Resources and Links Beneficial to BBN Members and the Community

This section serves as a complete resource hub for BBN members, providing funding opportunities, business development guidance, and community support resources. It focuses on national and Saint Paul, Minnesota-specific options to address the diverse needs of entrepreneurs and small businesses.

Click a Tile Below to get resources for that category

Funding Opportunities for For-Profit and Nonprofit Businesses

Feed the Soul Foundation Grant

Provides grants for Black-owned restaurants and food service businesses. Applications are open now and recur periodically.

Apply
W.K. Kellogg Foundation Grants

Supports racial equity, community engagement, and economic development initiatives. Suitable for nonprofits.

Apply
MSP Equity Fund Accelerator (gener8tor)

Investment accelerator offering funding, mentorship, and networking to startups led by founders of color in the Minneapolis-Saint Paul area.

Apply
Awesome Foundation St. Paul

$1,000 micro-grants for community projects. Rolling applications accepted.

Apply
Launch Minnesota (DEED Program)

Grants and resources for Minnesota startups focused on technology and innovation.

Apply
Coalition to Back Black Businesses

$5,000 grants for Black-owned small businesses, plus opportunities for mentorship.

Apply
Comcast RISE Investment Fund

Provides grants and resources for BIPOC-owned businesses, with a focus on technology and marketing support.

Apply
Associated Bank Uplift Program

Loans and lines of credit for minority-owned businesses, plus financial resources for growth.

Apply

Business Development Programs

Neighborhood Development Center (NDC)

Business training, support, and lending to entrepreneurs in low-income communities. Offers comprehensive training programs and small business loans.

Apply
Meda (Metropolitan Economic Development Association)

Provides business consulting, access to capital, and market opportunities for minority entrepreneurs.

Apply
U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) - Business Guide

A guide for starting and growing your business, including steps for writing a business plan, funding options, and legal structures.

Apply
SCORE - Free Business Plan Template & Resources

Business plan templates, mentoring, and workshops to help entrepreneurs succeed.

Apply
Nav - Guide to Building Business Credit

A step-by-step guide to establishing and improving business credit.

Apply
BPlans - Free Business Plan Resources

Business plan templates and examples for various industries, plus guidance on writing a successful plan.

Apply
IRS - Starting a Business Checklist

A checklist outlining important steps for starting a new business, including registering your business and understanding tax obligations.

Apply
Entrepreneur.com - How to Start a Business

Step-by-step guidance on starting a business, choosing a legal structure, and creating a marketing plan.

Apply
Fundera - Guide to Building Business Credit

Advice on establishing business credit, including tips on separating personal and business finances.

Apply
SBA Learning Platform - Free Online Courses

Courses on various business topics, including financing, marketing, and legal requirements.

Apply

Community Support Resources (National & Saint Paul-Focused)

East Side Neighborhood Development Company (ESNDC)

Provides economic development services and technical assistance for businesses on Saint Paul’s East Side.

Apply
Saint Paul Economic Development Authority (PED)

Offers business financing, site selection assistance, and development incentives.

Apply
Metropolitan Consortium of Community Developers (MCCD) - Open to Business Program

Free business advising and small business loans to support entrepreneurs in Saint Paul and the metro area.

Apply
African Economic Development Solutions (AEDS)

Economic empowerment programs for African immigrant communities, including microloans and business support.

Apply
Saint Paul Area Chamber of Commerce

Networking, business advocacy, and growth initiatives for local businesses.

Apply
LISC (Local Initiatives Support Corporation)

Grants, loans, and support for minority-owned businesses and underserved communities.

Apply
Hello Alice

Grants and funding alerts for small business owners, with personalized recommendations.

Apply
Google for Startups Black Founders Fund

Grants and resources for Black entrepreneurs. Periodic application windows.

Apply
National Black Chamber of Commerce

Advocacy, networking, and resources for Black-owned businesses nationwide.

Apply
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program

Support for minority-owned businesses to secure government contracts.

Apply