Minority Owned Business Grant

applications are Closed at This Time

The Downtown Community Improvement District has created a fund to assist entrepreneurs of marginalized identities with their marketing expenses. Applicants must be businesses starting or relocating a business to The District within six months of May 1, 2024. The aim of the funding is to increase the viability, visibility, and growth of each awardee’s business. Grants of up to $5000 will be awarded.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Business must be 51% or more owned by a Columbia resident who is African American, Non-White Hispanic, Native American, Asian Pacific, or Asian Indian

• Client under 5 years in business must have or create a feasible business plan with at least one-year financial projections for business to be located or currently located in the District. Mentors are available to assist with business plan creation.

• Client over 5 years in business must be locating or currently located in the District. Mentors are available to assist if needed.

• Client must pitch their business and what they plan to do with the funds to the District Economics committee or board of directors.

• At time of award, Client must have a signed leased in the District. Businesses still needing a lease will have six months to accomplish this to qualify and obtain the award.

• Must sign indemnity and hold harmless agreement

GRANT HISTORY

In 2021 our Board of Directors voted to create the Minority-Owned Business Grant. There is a considerable imbalance of diverse business owners in our downtown. This is a direct result of Black-owned businesses being pushed out of the Sharp End in the 1960s during urban renewal. While this grant will not fix the problem, our goal is that this small first step will help bring us closer to parity.

In March of 2022, our Board of Directors awarded the first 3 Minority Business Grants to -

• Crowned Counseling

• Play College Golf

• Fluid Bodywork

In February of 2023, our second round of grant funding was awarded. Due to the success and interest in the first round, over $30,000 was set aside by The District for this round. Congratulate -

• 573Tees

• Bushing Catering

• Extended Hair By Brandi

• Franky Carman Bridal

• Renz Blendz

• Sunthia Lea LLC

In September of 2024, our third round of grant funding was awarded.

Congratulate -

• Dada Doner

• Dream Tree Academy

• Mahi Ethiopian Kitchen

• Typsy Treats

• Escuelita Alegría: Spanish Immersion Prescshool

• Assembly 1977

• UnFazed Culture

Each business was awarded a grant of up to $5,000 (dependent on proof of a signed lease within The District).