WASHINGTON –  At the urging of the Idaho Congressional Delegation, the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) today approved the Idaho Hispanic Foundation (IHF) for a Community Navigator Pilot Program grant. This grant will enable the IHF, in concert with the Idaho Women’s Business Center, to support entrepreneurial activities in traditionally underserved areas of Idaho.

“Idaho’s small businesses are responsible for so much of the success the Gem State has experienced over the past decade. We want to keep that momentum going,” said Risch. “The Community Navigator Pilot Program will fuel the entrepreneurial spirit that thrives in Idaho’s rural regions as well as our urban hubs. Congratulations to the IHF on securing this well-earned grant.”

“Idahoans have worked hard to overcome the incredible challenges COVID-19 has presented.  Many communities and small businesses, especially minority-owned businesses and entrepreneurs from underserved communities, have relied on federal support to help turn the corner on the pandemic. This includes the Small Business Administration’s Community Navigator Program, which provides crucial aid for underserved small businesses and connects them with vital resources. I applaud the SBA’s decision to award a grant to the Idaho Hispanic Foundation. This award will help empower the IHF to work collaboratively with the Idaho Women’s Business Center and organizations across the state to meet the needs of struggling small business owners,” said Crapo. “Ensuring those that have historically been underserved or left behind have access to resources that will help them overcome pandemic-related hindrances and enhance a lasting outlook for success is key amid the country’s ongoing economic recovery.”

“I am thrilled that the Small Business Administration has awarded grant funding through the Community Navigator Program to the Idaho Hispanic Foundation,” said Simpson. “This funding is coming at an opportune time as business owners throughout Idaho are seeking to put the economic effects of the COVID-19 pandemic behind them. I look forward to seeing the great things that the IHF in coordination with the Idaho Women’s Business Center will accomplish with this award.”

“It is great to work together with our Idaho delegation to bring this positive attribute to the Gem State’s entrepreneurs and small businesses,” said Fulcher. “I look forward to seeing the positive outcomes of these efforts!”

Background: The Community Navigator Pilot Program grant will empower the Idaho Hispanic Foundation to collaborate with statewide “spoke” organizations to boost entrepreneurship throughout Idaho via activities like outreach events and webinars. These spoke organizations include the Idaho Veterans Chamber of Commerce, Veteran Entrepreneur Alliance, South Central Idaho Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, Idaho Black Community Alliance, Shoshone-Bannock Tribe, North Idaho Native Fund, and the Nez Perce Tribe.

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