The Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) Grant program is an annual event administered by Regional Economic Development Inc. (REDI) and funded by the City of Columbia. The program aims to promote inclusivity and elevate underrepresented businesses. Each year, $50,000 is awarded to ten minority-owned businesses in Columbia, Missouri, with each recipient receiving $5,000. Eligible applicants include businesses that are 51% or more owned by individuals who self-identify as African, African American, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic, Latinx, Native American (including Native Alaskan or Hawaiian), or Subcontinent Asian. Additional eligibility criteria include having a Columbia business license, being legally registered with the State of Missouri, having 10 or fewer employees, and working with a business coach.
Phase One of the application concerning eligibility will be accepted starting at 8:00am on July 8, 2024 and end at 5:00pm on July 19, 2024. Only eligible applications will proceed to Phase Two.