Congresswoman Nikema Williams Leads Legislation to Support Entrepreneurs at HBCUs and Other Minority-Serving Institutions

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congresswoman Nikema Williams (GA-05), a member of the Exclusive House Committee on Financial Services, 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 Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

Representatives Norma Torres (CA-35), Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01), Alma Adams (NC-12), and Dwight Evans (PA-03) are co-leading the introduction of the Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act. 

Congresswoman Nikema Williams said:

“From costly tariff taxes to attacks on the Small Business Administration and diversity initiatives, aspiring minority business owners are facing new barriers every day.

The Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program will help break down those barriers and give the next generation of minority business owners a fair shot at the promise of America. Investing in minority-owned businesses is also a key step toward closing the racial wealth gap. I’m proud to advance legislation that expands entrepreneurship opportunities for everyone — no matter your ZIP code, no matter your bank account.”

“Entrepreneurship and small businesses are the backbone of our communities, yet too many minority entrepreneurs are unable to access the capital and funding needed to grow and succeed. We must remove barriers to opportunity,” said Congresswoman Norma Torres. “The bipartisan Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act is a crucial step toward leveling the playing field—providing targeted grants to centers of innovation and minority-serving institutions, like Hispanic-Serving Institutions. By empowering the next generation of minority entrepreneurs, we are fueling strong, sustainable businesses that will uplift local economies, create jobs, and drive long-term growth in the Inland Empire and across the nation.”

“Minority-owned small businesses are essential to the success of our economy, providing outsized innovation, growth, and community development throughout the country,” said Congresswoman Adams. “If we want them to continue to succeed, we need to meaningfully invest in these businesses and match the incredible impact they offer us. The Bipartisan Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act will ensure that minority-owned small businesses have the resources they need to not just survive, but to thrive, and continue to lead for generations to come.”

“Small businesses are the lifeblood of PA-1 and communities across America—but too often, minority entrepreneurs face barriers to getting started,” said Rep. Fitzpatrick. “The Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act changes that by delivering targeted support to students at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions. This is about unlocking potential, expanding access to capital, and giving every aspiring entrepreneur—regardless of background—the opportunity to build, grow, and lead.”

Read the one pager on the bill here.

Read the bill here.