SOUTH BEND, Ind. – The City of South Bend’s Office of Diversity & Inclusion has launched a new Small Business Assistance Suite to get businesses some much needed resources the pandemic has brought on.

The suite is designed to connect entrepreneurs and small business owners with services like bookkeeping, taxes, finance coaching, and even legal services.

“A survey we conducted of 600 small minority-owned businesses in South Bend found that more than 80 percent didn’t qualify for CARES Act funding as a result of barriers in qualifying criteria. This program will help connect small business owners with resources to register their business, apply for licenses and open doors for them in the formal economy,” said Michael Patton, Diversity & Inclusion Office.

The program will also support those that are benefited by South Bend Alive grants.

“This restorative work asks embedded lawyers, accounting firms, and business coaches to serve and inspire business owners to build all businesses stronger, particularly those owned by the Black and Brown communities of South Bend,” said Antonius Northern, Inclusive Project Manager.

To apply for the new program just visit this site.