Resources for Women-Owned and Minority-Owned Businesses

Small Business Development Center
Meet one-on-one with WV SBDC business coaches to receive confidential, no-cost technical assistance to help start and grow your business in West Virginia. SBDC helps you identify your goals, develop valuable skills and acquire the necessary resources to make your business a success.

West Virginia Purchasing Division
Minority businesses are welcome to participate in the competitive-purchasing process within state government.  To get started, register with WV Purchasing to access upcoming bid opportunities.
state.wv.us/admin/purchase/minority.html

Grow with Google
Free digital training courses and tools to help your small business adapt, grow, and better serve your community.
https://grow.google

Women-Owned Business Resources

 

WV Women’s Business Center
WVWBC empowers women and other socially disadvantaged entrepreneurs across West Virginia to become a potent force for driving small-business growth in the state.
Learn more at wvwomen.org or reach Nora Myers, Director at nmyers@conservationfund.org

DreamBuilder: The Women’s Business Creator (powered by SBA)
Online courses that teach you the skills and knowledge to start or grow your own business. Courses are interactive, convenient for your schedule and available in both Spanish and English. Best of all, they’re free.
https://dreambuilder.bluedrop.io

Grow with Google: Women Led
Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an established founder, Google has free tools and resources to support you at every step.
grow.google/womenled

WV Women’s Commission
The Commission seeks to improve the legal, social, economic, educational, and political status of women by working with businesses, policy-makers, government agencies, and non-profit groups.
facebook.com/pg/WVaWomen

United Way Women United
Women United is a robust and diverse network of more than 75,000 women in 165 communities across six countries, all dedicated to improving lives and creating stronger communities.
unitedwaympc.org/womenunited

 

Minority-Owned Business Resources

 

Minority Business Development Agency
The U.S. Department of Commerce, Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is the only federal agency solely dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority business enterprises.
mbda.gov

Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs
The Herbert Henderson Office of Minority Affairs is committed to serving and assisting all underserved citizens across West Virginia and developing innovative ways to address issues affecting minority populations through conversation, education, leadership, and collaboration.
minorityaffairs.wv.gov

ByBlack by US Black Chambers
An extensive national Black business directory developed by the US Black Chambers. And now, with the support of American Express, the only national certification exclusively for Black-owned businesses. ByBlack is designed to provide Black entrepreneurs a way to reach new customers and get access to valuable business resources.
usblackchambers.org/certification/

Google for Small Business: Supporting Black-owned Businesses
Join Google and the U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. on Black-owned Fridays. Visit the hub to view ways you can get involved each Friday—and every day.
smallbusiness.withgoogle.com/blackowned

Google for Small Business: in Spanish
Resources for Spanish-speaking SMBs, like Digital Coaches and Grow with Google OnAir workshops.
g.co/empresaspequenas

Grow with Google Digital Coaches
Digital skills training and coaching to help Black and Latinx small businesses reach new customers, thrive online, and grow. Digital skills workshops, hands-on coaching and opportunities to meet and learn from successful businesses in your community.
grow.google/digitalcoaches

SCORE for Black Entrepreneurs
Black entrepreneurs are facing unique barriers to business success. SCORE is working to change that by removing those obstacles and providing Black small business owners with access to personalized support.
score.org/black-entrepreneurs

LGBTQ-Owned Business Resources

Small Business Administration
SBA’s Network for LGBTQ+ Businesses aims to bring focus on economic empowerment in the LGBTQ+ business community by providing access to the U.S. Small Business Administration’s programs and services.
sba.gov/business-guide/grow-your-business/lgbtq-owned-businesses

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce
NGLCC is the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities and advancements for LGBTQ people, and the exclusive certifying body for LGBTQ-owned businesses.
nglcc.org

Google for Small Business
Tools and resources for LGBTQ-friendly businesses.
smallbusiness.withgoogle.com/pride

Facebook Resource Hub
To help LGBTQ+ businesses thrive, this year-round resource helps businesses learn, connect and get inspired.
facebook.com/business/small-business/lgbtq-small-medium-business-resources

Encore-Owned (50+) Business Resources

SCORE Resources for Encore Entrepreneurs
score.org/resources-encore-50-entrepreneurs