Small minority, women, and disadvantage businesses in Arkansas can get financial help. There are a number of free government grants that can help pay the bills as well as low-interest or interest free loans. The funds are for start up companies as well as small businesses, but a focus is on women owned companies, Black or Latino businesses, veterans, and those that have limited access to other funds. Find free MWBE loans and grants near you in AR.
Free grants and/or loans can be provided by banks, the state of Arkansas (or federal government), non-profits, or other lenders. The list of assistance programs is below. Most of the financial assistance is for women and minority businesses in Little Rock, Fayetteville, or Hot Springs, but financial help (as well as free mentoring) is offered statewide, including near you. There are also corporate programs, free mentoring resources from volunteers, workshops, and many other business services.
Low cost business loans and free grants for Arkansas
Find an ongoing list of financial assistance from loans, free grants, counseling, advice and other resources in Arkansas near you. Government programs, non-profits and corporate donations or resources are all listed, with women, veterans, and minorities taking priority. The most recent announcement of a program will be at the top of the list.
Ongoing and Year Round Resources
The Arkansas Community Foundation has a number of offices across the state. They offer many services to help small to mid sized businesses in Arkansas start and/or grow. They also partner with non-profits, lenders, and organizations such as Building Black Communities in an effort to give financial help, counseling, advice, technical support and more. Business assistance is only one resources offered. Read more. https://www.arcf.org/
Arkansas Interfaith Power and Light operates statewide, with a focus on environmental and “green” businesses. They are an approved Kiva lender so can help facilitate interest free-loans. Another focus is on helping social causes businesses that focus on minorities, veteran, LGTBQ+ and similar companies that have a energy efficiency and clean focus as well as renewable energy. They give support and financial help in a nonpartisan, theological perspective. Read more on AIPL here. https://www.arkansasipl.com/
Arkansas Small Business and Technology Development Center is based in Little Rock. The non-profit, also known as ASBTDC, gives free workshops, mentoring, and advice to Entrepreneurs as well as existing small businesses. They also help people find the capital then need, including loans, government or charitable grants, and offer other free services. A focus is on economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs, such as veterans, women and minorities. Get details here. https://asbtdc.org/startup-overview/
The Hot Springs Area Community Foundation provides grant money to non-profits. The goal is to help organizations that are focused on economic, social, health care and other needs, including MWBE causes. The program is known as Giving Tree grant. Non-profits can learn more here. https://www.arcf.org/apply/nonprofits/
Black Community Development and Chamber of Commerce of Arkansas has a number of assistance and resources for Black owned businesses. They focus on economic development, help businesses raise capital or increase revenue from government contracting opportunities. Many other free or low cost services are offered, and learn more. https://www.bcdcca.net/
Latino owned businesses across Arkansas can get assistance from Conexion de Negocios Latinos. Most of the aid is for the central as well as NW part of the state. There are 0% (interest free) loans as Conexion de Negocios Latinos is a Kiva Trustee. Or get help with marketing, publicity, education or workshops and so much more. They help new/start ups as well as existing Latino owned businesses. Find more information here. https://conexiondenegocioslatinos.com/en/
Little Rock Black owned businesses can get assistance from Rock It! Lab. The program was created in partnership with the Central Arkansas Library System (CALS). Black owned businesses, both female or male owned, can use the center to network, do work, use Wi-Fi, and more. The Lab also provides additional assistance programs such as free mentorship, consultation such as referrals to free grant or loan programs for capital, co-working spaces and other aid. Learn more on the lab here. https://cals.org/rock-it-lab
Startup Junkie provides a number of assistance programs, including interest free (0% interest) Kiva loans in Arkansas. They are a regional non-profit that helps people who have an idea for a business, entrepreneurs, as well as current owners of small to mid size businesses. They help provide Capital from the loans, there is a science and technology center, workshops on business development, free consulting and more. A major focus is on women and minority, as well as veteran, businesses, Get assistance with a Kickstarter campaign or pro-forma financial projections too. Find their free services here. https://www.startupjunkie.org/
Women’s Foundation of Arkansas helps women owned private businesses and non-profits. In most years they provide free grants, including to Black women owned businesses in AR. There is also training, assistance with financial literacy or business plan development, non-profit development and other programs. The goal is to support businesses, and non-profits, that help women, girls, teens and females in need. Learn more here. https://womensfoundationarkansas.org/
April 2025
Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program helps non-profits and organizations that focus on the underserved in the rural area. The USDA is providing interest free loans or small grants in Arkansas, with details on the federal program here. https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-microentrepreneur-assistance-program/ar
February and March 2025
Arkansas Community Foundation and the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation are offering grants to non-profits in the state. Applicants need to focus on supporting the African American community in Arkansas. The non-profits can help with business development, health or social causes as well as other needs. Up to $2,500 can be provided to qualified non-profits. https://www.arcf.org/apply/nonprofits/apply-for-black-hall-of-fame-grants/
December 2024 and January 2025
The Venture Center is running the Veteran-Owned Small Business Accelerator. While a focus is on vet owned businesses in NW Arkansas, others can apply too. The Arkansas Economic Development Commission (AEDC) as well as Walton Family Foundation are partners. The Accelerator will help veteran owned businesses raise money, find grants, and get support. Read more here. https://www.venturecenter.co/accelerators/veteran-owned-small-business-accelerator/
October 2023
Sevier County Small Business Grant Writing Course will help small businesses as well as non-profit find and apply for grants. The free workshop provides tips on applying, information on where and how to apply as well as other tools. The service will also veterans, minorities, and anyone in need of funds apply. Call (870) 584-1178 for details.
February and March 2023
Non-profits in Arkansas, that are focused on helping the Black community or minorities, can apply for grants. The money and applications are part of the Arkansas Black Hall of Fame Foundation as well as the Arkansas Community Foundation. Non-profits that apply can be focused on employment, education, financial literacy and other needs of the African American community in AR. Find details here. https://www.arcf.org/apply/nonprofits/apply-for-black-hall-of-fame-grants/
January and February 2021
Small to midsized businesses in Arkansas can apply for round 2 of the PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) from the SBA. Various national and local lenders are participating. They are giving first applications to women as well as minority owned companies. Businesses with less than 300 employees can apply, and the applicant needs to have been hit by COVID. Free grants can help with payroll, rent, bills, PPE equipment and other bills. Read more. https://arcapital.com/
November 2020
Hospitality, service, restaurant and travel businesses in Arkansas can apply for free grants. The funds are for small to mid sized businesses (with less than 250 employees), and a couple hundred thousand dollars may be offered to qualified businesses, including minority and female owned. It can be for expenses including rent, utilities, salaries, and other expenses that need to be paid in order for the business to remain open. The government and CARES act are offering these free grants. Call (888) 722-1554 for information, or apply here, https://arkansasready.com/news/grant-to-aid-the-arkansas-service-and-hospitality-industries/
By Jon McNamara
