There are a number of federal programs in conjunction with states through which a minority or a woman entrepreneur can be assisted to launch business. Depending on where you stay, the list is:
ACCION (Americans for Community Co-operation in Other Nations) USA Small Business Loans: This organization offers loans up to $50,000 to minority and women business owners who have limited or no access to traditional sources of financing.
California Women's Economic Ventures Small Business Loan Fund: This organization offers low interest business loans available to women owned businesses in Santa Barbara or Ventura County.
Delaware Access Program: This is a low collateral loan program granted to small businesses, including minority and women owned businesses.
Illinois - Minority, Women, and Disabled Participation Loan Program: This program is aimed for small businesses that are 51% owned and managed by minorities, women, or disabled, with loans up to $50,000 or 50 % of the total project.
New Jersey - Urban Plus: This program provides financial support to women or minority-owned businesses, manufacturers, and non-profit organizations in various New Jersey municipalities like Camden, Trenton, Newark, Jersey City, Paterson, Elizabeth, East Orange, New Brunswick, and Atlantic City.
New Mexico - The Loan Fund: This loan program assists women and minority businesses that provide that are unable to access loans from traditional sources, such as banks.
New York - Micro Loans for Minority and Women Owned Businesses:
The funds are provided by the state's Community Development Financial Institution Assistance Program to women and minority entrepreneurs.