Entrepreneurship
Entrepreneurship can provide economic stability and community empowerment for immigrants and migrants. Many face challenges like lack of access to credit, complex regulations, and limited business networks. However, resources are available to help them start and grow businesses, access funding, and gain knowledge about local markets. By supporting immigrant entrepreneurs, we enable them to contribute to their communities, create jobs, and build financial independence. Check out our legal services resource page here to find Utah attorneys specializing in entrepreneurship and employment visas.
Entrepreneurship Services
Summary: The mission of the IRC is to help people whose lives and livelihoods are shattered by conflict and disaster, including the climate crisis, to survive, recover, and gain control of their future.
Services Offered: The IRC-SLC Economic Wellbeing team supports refugees and new Americans in achieving financial stability and economic independence through employment programs, financial coaching, credit-building loans, and small business development. They offer job-readiness training, microenterprise programs, and access to low-interest loans for business and homeownership, alongside resources for financial literacy and asset-building. With specialized programs in various business sectors, the IRC helps clients build stable careers, establish credit, and pursue entrepreneurship at no cost.
Requirements: Have refugee or asylum status.
Preferred Contact Method: Call (801) 328-1091 or email SaltLakeCity@Rescue.org.
Cost: No cost.
Summary: Their purpose is to connect refugee entrepreneurs and business owners with local business resources so they can launch, sustain, and grow successful businesses.
Services Offered: The Microbusiness Connection Center provides people of refugee background who are interested in opening small businesses access to existing resources such as business mentors, training and education, technical assistance, networking opportunities, and more. They also help existing resources reach out and adapt to the needs of the refugee-owned business communities. The Microbusiness Connection Center connects refugee and New American entrepreneurs to volunteers to act as mentors in addressing common obstacles that these entrepreneurs may face in progressing their business and contributing to their overall self-sufficiency.
Requirements: Have refugee or asylum status.
Preferred Contact Method: Please email Mattie Vandel to learn more about the services and partnership opportunities. They'll be able to answer any questions you may have about how the Microbusiness Connection Center can support your business goals. Mattie Vandel: (385) 468-4861; mattie.vandel@rescue.org.
Cost: No cost.
Summary: The Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce (PICC) supports the growth and success of Pacific Islander businesses by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities for entrepreneurs of all levels, with a focus on underserved and ethnic communities. With chapters in Salt Lake and Utah counties, PICC fosters collaboration and connection through monthly meetings that welcome all business-minded individuals, featuring opportunities for partnerships, contracts, and employment.
Services Offered: The Pacific Island Chamber of Commerce (PICC) supports Pacific Islanders and other underserved business owners in Utah by providing resources, mentorship, and networking opportunities to help businesses grow and thrive. PICC hosts monthly meetups in Salt Lake and Utah Counties, where members connect, explore collaborations, and gain access to educational resources. Open to all business-minded individuals and organizations, PICC offers tiered memberships with benefits and trade scholarships to foster a supportive and inclusive business community.
Requirements: All business-minded individuals, Pacific Islanders, and non-Pacific Islanders and organizations are welcome to join. To join complete the member application found here. PIK2AR/PICC certifies that they are diverse, equitable, and inclusive. They maintain a non-discrimination policy that ensures PIK2AR and its programs do not discriminate based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sexual orientation, gender identity and/or expression, disability, marital status, genetic information, veteran status or other factors that are protected by law.
Preferred Contact Method: Email info@pik2ar.org.
Cost: There are various annual memberships including a: Start-up Membership: $195, Ready to Launch Membership: $295, Sustainability Membership: $2,500, and Corporate Membership: $5,000. There are trade scholarships available. Each membership gets you benefits and resources.
Summary: Spice Kitchen Incubator is a program of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City. It supports refugees, immigrants, and other low-to-moderate-income individuals in launching and growing food businesses.
Services Offered: Spice Kitchen Incubator supports aspiring entrepreneurs as they start, scale, and sustain their own culinary businesses. The goal is to improve the chances of start-up and early-stage businesses growing into healthy, viable companies. Spice Kitchen Incubator provides culturally and linguistically accessible training and technical assistance through a mix of individual meetings, workshops, mentorship, and hands-on learning opportunities. The curriculum covers business establishment, product development, marketing, financial literacy, and networking.
Requirements: Must be low-to-moderate income and complete an application to the program here. Applications are accepted on an ongoing basis, with a new cohort beginning each year in March.
Preferred Contact Method: Email spice.kitchenincubator@rescue.org or call (385) 202-5207.
Summary: The Suazo Business Center serves the Hispanic and underrepresented communities in Salt Lake, Weber, and Washington counties by providing expert bilingual business services. They offer advising on business registration, marketing strategies, planning, and financial health, as well as courses and workshops on topics like payroll, civic engagement, and business certifications for government contracts. Additionally, the center provides financial assistance to support the launch and growth of new and existing businesses.
Services Offered: The Suazo business center has several expert bilingual services. They offer advising appointments to help business owners with registration, marketing strategies, business planning, and financial health. They offer basic, intermedia, and advanced courses for entrepreneurs, helping them explore, launch, and grow their business skills and ideas with in-depth training. Suazo also holds workshops on Square and payroll, civic engagement & legislation, DBE: business certifications for government contracts, and HR basics. Suazo offers loans/financial assistance solutions for our students, to facilitate the launch of their new businesses and the expansion of existing ones.
Requirements: Available to the Latino/Hispanic community and other underserved (minorities) communities.
Preferred Contact Method: Email getintouch@suazocenter.org or call (801) 521-1709.
Summary: The Center tackles Utah's socioeconomic disparities through a community-driven approach, fostering partnerships to address gaps in education, housing, healthcare, and the economy. It amplifies community voices, invests in local solutions, and promotes belonging to enhance Utah's prosperity. Key initiatives include the New American Task Force, which supports economic and social inclusion for immigrants; the Young Professionals Network, fostering collaboration among professionals in community building; and the Utah Digital Opportunity Network, which builds capacity and guides impactful investments in digital equity.
Services Offered: Through initiatives like the New American Task Force, Young Professionals Network, and Utah Digital Opportunity Network, the Center fosters community-driven solutions, amplifies community voices, and promotes a sense of belonging to enhance collective prosperity in Utah. The center also provides resources for fostering inclusive workplaces and supporting Utah’s diverse communities.
Requirements: No requirements.
Preferred Contact Method: Call (801) 502-2325 or email admin@belonginutah.org
Summary: The Utah Asian Chamber of Commerce exists to “foster Asian business and professionals within the state of Utah, particularly small businesses, with activities that result in a prosperous and economically healthy Asian community, and to promote international trade with Asian and other countries.”
Services Offered: The Utah Asian American Chamber of Commerce (UACC) supports Asian business owners and professionals in Utah by offering resources, training, networking, and mentorship to foster entrepreneurial success. Members gain access to exclusive events, business mentorship, and a network of peers for support and collaboration. UACC also offers women-focused services, including one-on-one advising and inclusion in the Utah Women-Owned Business Directory, with membership options for corporations, small businesses, nonprofits, and students.
Requirements: No requirements.
Preferred Contact Method: Email infouacc@gmail.com
Cost: They have three annual membership levels: Corporate ($1,000), Individual/Small business ($100), & Non-Profit/Student ($50). Price is based on the level and benefits you desire.
Summary: The Utah Black Chamber was created as a safe space for Black professionals to feel included, thrive, and elevate each other. We also exist to foster an inclusive community full of opportunities for all. They are an award-winning multidisciplinary team based all across Utah, with chapters in Salt Lake City, Utah County, Northern Utah, and Southern Utah. Their passion for entrepreneurship drives them to create engaging partnerships that improve the lives of black professionals and business leaders across the state. They work with businesses and people to create a more equitable Utah. The Utah Black Chamber's values are rooted in advocacy, representation, and financial enrichment. The Utah Black Chamber wanted to cultivate a chamber culture demonstrating our devotion to improving Utah's business community by connecting a pipeline of resources to underrepresented and minority-owned businesses across the state. They provide immersive events, informational webinars, financial sponsorships, and professional upskilling for its members.
Services Offered: The Utah Black Chamber supports Black professionals and businesses statewide by fostering economic diversity, inclusion, and entrepreneurship through advocacy, networking, and resource-sharing. With chapters across Utah, the chamber offers immersive events, webinars, sponsorships, and skill-building opportunities for its members. Membership options are available for individuals, startups, and corporations, promoting a culture of inclusivity where allies are also welcome to engage in community activities and resource sharing.
Requirements: No requirements.
Preferred Contact Method: Call (801) 747-9134 or email info@utahblackchamber.com
Cost: There are various annual memberships including a: Diamond Membership $75,000, Platinum Membership of $ 25,000, Emerald Membership $10,000, Sapphire Membership $6,500, Gold Membership $2,000, Silver Membership $750, Bronze Membership $300, Start-up Business Membership $150, Individual -Starter Membership (Non-Business Membership) $100, and Student-Starter Membership (Non-Business Membership) $50. Each membership gets you benefits and resources.
Summary: This office supports Utah’s efforts in immigrant integration by assisting individuals and businesses with recruiting and retaining international talent and navigating the foreign labor process. Collaborate with state agencies to develop and implement policies and programs that promote economic opportunities for immigrant communities. Lead a task force to review immigration policies, offer recommendations, and strengthen partnerships with local officials, businesses, and community stakeholders. Provide expert advice to the governor, state agencies, and legislature on immigrant integration and foreign labor strategies to foster a more inclusive and prosperous state.
Services Offered: The center assists individuals and businesses in navigating pathways to recruit and retain global talent. It also engages with state and federal government partners to convene, facilitate, and advise on immigration policy and strategies that promote economic opportunity for New Americans or foreign-born individuals living in Utah. The center provides resources and presentations to businesses and individuals on global talent, including guidance for employers on working with the existing immigrant workforce, navigating employment-based visa pathways, work authorization, naturalization, and more.
Requirements: No requirements.
Preferred Contact Method: Call (801) 538-8680 or email immigrationcenter@utah.gov
Summary: The Utah Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (UHCC) supports Hispanic entrepreneurs by providing business consulting, leadership training, and a robust network to promote and grow businesses. UHCC offers a business academy with courses on leadership, marketing, and technology, and hosts monthly events, workshops, and conventions for networking and collaboration. Members can access tailored business promotions and financial programs, with various membership levels available based on desired benefits.
Services Offered: The UHCC provides comprehensive business consulting services, including financial guidance, business planning and creation, legal support, insurance, marketing, and social media strategies. Their Business Academy equips entrepreneurs with leadership, strategic planning, marketing, team management, customer service, and technology skills. UHCC also offers a robust business network, promoting members' businesses through tailored options such as Basic, Highlighted, or Banner modalities for financial programs, consulting, directories, and networking. Their employment network helps businesses connect with potential employees by sharing job opportunities. Each month, UHCC hosts diverse events such as workshops, fairs, and networking gatherings in partnership with various companies and institutions. Additionally, their conferences and conventions allow members to engage with sponsors and experience UHCC’s pivotal role in Utah's business community.
Requirements: Be a Hispanic entrepreneur.
Preferred Contact Method: Email info@utahhcc.com
Cost: They have various corporate membership levels and prices. Price is based on the level and benefits you desire. Presidential ($30K+ per year), Platnum ($20K per year), Gold ($10K per year), and Silver ($5K per year).
Summary: The Utah Innovation Center, part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, supports Utah-based tech startups and small businesses by providing guidance, mentorship, and grant-writing assistance for the federal SBIR/STTR funding programs, known as America’s Seed Fund. These competitive, non-dilutive grants offer up to $250,000 in Phase I for feasibility studies and up to $1.5 million in Phase II for further development, with Phase III focused on commercialization. Eligible Utah companies can access most of the center's services for free, while some events may have minimal fees.
Services Offered: The Utah Innovation Center, part of the Governor’s Office of Economic Opportunity, drives technology innovation by guiding Utah startups and small businesses through funding opportunities like the SBIR/STTR programs (America’s Seed Fund). These federal programs award about $4 billion annually to support research, development, and commercialization of innovative solutions, offering non-dilutive funding in competitive phases. Phase I provides up to $250,000 for feasibility studies, Phase II offers up to $1.5 million to expand results, and Phase III focuses on commercialization. The center provides free mentoring, grant-writing assistance, and resources to help small businesses succeed, all while preserving their intellectual property and ownership.
Requirements: All technology innovation businesses that possess a Utah business license and are eligible for the federal SBIR/STTR program may work with the Utah Innovation Center. The company must meet these federal requirements: For-profit company, American-owned, At least 51% owned by individuals, and 500 or fewer employees.
Preferred Contact Method: Email innovationutah@utah.gov
Cost: Consultations, editing, and guidance are available at no cost to Utah businesses. Events, including workshops and seminars, may have nominal fees.
Summary: The Utah Multicultural Business Summit is a platform for all in the minority communities to join for business networking, providing a bridge between minority community members, the business community, and the Utah state government. They offer career training, which includes improving computer skills and job-hunting skills. They offer a business accelerator program, which consists of ten weeks of classes to learn how to develop your businesses, how to write a business plan, and how to get a loan. You can gain as well gain tech help to promote your business online. They can connect you with resources for financial support and government policy resources. They host summits yearly summits that anyone is welcome to attend.
Services Offered: The Utah Multicultural Business Summit is an annual event fostering connections between minority community members, the business sector, and the Utah state government. It offers career training, a ten-week business accelerator program, tech support for online business promotion, and access to financial and policy resources. Open to all, the summit provides networking opportunities and support for minority entrepreneurs and professionals to grow and develop their businesses.
Requirements: No requirements.
Preferred Contact Method: Call (801) 800-3340 or email Utahchinese2021@gmail.com
Summary: USBCI aims to help small businesses grow by providing much-needed access to capital. USBCI has two loan programs: the USBCI Capital Access Program (CAP) and the USBCI Loan Participation Program (LPP). The USBCI Capital Access Program (CAP) provides lender loss protection to help lenders fund projects they typically may not fund or where the lender’s risk may be higher due to a non-collateralized loan. The USBCI Loan Participation Program (LPP) enables small business owners to obtain a reasonable rate and term on medium to long-term financing through a collateralized term loan. USBCI contracts with Utah lenders, including the following: Banks, Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), Credit unions, Economic Development Organizations (EDOS) with revolving loan funds, and Nonprofit lenders. Small businesses go to USBCI-contracted lenders to apply for and secure loans in partnership with the state.
Services Offered: The Utah Small Business Credit Initiative (USBCI) provides capital access to help small businesses grow, with two loan programs: the Capital Access Program (CAP) for higher-risk, non-collateralized loans, and the Loan Participation Program (LPP) for collateralized, medium- to long-term loans at reasonable rates. Businesses apply through enrolled lenders, including banks and credit unions, which work with USBCI to assess eligibility based on factors like business plans, financial projections, and credit scores.
Requirements: Businesses must apply through an enrolled lender to participate in the USBCI program. Because this program works with lenders’ private capital, it reduces but does not eliminate traditional lending requirements.
Program requirements include the following: Business plan/intended use, Financial projections, Tax returns, Collateral, Business, and personal credit scores, and USBCI certifications (listed below). USBCI-enrolled lenders will work with borrowers individually to evaluate their eligibility and underwrite loans in partnership with the USBCI program. The Enrolled Lenders website can be found here.Preferred Contact Method: Call (801) 538-8680 or email usbci@utah.gov for more information about USBCI's program offerings and services.
Summary: The Utah Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide business owners with free, confidential consultations and affordable training to support every stage of business development, from start-up to succession planning. Through the Entrepreneur Academy, small businesses can access resources like online counseling, webinars, podcasts, and more. Certified consultants assist with various services, including business planning, finance, marketing, management, market research, government contracting, and international trade. With a network of resources and tools, the SBDC empowers Utah businesses to start, grow, and thrive.
Services Offered: The Utah Small Business Development Centers (SBDC) provide statewide support to small business owners through free, confidential consultations and low-cost training to assist with starting, growing, or transitioning a business. Services include business planning, financial management, marketing, and access to the Entrepreneur Academy, which offers online resources like training, webinars, and podcasts. SBDC's certified consultants offer guidance across all business stages, from start-up to succession planning, to help Utah entrepreneurs succeed.
Requirements: No requirements.
Preferred Contact Method: Every SBDC has its contact information. You can find the locations here.
Cost: Free to low cost.
Summary: WBC is a dedicated advocate for Utah women business owners; we support the everyday woman through loyalty, honesty, and world-class technical services, amplified with advocacy. They strive to help business owners avoid costly mistakes, build confidence, gain critical skills, and implement best practices to run purposeful and profitable businesses. WBC has two offices, one in Cedar City and one in Salt Lake City. After completing their sign-up form, you will gain access to their advising, training, and directory services. WBC offers a variety of women-focused training options for new entrepreneurs, seasoned business owners, and anyone looking to improve their business' health. Training is at no cost, and it includes workshops & seminars and instructor-led classes.WBC hosts several annual special events that all women are welcome to join; they have a podcast and online self-paced courses that are accessible 24/7.
Services Offered: The Women's Business Center of Utah (WBC) supports women entrepreneurs statewide by providing free advising, training, and resources designed to build confidence and promote successful business ownership. With offices in Cedar City and Salt Lake City, WBC offers workshops, seminars, and self-paced online courses, as well as access to a directory of women-owned businesses in Utah. Their services are open to all women who complete a one-time sign-up form.
Requirements: The only requirement to participate in WBCUtah services is to complete their Sign Up form which can be found here.
To add your women-owned business to the Utah Women-Owned Business Directory, simply answer Yes to the directory opt-in question near the end of the Sign Up form.Preferred Contact Method: Call (801) 328-5066 or email info@wbcutah.com
Cost: No cost.