Resources for diverse-owned businesses
Find the confidence to thrive with U.S. Bank Business Essentials®.
We’re committed to supporting diverse-owned businesses and addressing the wealth gap.
Make the dream possible with U.S. Bank as your partner.
Business ownership provides one of the best ways to grow Black wealth. According to a 2020 research study, the median net worth for Black business owners is 12 times higher than Black non-business owners.1
Grow your business with our Business Diversity Lending Program.
Women-owned small businesses
Veteran-owned small businesses
U.S. Bank is committed to helping close historical lending gaps among minorities, women and veterans. We are one of the few banks in the country to offer a special purpose credit program under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act that provides funding opportunities to traditionally underserved communities. Our Business Diversity Lending Program includes U.S. Bank’s traditional business loans and lines of credit, but with credit guidelines that open the door to include a wider audience of business owners.
Through Business Access Advisors and capital commitments, we are investing in Black-owned businesses.
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Tim Welsh, U.S. Bank Vice Chair Business Banking
Connect with experts, networks and funding in your community.
Learn from other successful Black entrepreneurs in your area through a network of Business Access Advisors. They will connect you with local business coaches, service providers and specialized grants.
Find community support for Black business owners.
Connect with other small business owners in your local community. A support system is there when you need it.
Consult with a trusted advisor.
The Business Access Advisor connects you with networking and business development opportunities. Learn about special financing available for your business.
Explore other programs for diverse-owned businesses.
U.S. Bank Access CommitmentTM
U.S. Bank Access Commitment is our long-term framework to help build wealth, redefine how we serve diverse communities and bridge the wealth gap. As part of that overall commitment, Access Business creates more opportunities for diverse business owners, starting with the Black community.
U.S. Bank supplier diversity
We believe diversity is better for business and have spent over $515 million in 2021 with certified minority, women, LGBTQ, veteran and disabled-owned businesses.
U.S. Bank Access Fund
We provide alternative funding to diverse-owned businesses. This includes $25 million supporting more than 30,000 women of color owned microbusinesses over three years.
Insights for your business.
Knowledge is power. Here you’ll find best practices to manage a business and get tips to make everyday financial decisions a little bit easier.
Business tips and advice for Black entrepreneurs
A business banking development consultant provides best practices for starting a business.
How to get a small business loan
Talk to your lender about your business goals to ensure you’re getting a loan that best suits your needs.
How to identify what tech is needed for your small business
Take a regular small business technology needs assessment to identify gaps and opportunities.
Understand the financial basics of managing a business.
From developing a business plan to obtaining credit, learn the building blocks of entrepreneurship. The financial future of your business depends on it.
Developing a business plan (5 min)
Learn about the components of a business plan and how to create one that communicates your business’s financial future and health.
How businesses obtain credit (5 min)
Learn what’s needed to obtain credit, so that you’re better prepared when you’re ready to apply.
Financial wellbeing for entrepreneurs (10 min)
Learn more about the principles of entrepreneurship.
What inspires diverse business owners?
Going to work, loving the people you’re around and loving what you do is a gift.
– Odette D'Aniello, Celebrity Cake Studio
It’s hair, it’s beauty, it’s a vibe, it’s an energy and it’s about your inner-beauty.
– Latrece Nelson, Shampoo’ed
Explore Business Essentials.
From business checking to payment solutions, U.S. Bank Business Essentials offers products, resources and services to help small businesses thrive, all in one place.
Pay & receive
Business banking options that seamlessly integrate with payment solutions to help you manage your business finances with ease.
Manage & run
Streamline your operations and make informed money decisions with a clear view of your finances in one place.
Plan & progress
Take your business to the next level with expert advice, lending solutions and staff management tools designed for growth.
Frequently asked questions
U.S. Bank has made $305 million in loan commitments to Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in 2021. CDFIs support underserved communities that may not be eligible for traditional small business financing, primarily women and minority-owned businesses.
U.S. Bank spent $199 million with Black suppliers in 2021. U.S. Bank requires a company be at least 51% owned, controlled and managed by one or more minority group members. Find out more about diverse supplier qualifications.
According to a study from the National Bureau of Economic Research, the COVID-19 economic shutdown hurt Black American businesses disproportionately among racial and ethnic groups in the U.S., resulting in a 41% decline of Black owners in 2020.2
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Equal Housing Lender
