How much funding does Supplier Diversity Mini-Grants provide?

Supplier Diversity Mini-Grants provides Up to $500 in reimbursable costs upon successful completion in funding.

When is the deadline for Supplier Diversity Mini-Grants?

This grant has a rolling deadline or the deadline has not been announced.

Supplier Diversity Mini-Grants

Foundation Grants for Women-Owned Businesses Grants for Black-Owned Businesses Grants for Minority-Owned Businesses Small Business Grants

Funding Amount

Up to $500 in reimbursable costs upon successful completion

Deadline

Rolling / Open

Grant Type

foundation

Overview

Supplier Diversity Mini-Grants

Overview: This mini-grant program increases the number of certified Woman-owned (WBE), Minority (MBE), and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE) in West Virginia by defraying costs associated with the certification process.

Funding Source: Funded by Truist

Availability: A limited number of grants available on a first-come basis

Eligible Applicants:

Qualified women, minority, or disadvantaged businesses

Annual revenues under $1 million OR meet the SBA size test for their industry NAICS code

Geographic Scope: West Virginia (statewide)

Grant Amount: Up to $500 in costs reimbursed upon successful completion of grant requirements

Certifications Supported:

Women's Business Enterprise (WBE): Through Women's Business Enterprise Council Ohio River Valley (WBEC ORV) - https://www.wbecorv.org/about-wbecorv

Minority Business Enterprise (MBE): Through Tri-State Minority Supplier Diversity Council (TSMSDC) - https://tsmsdc.com/

Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE): Through SBA Contracting Assistance Programs - https://www.sba.gov/federal-contracting/contracting-assistance-programs/8a-business-development-program

Contact Information:

For Business Coaching and Technical Assistance:

- Boone, Braxton, Clay, Kanawha, Lincoln, Putnam: Tyler Brandstetter, FASTER WV Business Coach, WV Small Business Development Center, Tyler.l.brandstetter@wv.gov or (304) 553-9692
- Cabell and Wayne: Jules Bills, FASTER WV Business Coach, Unlimited Future, Inc., jules@unlimitedfuture.org or (304) 697-3007
- Statewide Women's Business Center: Nora Myers, Director of WV Women's Business Center, nora@wvwomen.org or (304) 825-5000

Application Submission: Terrell Ellis, Executive Director, Advantage Valley, Inc., terrell@advantagevalley.com, (304) 352-1165

Training and Financing: Marlo Long, SVP, CRA & Community Development, Truist, Office: (304) 353-1682, Mobile: (304) 549-1570, long@truist.com

How to Apply

Application Process

1. Review Certification Requirements
- Contact with the appropriate certifying agency:
- WBEC ORV for WBE certification
- TSMSDC for MBE certification
- SBA for Disadvantaged Business programs
- Contact one of the business coaches listed above for assistance

2. Submit Mini-Grant Application for Pre-Approval
- Mini-Grant applications accepted on an ongoing basis until funding exhausted
- Submit to: Terrell Ellis, Executive Director, Advantage Valley, Inc., terrell@advantagevalley.com, (304) 352-1165
- Applicant has 6 months after pre-approval to obtain certification to be eligible for reimbursement

3. Attend "Growing Your Business" Training
- Once pre-approved, attend a 1-hour virtual "Growing Your Business" seminar hosted by Truist (formerly BB&T)
- Seminar includes Q&A on financing contracts and growth
- Register by contacting Marlo Long, Truist, at long@truist.com, (304) 353-1682, or (304) 549-1570

4. Obtain Certification
- Submit application to the appropriate certifying agency
- Complete certification process within 6 months of pre-approval

5. Submit Documentation for Final Approval & Reimbursement
- Submit to: Terrell Ellis, Executive Director, Advantage Valley, Inc., terrell@advantagevalley.com, (304) 352-1165
- Required documents:
- Receipts for all expenses related to certification process (up to $500)
- Date of attendance at the "Growing Your Business" workshop
- Proof of certification
- Allow 4-6 weeks for reimbursement upon final approval

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