Diversity-Owned Business Resources

Promoting diversity and programs that help diversity-owned businesses succeed

Diversity-Owned Business Resources

Local, state and federal organizations can help to qualify minority-owned firms to develop and grow their businesses through counseling, training workshops, and technical guidance. Below are a few resources.

Minority-Owned Business Directory
Minority-Owned Business Certification
Veteran-Owned Businesses
Women-Owned Businesses
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender-Owned Businesses
Entrepreneurs With Disabilities
Minority-Owned Business Funding
Contracting Resources
Local Resources
Training
Educated Voices On Leading and Valuing Equity (EVOLVE)

Minority-Owned Certified Business Directory

Minority-Owned Business Certification

Certification is a review process designed to ensure that a small business is owned, controlled and operated by the applicants. Most certifications are granted for minority- or women-owned businesses, small disadvantaged businesses, and underutilized businesses.

Women's Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) is the largest certifier of women-owned businesses in the United States and a leading advocate for women business owners and entrepreneurs.
Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB) Certification – You may apply for and manage your Woman Owned Small Business, Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business certifications in U.S. Small Business Administration’s easy-to-use single system.
Eligible minority- and woman-owned companies can apply for certification as a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).
Small Business Enterprise (SBE) Certification is a professional certification that documents a special capability or status that will help you compete in the marketplace.
South Carolina Division of Small and Minority Business Certification website helps minority-owned business looking to become certified.
National Veteran Business Development Council (NVBDC) is the nation's leading third-party authority for certification of veteran-owned businesses of all sizes and the corporations wanting to engage them.

Veteran-Owned Businesses

South Carolina Small Business Development Center helps veterans make the transition to entrepreneurs with guidance and mentorship resources.
U.S. Small Business Administration provides resources to veterans to help you start and grow your small business. From creating a business plan to finding your first customer, they are here to help you succeed.
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs - Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization has government programs, financing opportunities, and business tools for veterans.
Veterans' Employment and Training Service (VETS) serve America's veterans and separating service members by preparing them for meaningful careers, providing employment resources and expertise, and protecting their employment rights.

Women-Owned Businesses

U.S. Small Business Administration Women-Owned Businesses Resource site features small business programs and resources for women entrepreneurs.
WOSB Certification – You may apply for and manage your Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB), Economically Disadvantaged Woman Owned Small Business certifications in U.S. Small Business Administration’s easy-to-use single system.
Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell University. This program offers an opportunity for women to earn a certificate in business from Cornell University, an Ivy League school. The program provides skill training, knowledge and resources necessary to build manage and scale a business.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender-Owned Businesses

Coastal Business Guild – Increasing visibility and support of Coastal South Carolina area gay-owned, gay-managed, and gay-friendly businesses through professional networking, marketing and education.

Entrepreneurs With Disabilities

U.S. Small Business Administration lists entrepreneurship resources for people with disabilities.
South Carolina Commission for the Blind provides assistance for training employees.

Minority-Owned Business Funding

Waccamaw Regional Council of Governments Revolving Loan Fund & Grant Services is a low-interest loan program available to businesses and industries within the three-county area of the Waccamaw Region.
U.S. Small Business Administration Grants – If your small business is engaged in scientific research and development (R&D), you may qualify for federal grants.
U.S Small Business Administration Loans – Start or expand your business with loans guaranteed by the Small Business Administration.
Lender Match – Lender Match is a free online referral tool that connects small businesses with participating SBA-approved lenders.
Grants.gov – Register with Grants.gov, search for federal grant opportunities, and begin the application process.
USA Financing – Explore the variety of government-backed loans and funding programs for your business.

Contracting

City of Myrtle Beach Purchasing Division encourages participation from local, small, minority, veteran-owned, and women-owned businesses for city contracts.
Horry County Government Bid Opportunities – Join the South Carolina Purchasing Group to expand your business with local governments throughout South Carolina.
South Carolina SBDC – South Carolina Small Business Development Centers help businesses find and compete for government contracts.
SMBCC – South Carolina Division of Small and Minority Business Contracting and Certification connects minority- and women-owned small businesses to state contracting and procurement opportunities.
8(a) Business Development Program - Learn how SBA's 8(a) Business Development Program helps small, disadvantaged businesses compete in the marketplace.
Contracting Support for Woman-Owned Small Businesses - U.S. Small Business Administration's Women-Owned Small Businesses (WOSB) Federal Contracting Program sets aside federal contracts for women-owned small businesses in eligible industries.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTAC) - PTAP advisers located across the region provide no-cost, one-on-one technical assistance in all aspects of selling to federal, state and local governments.
U.S. Small Business Administration Contracting Guide - The federal government contracts with small businesses to buy products and services.

Local Resources for Minority-Owned Business Development

Small Business Development Center
Coastal Carolina University
PO Box 261954
Conway, SC 29528-6054

Grand Strand SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives)
Grand Strand Chapter 318
605 10th Ave. N.
Myrtle Beach, SC 29577
843-918-1079

Myrtle Beach Regional Economic Development Corp.
2050 U.S. 501 East, Bldg. 900
Conway, SC 29526
843-347-4604 or 800-844-4983