the Youngstown Business Incubator, developing a focused strategy on increasing the company’s clientele base and enhancing product offerings. The collaboration resulted in considerable business growth, strengthening her stand in the market.
The Minority Business Assistance Center’s workshop demonstrates the importance of the right assess to resources in empowering small businesses and simplifying the intricate process of securing grants. The Center effectively guides participants through the process, providing efficient strategies for grant approval, fostering an environment of success and financial stability.
