MINORITY-OWNED BUSINESS LOANS

Competitive financing to support your success

M&T is an equal opportunity lender that understands your community.

Financing diversity

M&T Bank is proud to back the dreams of multicultural, women and other diverse entrepreneurs. We can help you access loans for operational expenses, acquisitions, new construction, equipment purchases and much more, and we feature an unbiased underwriting process. We’ll help you find the most affordable financing solution for your unique circumstance. And we can work with you to structure your loan for the best chance of approval.

Help with your business plan 

We’ll guide you to the resources you need to create an effective business plan that shows you’ve got an actionable idea. We’ll offer tips on documenting your finances. And we’ll teach you what personal credit information you need if you haven’t previously owned a business. 

Multiple options 

We can execute a business loan to finance your operation, whether established or just beginning. We offer several loan opportunities designed for small businesses. 

A lasting connection

M&T features a multicultural, women and other diverse-owned business banking team that actively seeks resources and access to support that extends beyond traditional banking. We’re committed to your long-term success and will be there for you well beyond the closing of your loan.

 

Let our experience with small business loans pay off for you. Visit your local M&T branch or schedule an appointment.

Explore More

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Loans for Black Owned Business

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Loans for Women Owned Business

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Loans for Native American Owned Business

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Loans for Veteran Owned Business

Top questions, answered by our experts.

There are numerous federal and state governmental agencies that offer minority-owned business certification, each with a different registration process. To qualify, a business usually must have at least 51 percent minority ownership as well as participation in day-to-day operations by a minority owner. Becoming certified can open access to federal, state, local and corporate contracts. Many of those entities set aside a portion of their contract budgets for minority-owned businesses in the name of promoting business diversity.

Common organizations that offer minority-owned business certification include the Small Business Administration, the National Minority Supplier Development Council and the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program. Your state or local government may also offer certification programs. Qualification and registration requirements will vary by organization.

M&T Bank is proud to back the dreams of multicultural entrepreneurs. We can help you access loans for operational expenses, acquisitions, new construction, equipment purchases and much more, and we feature an unbiased underwriting process. We’ll help you find the most affordable financing solution for your unique circumstance. And we can work with you to structure your loan for the best chance of approval.

In most cases, having at least 51 percent minority ownership and a minority owner active in daily operations qualifies a business as minority-owned. Specific qualification requirements will vary based on which of several organizations are issuing the minority-owned certification. Being certified as minority-owned can give business access to federal, state, local and corporate contracts that are reserved for minority-owned businesses.

Organizations that offer minority-owned business certification include the Small Business Administration, the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise program and state and local government programs. In the case of NMSDC and other organizations, an individual owner must be at least 25% Asian-Indian, Asian-Pacific, Black, Hispanic or Native American to qualify as a minority owner.

M&T Bank is proud to back the dreams of multicultural entrepreneurs. We can help you access loans for operational expenses, acquisitions, new construction, equipment purchases and much more, and we feature an unbiased underwriting process. We’ll help you find the most affordable financing solution for your unique circumstance. And we can work with you to structure your loan for the best chance of approval.

Learning Modules

BANKING FOR ENTREPRENEURS

How to Use Business Credit

Learn about the different types of credit that can help support your business operations. 

BANKING FOR ENTREPRENEURS

How Businesses Obtain Credit

Learn what’s needed to obtain credit, so that you’re better prepared when you’re ready to apply.

BANKING FOR ENTREPRENEURS

Financial Wellbeing for Entrepreneurs

Learn more about the financial basics of entrepreneurship.

This article is for informational purposes. It is not designed or intended to provide financial, tax, legal, investment, accounting, or other professional advice since such advice always requires consideration of individual circumstances. Please consult with the professionals of your choice to discuss your situation.