Diversity Programs for Small Businesses

The Federal Government has developed a wide variety of business resources to assist women, minorities, veterans, disabled persons, and other underserved or underutilized groups.

Minority-Owned Businesses

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): MBDA is a part of the U.S. Department of Commerce, is dedicated to actively promoting the growth and competitiveness of large, medium, and small minority business enterprises. After more than 40 years since its inception, the MBDA has a variety of programs and opportunities to help grow minority business. Additionally, all Federal agencies have minority business development programs.

american flagWomen-Owned Businesses

Women-owned businesses are small business concerns at least 51% owned by women who are United States citizens and who also control and operate the business. "Control" means exercising the power to make policy decisions. "Operate" means being actively involved in the day-to-day management of the business.

Department of Homeland Security Women-Owned Small Business Program

Small Business Administration Women-Owned Small Business Federal Contract Program

Opportunities for America's Veterans

The NNI member agencies appreciate the sacrifices made by our nation's veterans, and many have specific resources or programs, particularly for Veteran-owned small businesses.  Here are a few:

National Science Foundation (NSF) Programs for Veterans

Small Business Administration Office of Veterans Business Development

Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Service Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Businesses (SDVOSB) Opportunities

NASA Small Business Veteran Strategic Plan

People with Disabilities

Small Business Administration (SBA) Webpage for People with Disabilities: The SBA has an excellent list of resources to help start, grow, and manage a small business, geared specifically for people with disabilities.

Diversity Programs for Various Groups

Several agencies and offices offer resources that cater to wide variety of underserved, underutilized, or otherwise disadvantaged groups. Some of these overarching diversity offices and programs are listed below.

Department of Energy Office of Economic Impact and Diversity

DoD Office of Small Business Programs

Health and Human Services (HHS-- NIH parent agency) Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization