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

• Directory of South Carolina Division of Small and Minority-Owned Certified Businesses
• Directory of North Carolina Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Certified Businesses
• Disadvantaged Business Enterprise and SBE Certification Directories

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

TRAINING

Visit ChamberAcademy.com for free seminars aimed at helping you grow your diversity-owned business.

Educated Voices On Leading and Valuing Equity (EVOLVE) – This series provides an in-depth look at diversity, equity and inclusion in the workplace. 

Grand Strand SCORE Free Webinars - From finance and management to technology and marketing.

Small Business Administration Free Webinars - From managing a business to process improvements.