HONORING BLACK HISTORY MONTH
The Economic Development Collaborative would like to recognize the month of February as Black History Month. This month is dedicated to honoring and celebrating the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. During this time, and throughout the entire year, the EDC is committed to supporting Black-owned small businesses. The EDC strives to provide equitable access and inclusive services, leading to stronger economic outcomes that support businesses and our region as a whole. The following are a handful of programs that provide support for Black-owned small businesses:
Programs Available for Black-Owned Businesses
- EDC’s Small Business Development Center: EDC offers programs designed to assist businesses in key areas with one on one technical advising through the Small Business Development Center (SBDC). In partnership with the SBDC, this program provides entrepreneurs with high level business consulting at NO-COST. CLICK HERE for more information.
- EDC Loan Program: As the region’s largest economic development public-private partnership, the Economic Development Collaborative provides access to capital and direct business advising to nearly a thousand businesses a year. CLICK HERE for more information.
- 8(a) Business Development program: Helps socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses grow by limiting competition for certain contracts to participating businesses, allowing them to become solid competitors in the federal marketplace. CLICK HERE for more information.
- HUBZone program: The government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses in historically underutilized business zones. The program aims to award at least three percent of federal contract dollars each year to HUBZone-certified companies. CLICK HERE for more information.
- Small Disadvantaged Business: Register to contract with the government as a Small Disadvantaged Business. CLICK HERE for more information.
- Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contracting program: The federal government’s goal is to award at least 5% of all federal contracting dollars to women-owned small businesses each year. CLICK HERE for more information.
- Veteran assistance programs: Learn about federal programs that help veteran-owned small businesses access federal contract awards and surplus personal property. CLICK HERE for more information.
- SBA Mentor-Protégé Program: Enables eligible small businesses (protégés) to get valuable business development help and win government contracts through partnerships with more experienced companies (mentors). CLICK HERE for more information.
- County of Santa Barbara Events: The Santa Barbara County Black/African-American community is celebrating Black History Month, and the Juneteenth Santa Barbara (JSB) is organizing events in-person and virtually with the theme “Black Resistance.” Local community organizations, including Coffee with a Black Guy, Endowment for Youth Community, Gateway Educational Services, Healing Justice Santa Barbara, and others, are providing events. All are welcome to attend. CLICK HERE for more information.
Webinars
SBA: INCLUSIVE BUSINESS FUNDING FOR THE BLACK-OWNED BUSINESS COMMUNITY
February 22 @ 8:00 am PST
Join the Inclusive Lending Series, hosted by the US Small Business Administration Houston District Office. The webinar will feature a panel conversation about the challenges that black-owned businesses face when seeking funding.
SBA: RESOURCES FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN UNDERSERVED MARKETS
February 22 @ 10:00 am PST
Join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as we celebrate 2023 African American/Black History Month. This year the NFDO is offering two virtual events geared toward unlocking tools, for those that are in the planning stages, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners. This event kicks off with the focus on introducing you to SBA Resource Partners, and a local resource that’s available to assist with helping start or grow a small business. Each resource will share key information on how they can assist you, and you will also have the opportunity to ask direct questions pertaining to your business. This is a free event, that will be held online using MS Teams platform, and no registration is needed!
SBA: SOURCES OF CAPITAL FOR SMALL BUSINESSES IN UNDERSERVED MARKETS
February 23 @ 10:00 am PST
Join the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) as we celebrate 2023 African American/Black History Month. This year the NFDO is offering two virtual events geared toward unlocking tools, for those that are in the planning stages, aspiring entrepreneurs, and small business owners. Day 2 event will focus on and discuss sources of capital that is available, for those looking to launch or grow a small business. During the event, you will hear from representatives from SBA Lenders, that will share key information and give details on what to expect, plus answer questions from the audience. Learn directly from lenders, on how to access capital, and this online event is also free, with no registration needed.
SBA: CELEBRATING BLACK HISTORY MONTH: HOW TO THRIVE AS A BLACK OWNED BUSINESS
February 23 @ 7:00 am PST
Join the SBA Baltimore District Office as they celebrate Black History Month with a special webinar offering information on tools and resources available to help you thrive as a black owned small business. Hear from government representatives, SBA lenders, small business tax advisors and more.
Recognizing Staff & Advisors
In recognition of Black History Month, we would like to celebrate some of our advisors and staff! Since the start of 2020, the EDC SBDC has helped generate over $21 million in revenue for Black and African American business owners.
Click on the staff/advisor’s photo to read their full bio and learn more about their background.
?
?
?
?
?