Building Wealth Locally. Supporting Entrepreneurs Equitably.
Small businesses are the backbone of Salt Lake County’s economy, but too often they’re last in line for funding, mentorship, and visibility. The County must do more to remove barriers for BIPOC-, women-, and immigrant-owned businesses.
The Problem:
- Minority-owned businesses are underrepresented in grant funding, procurement, and visibility.
- Economic development often overlooks neighborhoods outside downtown and east side corridors.
- Training and mentorship programs are not always culturally relevant or accessible to first-time entrepreneurs.
Aaron’s Plan: Opportunity Where It's Needed Most
1. Launch a Small Business Resource Hub – Provide step-by-step licensing help, grant access, and business coaching at the county level.
2. Prioritize Equity in Grant Distribution – Design targeted grant programs for BIPOC, women, and immigrant entrepreneurs.
3. Connect Workforce Training to Local Jobs – Align job readiness programs with actual local employer needs and growth sectors.
Why this Mattres
Because local businesses create local jobs—and when we invest in our entrepreneurs, we invest in stability, pride, and ownership. We need an economy that doesn’t just recover—it needs to include everyone.
What the County is Doing Now
Salt Lake County operates through its Office of Regional Development and supports economic initiatives through community partners. However, many small business owners don’t know these services exist or don’t have easy access to use them—especially in underserved communities.
Local Nonprofits Making a Difference
• Suazo Business Center – https://suazocenter.org/
• Utah Microloan Fund – https://www.utahmicroloanfund.org/
• The Other Side Academy – https://www.theothersideacademy.com/
• Salt Lake County Economic Development – https://slco.org/economic-development/
• Women's Business Center of Utah – https://wbcutah.org/