There a number of unique opportunities for a minority owned business. As difficult as small business success is for any business, any help should be welcomed. It could be that a minority business gains its strongest and most profitable business from these avenues.

Government Business

There are a number of opportunities for minority small businesses to do business with the federal government. The SBA and their business development centers can help with more information on programs like 8(a) certification and HUBZone certification. Programs that give a small business advantages to business with the government. State and local governments may also have programs for minority business. There are also military assistance centers that will help with Department of Defense contracts.

Corporate Business

Fortune 500 corporations have diversity purchasing programs to help minority small businesses become vendors. The opportunities exist for two reasons- to develop community relations and to meet federal requirements for federal contracts. Federal requirements for large contracts require large prime contractors to a certain amount of subcontracting with small businesses. These diversity programs give a nice point of contact for corporate business. Finding the programs can be as easy as doing an internet search for a corporate name and "diversity program".

Networking

Most states and metropolitan areas will have minority specific networking opportunities. Doing an internet search for chamber of commerce, your state (or metro area), and a minority can bring up a number of results. Make contact and join in on their activities to start making contacts with other minority businesses. Also, look for events sponsored by minority business development centers.

No Business Limits

This does not mean that a minority business is limited to these areas. A minority business should also be working hard with standard opportunities like the local chamber of commerce and other networking opportunities also.