Congresswoman Norma Torres Co-Leads Bipartisan Legislation to Support Entrepreneurs at HSIs, HBCUs & Other Minority-Serving Institutions
Washington, D.C. — Ahead of Small Business Saturday, Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) co-led the introduction of the Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act, bipartisan legislation that creates a grant program with the Small Business Administration for entrepreneurs at minority-serving institutions like Hispanic-Serving Institutions and Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Representatives Nikema Williams (GA-05), Alma Adams (NC-12), Dwight Evans (PA-03),and Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) are co-leading the introduction of the Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act.
Congresswoman Norma J. Torres (CA-35) said:
“Small businesses are vital to California’s economy and drive the economic success of regions like the Inland Empire. However, access to capital is one of the biggest barriers to entrepreneurship for too many. Our bipartisan bill, the Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act, will empower diverse communities by creating new startup funding for minority entrepreneurs and will bolster America’s economy by spurring innovation.”
Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05) said:
“Too often, Black and brown entrepreneurs face enormous barriers to accessing the capital needed to launch and sustain businesses. The Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program will help to break down those barriers and ensure that the next generation of minority business owners have a fair shot at the promise of America. Investing in minority-owned businesses is also one path on the journey to close the racial wealth gap. I am proud to advance legislation to continue creating equity in entrepreneurship opportunity for everyone–no matter your ZIP Code, no matter your bank account.”
Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) said:
“Small businesses are the job creating engines of our economy. The Bipartisan Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act will ensure that small businesses have the resources they need to not just survive, but to thrive. This legislation will ease the burdens facing small and disadvantaged businesses by providing necessary grant funding.”
Congressman Dwight Evans (PA-03) said:
“Minority small businesses are a vital part of the economic fabric of Philadelphia and the nation. That is why I am proud to co-lead the Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act and am confident in this legislation's ability to benefit the students of Minority Serving Institutions (MSIs) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). I remain committed to promoting economic equity and uplifting America's next generation of minority entrepreneurs.”
Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) said:
“Small businesses are the backbone of our economy and allow communities to flourish. The bipartisan Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act will empower minority innovators and entrepreneurs to start their own small businesses and I'm proud to join my colleagues on this legislation.”