International labor relations expert Marcus Asay founded several leading workers’ organizations including Farmworkers Enterprise Foundation and World Workforce International. Over the course of his career, Marcus Asay has championed the expansion of economic development opportunities for disadvantaged groups by encouraging entrepreneurship through investment and training initiatives.

Populations who are underrepresented in various areas of the workforce, including women, immigrants, and people facing unemployment, are also often excluded from entrepreneurship due to financial and social barriers.

Public and private entities can encourage more participation from these groups through inclusive entrepreneurship programming that provides education, networking opportunities, and startup capital.

The Small Business Administration, a U.S. government agency, offers entrepreneurs from underrepresented groups access to government-backed loans, which makes it easier for these small business owners to get approved by banks and get capital to grow their companies.

Other private for and not-for-profit organizations provide grant funding and entrepreneurship incubators specifically for people of color, veterans, and people with little to no work experience.