According to the Small Business Trends Alliance and Guidant Financial, female entrepreneurs have increased in number by at least 4%. More business opportunities can help woken move further and contribute to economic growth. In Houston, some non-profits offer such opportunities for women to enable them to prosper. Keep reading this article for more details.
Women’s Business Enterprise Alliance (WBEA)
WBEA is a third-party organization that certifies women-owned businesses. Who is eligible for the WBEA certification? Only businesses 51% owned by women are eligible for this certification. Besides, offers scholarship and mentorship programs to women who wish to become entrepreneurs. The organization also offers networking and educational opportunities, which are meant to enhance economic growth and increase more business opportunities for females in Houston. Want to diversify your business? No matter the size of your company, the WBEA can always help diversify your business. Please note that WBEA also offers employment opportunities and does not discriminate based on sexuality, nationality, disability, age, race, or color. Find out more at https://wbea-texas.org/about-wbea.
The USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program
The U.S. Department of Agriculture runs this grant program that is designed to help in the expansion and development of women-owned small businesses in remote areas. Who qualifies to participate in the USDA grant program? You should have not more than 50 employees employed in your firm. Also, your revenue must not exceed $1 million and your business must be situated in one of the USDA-eligible rural areas in Houston City. How much financial assistance can you receive from this program? Well, the program offers grants ranging from $10,000-$500,000. You can always use the money for training or business planning for a new startup. Want to apply? USDA Rural Development state offices are in charge of accepting applications once a year. For more details, please visit https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/rural-business-development-grants.
The Halstead Grant
Are you running a jewelry business? Well, the Halstead Grant can help you take that business to the next level. The grants offer awards in form of grants to emerging jewelry artists. How does that work? applicants are requested to answer some 15 questions related to business, other than their design portfolios. How does that help you as an emerging female artist in this industry? The experience allows you to come up with a robust strategy for kick-starting your career. The program provides grants of up to $7,500 along with other benefits. You don’t have to be running an already existing jewelry business to qualify to participate in this program. The $7,500 grant is actually for start-up and the program provides $1,000 for recognition as a jewelry business owner. Learn more about the program at https://grant.halsteadbead.com/.
Houston Arts Alliance – Support for Organizations Grant
The Support for Organizations Grant provides funding opportunities to women running organizations that offer arts and cultural activities. The Houston Arts Alliance offers grants for organizations with operating expenses not exceeding $10 million and fewer in-kind donations. For this grant, applicants can receive up to $ 125,000 or sometimes, 20% of the company’s operating expenses. The program also provides grants to organizations with operating expenses exceeding $10 million and fewer in-kind contributions. For this grant, you may apply for up to $1 million or utmost 3% of the company’s operating expenses. For more details, please visit https://www.houstonartsalliance.com/funding-and-services/grant-opportunities.
Houston Office of Business Opportunity
The Office of Business Opportunity works to promote a diverse economic environment in the City of Houston. How does this work? The Office of Business Opportunity helps women achieve success for their small businesses and increase more employment opportunities. The OBO focus on women-owned underutilized businesses and those that are not franchised. OBO organizes a series of workshops and seminars mainly meant for training women about starting a successful business. OBO also offers one-on-one business counseling sessions for new women-owned businesses. The business advisors mainly cover topics, including business planning, finance and budgeting options, and business management strategies. Want to put your business on the right path of success? Please contact 832.393.0954 for an appointment with some of the experienced business consultants. Read more about the Office of Business Opportunity at https://www.houstontx.gov/obo/.
LiftFund
The Office of Business Opportunity is working is in partnership with the LiftFund to help female entrepreneurs have access to capital for running their small businesses. Having troubles running your business because of huge operating expenses? Don’t worry. You can always schedule an appointment with one of the representatives of the LiftFund. These appointments are free of charge and you can always get access to working capital to help you expand your business if that is what you need. The LiftFund is committed to helping women-owned small businesses that cannot get access to commercial loan programs to finance their business operations. The LiftFund offers loans of up to $250,000 to female entrepreneurs for startups and for expanding already existing businesses. Find out more at https://www.liftfund.com/.
Operation Hope Small-Business Empowerment Program
The program is designed to help female aspiring entrepreneurs residing in neighborhoods with low wealth. That may include minority neighborhoods. Through this program, women get business opportunities, including training and financial counseling. How does the program work? The participants are put through a 12-week training program. They also attend workshops that expose them to more financing opportunities. For more details, please visit https://operationhope.org/small-business-development/.
National Association for Self-Employed
National Association for Self-Employed is a non-profit organization that provides grants to female entrepreneurs to help them run and expand their businesses. The organization can provide grants of up to $4,000. To qualify for the program assistance, you have to be an active member of the association and explain how you are likely to put the funds into use. Will it support your business growth and expansion? Will you use it to supplement your daily business operation? Are you looking to hire more workers? You will need to provide supporting documents to be considered. Read more about the association at https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants.
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Female small business owners can receive help through the SBA (a) Business Development Program. The program offers women the opportunity to develop and expand their businesses through training and technical assistance. who qualifies for the program assistance? You must have been subjected to cultural bias or discriminated against economically to be eligible for assistance. for more details, please visit https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/small-business/sba-8a-program/.