Today, Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher (TX-07) announced that two local nonprofits, the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services and LiftFund, Inc., have been awarded $350,000 in combined grants through the U.S. Small Business Administration’s (SBA’s) Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs (PRIME).  PRIME awards support nonprofit organizations that help underserved entrepreneurs access capital to establish and expand small businesses. 

“Small businesses are drivers of our country’s economy and essential pillars of our community, and I am glad to announce this funding for TX-07 organizations,” said Congresswoman Lizzie Fletcher.  “These grants will provide critical support to local entrepreneurs most in need of assistance so that they can build and grow robust businesses.” 

“The Alliance is honored to be selected as a recipient of the SBA PRIME grant award to assist underserved micro-entrepreneurs establish and grow their small businesses,” said Jim Nguyen, Director of Asset Building Programs at the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services.  “We have strong roots in the community and years of experience providing SBA microloans and culturally competent technical assistance to women-owned and minority-owned businesses.  We have also offered critical recovery services to businesses impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.  This award will allow us to expand our reach in the community and ensure that entrepreneurs from diverse backgrounds have the resources they need to realize their dreams of opening and expanding their small businesses.”

“LiftFund is proud to be among the community partners selected for the SBA PRIME grant,” said Janie Barrera, Executive Vice President of LiftFund, Inc.  “Small businesses across the country need a hand, especially in the current economic climate, and this funding will go a long way in helping us uplift underestimated entrepreneurs in Texas, Alabama, and Louisiana. Through our experience in serving these communities, we know the impact that technical assistance, in combination with affordable capital, can have on small businesses and the communities they support.”

PRIME awards in TX-07 include:

• $150,000 for the Alliance for Multicultural Community Services, an organization that supports self-sufficiency and employment opportunities for people facing financial, health, language, or cultural barriers. 

• $200,000 for LiftFund, Inc., a community development financial institution that supports small business owners through microloans, small business loans, and other resources. 

In March, Congresswoman Fletcher voted for the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, H.R. 2471, a bipartisan government funding bill that included $7 million for PRIME.  Last year, she also voted for the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, which made permanent the Minority Business Development Agency and expanded its ability to support minority entrepreneurs across the country.