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Small Business Center

Challenges to DEI Programs Impact Small Business Funding

October 17, 2023

Small businesses, particularly those owned by entrepreneurs from historically underrepresented groups, are caught in the crossfire as lawsuits challenge diversity, equity and inclusion programs. Plaintiffs argue that such programs discriminate by limiting participation to specific racial or demographic groups, and the threat of legal action is beginning to reshape corporate and government assistance designed for these entrepreneurs. The Wall Street Journal highlighted the potential consequences and shifts occurring in the world of small business funding as a result of these challenges to DEI initiatives.

Read the full WSJ article.

By Rebecca Meiser

Contributor, Commerce + Communities Today and Small Business Center

Small Business Center

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