Important Information for Vietnamese-American Business Owners
Are you a Vietnamese-American entrepreneur looking for financing, grants, or business assistance?
There are important changes to U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) programs in 2026. Understanding the difference between SBA loans, grants, and other assistance programs can save you time and help you avoid misleading offers.
SBA Does Not Give Grants to Start a Business
One important fact is often misunderstood:
The SBA does not provide general-purpose grants to individuals to start or expand a small business.
The SBA’s primary role is to support business financing through participating lenders, including programs such as:
- SBA 7(a) Loans — up to $5 million
- SBA 504 Loans — up to $5 million
- SBA Express — up to $500,000
- SBA Microloans — up to $50,000
Beginning July 4, 2026, eligible businesses may combine 7(a) and 504 financing for up to $10 million in total SBA-backed financing, subject to SBA and lender requirements.
Real Grants Do Exist — But They Are Limited
Federal grants are generally targeted to specific purposes such as:
- Research and technology development through SBIR/STTR
- Manufacturing assistance
- Export development through STEP
- Organizations providing training and technical assistance to small businesses
There are also private grant programs for certain businesses, including some programs supporting women-owned and minority-owned businesses.
Important 2026 Ownership Change
Beginning March 1, 2026, SBA’s 7(a) and 504 programs require qualifying businesses to be 100% owned by U.S. citizens or U.S. nationals, subject to applicable SBA rules.
Vietnamese-American business owners who have Green Card holders or other non-citizen owners should therefore check their eligibility before applying for SBA financing.
We Can Help You Find the Right Program
Every business is different.
A restaurant, nail salon, construction company, manufacturer, trucking company, professional practice, or online business may require a different financing strategy.
VN Chamber of Commerce is here to help Vietnamese-American businesses understand their options.
We can help you identify resources such as:
SBA Loans • Microloans • SBDC • SCORE • Women’s Business Centers • CDFIs • STEP • SBIR/STTR • Private Grants
Don’t Search for a “Free SBA Grant” First.
Start by understanding what your business actually qualifies for.
Tell us:
- What state is your business in?
- What type of business do you operate?
- Are you starting or expanding?
- How much financing do you need?
- What will the funds be used for?
- Contact VN Chamber of Commerce
Let us help you find the right place to start.
Vietnamese Chamber of Commerce in the U.S.
World Trade Center, Long Beach, California
Email: support@vnChamber.com
