Business Mini Grant

The Indiana Business Empowerment (IBE) Mini Grant was created to provide economic support to local minority-owned businesses. This initiative is supported through generous funding from legacy business members and community corporate empowerment partners.

Grant Amount: $1,000

Application Opens: June1st, 2026

Application Closes: July 1st, 2026

Grant Distribution: September 2026

Mini Grant Guidelines

Purpose:


The Mini Grant is designed to provide a boost to minority owned businesses in Southern Indiana. The goal is to strengthen and sustain business growth by supporting essential improvements efforts, such as:


  • Purchasing equipment or technology upgrades

  • Supporting employee retention and training

  • Marketing or advertising campaigns

  • Branding and design needs (logos, signage, promotional materials)

Eligibility Requirements:


Applicants must meet the following criteria:


  1. Must be a current IBE member

  2. Ownership of the business must be 51% minority-owned business

  3. The business must be physically located and/or operating in Southern Indiana

  4. Must be a legally registered small business (sole proprietorship, LLC, partnership, or corporation) operating for at least 12 months prior to application.

  5. Employ size fewer than 20 employees

  6. Must be in good standing with the Indiana Secretary of State

  7. Funds must be used toward business improvements (not for personal expenses, debt repayment, or non-business related purchases)

QR Code Link to Mini Grant Application

APPLICATIONS SUBMITTED PRIOR TO JUNE 1, 2026 WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.

What is the definition of Minority-Owned Business?

Per 25 Indiana Administrative Code 5-3-4,  Minority-owned business means a business that is at least 51% owned by one or more minority individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens, or in the case of a corporation, partnership, or limited liability company or other entity, at least 51% of the equity ownership interest in the corporation, partnership, or limited liability company or other entity is owned by one or more minority individuals who are U.S. citizens or legal resident aliens, and both the management and daily business operations are controlled by one or more minority individuals.

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