CONNECTIONS@Work
At The Chamber of Catawba County, we are proud to support minority-owned businesses by providing curated resources to help you start and grow your business. This page is dedicated to connecting minority entrepreneurs with local support, funding opportunities and tolls to build successful businesses and inclusive workplaces.
This page will be updated with resources as they become available. If you have resource suggestions, please contact us.
Local Resource Guide
Centro Latino – Serving, advocating, and equipping the Latino community in Hickory, NC
Community Relations Council – Based in Hickory, this Council aims to promote positive relationships within our community through dialogue, education, programs, and resources.
Greater Hickory International Council (GHIC) –The GHIC promotes cross cultural dialogue and sharing through a broad range of community programs and events.
Women’s Leadership Conference – our very own annual conference that aims to provide an immersive leadership development experience. Designed to drive results with fresh, actionable strategies and inspiring leadership content. Keep an eye on our events calendar for more information.
National Institute of Economic Development (Women’s Business Center branches in Charlotte, Durham, Richmond to help women owned businesses start and grow)
Western Women’s Business Center – located in Asheville, this program of the Small Business Development Fund serves over 24 counties in NC. They provide one on one business coaching, access to capital, and workshops to female entrepreneurs.
Brewing Up Business Women’s Networking in Catawba County-Join this networking group for access to a monthly meetup with female leaders in Catawba County.
Catawba County’s minority and women-owned business certification information.
Grants, Funding, and Finances
Community Relations Council Grant Program – The goal of this initiative is to promote positive human relationships in our community by supporting projects and/or programs that promote equal opportunity, resolution of conflicts and improve relationships among culturally diverse groups in Hickory. Apply here.
Black Gems Investors (based in Charlotte) – Their mission is to fuel minority-owned small businesses by providing financial investments, serving as business advisors and connecting owners to resources to increase visibility.
Mountain Biz Works Multicultural Catalyst Fund – Helping to level the playing field for entrepreneurs of color. The Multicultural Catalyst Fund makes it easier for people of color and immigrants to get their small businesses off the ground.
Mountain Biz Works Catalyst Cohort-A 12 month business and leadership skills-development program for entrepreneurs of color. Participants are embedded in a peer advisory group facilitated by an experienced growth coach. Each participant receives individualized coaching sessions as well as $2,000 towards tailored business services to help advance their growth goals.
Mountain Biz Works (en Espanol) – Mountain BizWorks provides business loans and coaching to emerging and established small businesses in Western North Carolina. We have a particular focus on working with businesses unable to access financing from banks and other traditional sources, as well as low-income, minority, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs, and businesses that operate within the local food system.
IFundWomen – coaching and crowdfunding for women. Apply for their universal grant application database to get notified for something you may be eligible for in the future.
Scale Up CLT is a collaborative scholarship program designed to accelerate the growth and success of minority-owned businesses in the Charlotte Region. Learn more here.
Office of Women’s Business Ownership helps women entrepreneurs through programs coordinated by SBA district offices. Programs include business, counseling, federal contracts, and access to credit and capital
Veteran Resources
- HKY4Vets, a program of the Catawba County Chamber Foundation, serves as a conduit between transitioning active duty service members, veterans, and their family members and the Catawba County business community. HKY4Vets is a key resource for employment assistance, professional networking, and employer education. For more information, click here.
Additional Resources
- SHRM Together Forward – DEI Resources for HR Professionals, Business Administrators, Business & Team Leaders, Students, and more.
- DreamBuilder introduces participants to all areas of ownership through a carefully crafted and engaging curriculum, featured in English and Spanish. At the conclusion of the program, women leave with a business plan to start their own business or develop an existing one.
