Resources to Assist the Economic Recovery of Black-Owned Small Business Entrepreneurs in the Orange County / Inland Empire

By J. Adalberto Quijada, U.S. Small Business Administration’s District Director for the Orange County / Inland Empire covering all of Orange County, Riverside County and San Bernardino County

During Black History Month, we celebrate the achievements of African Americans and recognize the important role they have contributed to U.S. history. At the U.S. Small Business Administration, our role is to support entrepreneurs in achieving their dream of owning a business and our goal is to work with Black entrepreneurs to overcome today’s challenges and come back stronger than ever.

The effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on Black owned businesses show they have been hit particularly hard across demographic groups as outlined in the SBA’s Office of Advocacy Report.  The decline in business activity among Black owners has been nearly three times the decline among other owners. When an entrepreneur starts their own business, they create new jobs in the community. In fact, small businesses generate two of every three net new jobs and deliver essential goods and services to our community.

Here are the top resources that small business owners can utilize today to leverage all available financial resources to be not only resilient but come back stronger:

1. Funding: The small business community faced unprecedented economic disruption due to the Coronavirus. SBA provides several relief funding options through the Payroll Protection Program. The PPP is a forgivable loan if 60 percent is used to payroll.  Independent contractors, self-employed and workers part of the gig-economy can apply.  The PPP has a First Draw and a Second Draw, meaning two loans that can be 100 percent forgiven. You can apply for a PPP Loan until March 31, 2021.
2. Covid-19 Economic Injury Disaster Loan program is a separate program from PPP and delivered through SBA’s Office of Disaster Assistance. Applications can be submitted through December 31, 2021.
3. Shuttered Venue Operators Grant program will be available soon for live venue operators/promoters, theatrical producers, live performing arts organizations, some museums, zoos and aquariums, and other entities. Eligible applicants may qualify for SVO Grants equal to 45% of their gross earned revenue, with the maximum amount available for a single grant award of $10 million. $2 billion is reserved for eligible applications with up to 50 full-time employees.
4. Lender Match is our online program that connects entrepreneurs with financial institutions to provide business loans backed by the SBA. Small business are encouraged to find a local lender that meets their needs.
5. Business Counseling: The Orange County Small Business Development Center Network offers free, Covid-19 resources, one-on-one counseling, training services, market research and more. Assistance is free or low-cost.
6. Mentoring: SCORE provides free mentoring, Covid-19 resources and education to business owners to learn from others who have been through the entrepreneurship journey. SCORE is a network of thousands of volunteer business counselors around the country who mentor and educate small business owners. SCORE provides online counseling as well as educational webinars. We have three chapters in our district to assist you: Orange County SCORE; Inland Empire SCORE; Coachella Valley SCORE.
7. Scaling Up their Business: SBA’s Emerging Leader’s program is a no-cost “mini MBA,” that assists entrepreneurs to take their business to the next level. The Orange County / Inland Empire District Office is proud to offer this program in 2021. Stay tuned for upcoming details on the application process!
8. Assistance to Woman Entrepreneurs: Across the U.S., Black women start their own business at record rates. Women’s Business Centers assist women in starting and growing small businesses. They provide a full range of services for women entrepreneurs at all stages of planning, implementation and growth. We have two centers in our district: Inland Empire Women’s Business Center; Coachella Valley Women’s Business Center. Additionally, SBA recently launched Ascent, a first-of-its-kind, free digital e-learning platform geared to help women entrepreneurs grow and expand their businesses. 
9. Support to Veterans with Starting their Own Business: Boots to Business is an entrepreneurial education and training program available to active duty service members (including National Guard and Reserve), veterans and their spouses in starting or growing their business. Veterans Business Outreach Centers provide business development services to transitioning active duty service members, Guard, Reserve, Veterans and military-connected family members.
10. Taking their Business to the International Market: Export Assistance Centers help small businesses entering the international marketplace. Entrepreneurs can learn how to export, participate in foreign trade missions and trade shows, translate websites, and design marketing campaigns.
11. Accessing Government Contracts: The 8(a) Business Development Program helps provide a level playing field for small businesses owned by socially and economically disadvantaged people or entities. Women-owned business certification helps women business owners, as the government limits competition for certain contracts to businesses certified as women-owned. Our office presents informational webinars to help understand the programs and application process.
12. Online Resources: SBA.gov includes online resources and information about upcoming webinars to assist entrepreneurs in overcoming common business challenges.
13. Local Support: The SBA Orange County / Inland Empire District Office can connect you to local SBA resources, mentors and training. Visit https://www.sba.gov/offices/district/ca/santa-ana for more information.
14. Join our office on February 25, 2021 along with SCORE, the Orange County Black Chamber of Commerce and the Riverside NAACP where we will share resources available to Black owned small businesses. Register at https://score.tfaforms.net/17?EventID=a105a000006dG4d

As the director for the SBA Orange County / Inland Empire District, SBA recognizes the contributions of the Black community, the job-creating entrepreneurs and their families for their daily hard work in keeping local economies thriving. We encourage you to reach out to SBA.

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