Start, Manage, Grow Your Business – Participate in our Minority Small Business Program (MSBP). This program provides business mentoring and financial awards for minority-owned businesses located in the Lowcountry of South Carolina. Use these awards for direct company operations (e.g., accounting services, advertising, website operations, customer service tools, or equipment). SCORE business mentors will be available, as needed.
Eligibility
- Minority-Owned Business Over 1 Year Old
- Registered in or has a business license in South Carolina
- Owned by African American, Hispanic, Asian, or Native American
- At least 51% of Minority Ownership
- Small Business, twenty-five (25) or Fewer Employees
- Business Is Located in Beaufort, Jasper, Colleton, or Hampton Counties
- Non-profits are not eligible.
- Participate in Award Orientation Program (Live or Recorded)
Please review the rules and specifications for this awards program, before submitting your application. Applications Have Closed.

Award Specifications and Rules: Under our Minority Small Business Program, business owners may apply for financial awards. These owners must meet the eligibility criteria, then complete an application and provide supporting documents. See the terms of awards for details. An Advisory Committee will select award winners.
Minority Program Highlights
Join Michelle Gaston as she discusses the Minority Small Business Program.
In this video, Michelle highlights the program's mission to empower minority-owned businesses in the SC Lowcountry. The video also includes stories from several remarkable business owners, who were recognized as 2021 award winners.
Program Orientation | Mentoring
Orientation Workshops: Attending an orientation workshop is mandatory, before applying for an award in 2023. For guidance with your business plan, Request A Mentor and mention the "Minority Business Support Program" in your request.

Business Award Application
Apply for our minority business awards program! Minority business owners have the opportunity to receive financial awards of $2,500 or, for a select few, $5,000. Participate in our orientation program, then submit your business plan and financials.
Applications Have Closed.

Minority Program Rules
Terms & Conditions
Please take a moment to review the terms and conditions governing the 2023 Minority Small Business Program awards. Familiarize yourself with these rules to ensure a viable application for an award.
Submitting your application signifies your acceptance of these terms.
