June 9, 2025
WASHINGTON D.C. – America’s economic strength has always been driven by its entrepreneurs. Yet for too many aspiring founders, especially those from underserved communities, access to capital, mentorship, and business development support remains out of reach.
Minority-owned businesses employ nearly 10 million Americans and contribute over $357 billion in annual payroll. But despite this immense contribution to our economy, 8 in 10 minority-owned businesses still fail within their first 18 months—often due to barriers to opportunity, not potential.
To meet this challenge head-on, Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-01) is leading a bipartisan coalition including Representatives Nikema Williams (D-GA-05), Dwight Evans (D-PA-03), Norma Torres (D-CA-35), and Alma Adams (D-NC-12) to expand access to entrepreneurship resources for students attending Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and other Minority-Serving Institutions (MSIs).
“Small businesses are the lifeblood of PA-1 and communities across America—but too often, minority entrepreneurs face barriers to getting started,” said 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.”
This legislation builds on Congressman Fitzpatrick’s longstanding commitment to supporting small business growth and expanding opportunity for all. From championing tax relief and regulatory reform to supporting workforce development and capital access initiatives, Fitzpatrick has consistently prioritized policies that empower local entrepreneurs, strengthen economic mobility, and create pathways to success in every corner of PA-1 and beyond.
What the legislation does:
This legislation is a long-term investment in America’s entrepreneurial future. By equipping students with the tools to transform ideas into enterprises, the Minority Entrepreneurship Grant Program Act strengthens individual lives, local economies, and our shared national prosperity.
