Business Startup, Small Business & Entrepreneurship Assistance and Grants for Single Mothers in Missouri

Last updated: September 2025

Quick Help Box

• Need money fast: Apply for Kiva 0% loans up to $15,000 — approval can be as quick as a few weeks. Apply for a Kiva U.S. loan. (kiva.org)
• Talk to a free advisor today: Contact the SBA St. Louis District Office at 314-539-6600 or the SBA Kansas City District Office at 816-426-4900 for referrals to lenders and local partners. Find SBA Missouri offices and Kansas City office. (sba.gov)
• Microloans with coaching: AltCap is an SBA microlender serving Missouri. Phone 833-549-2890. See the SBA microlender list. (sba.gov)
• Grants now open in ag and urban ag: SEGA Innovation Grants $50,000–$250,000 with 25% cash match through MASBDA. Deadline September 19, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. SEGA program page. Urban Ag cost‑share reimbursements up to $10,000 due September 15, 2025. Urban Agriculture Grant. (agriculture.mo.gov)
• Export help that reimburses costs: MO STEP=UP grants help pay for export activities. MO STEP=UP details and guidelines. (ded.mo.gov)
• Register your business this week: Missouri LLC online filing is $50\ast \ast (\ast \ast$105 by paper), and DBA/fictitious name is $7. Secretary of State startup guide and LLC FAQ with fee info. (sos.mo.gov)
• If your family needs benefits while you build: Apply for SNAP and MO HealthNet online at mydss.mo.gov or call the FSD Info Line at 855-373-4636 or SNAP Interview line 855-823-4908. FY 2025 SNAP max for a 4‑person home is $975/month\ast \ast ;minimum\ast \ast$23. SNAP FY 2025 COLA and DSS contact page. (fns.usda.gov, dss.mo.gov)

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Emergency First Steps

• If a disaster hit your home or shop: Contact SBA Disaster Assistance through your SBA district office for the right loan type and timeline. SBA St. Louis 314-539-6600. SBA Kansas City 816-426-4900. (sba.gov)
• Need immediate help with rent, food, or utilities while you stabilize your business cash flow: Dial 2‑1‑1 to be routed to Missouri United Way partners. For state benefits, visit mydss.mo.gov, text the DSS virtual assistant at 855-684-9242, or call 855-373-4636. DSS contact options. (dss.mo.gov)
• Child care start‑ups or expansions: DESE’s Innovation Grants are funding new licensed child care businesses across Missouri. DESE Innovation Grants page. (dese.mo.gov)

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What You Can Realistically Get in Missouri Right Now

Missouri does not have one single “free startup grant” for all small businesses. But there are reliable ways to stack funding, training, and contracts. Below are Missouri‑specific programs with exact amounts, timelines, and how to apply.

Table — Missouri Money and Training At‑A‑Glance

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Start Here — The Fastest Path to Your First Dollar

• Set up your business structure and bank account this week
  LLC online filing is $50\ast \ast (\ast \ast$105 if paper). File at the Missouri Secretary of State’s site, then open your business bank account with your LLC approval and EIN. LLC steps and fees. (sos.mo.gov)
• Get your sales tax license if you sell taxable goods or services
  Registration is done via Form 2643 on the MyTax Missouri portal. There is no fee for a Missouri sales tax license; be wary of third‑party sites charging fees. Online registration and DOR scam notice — no fee for tax ID. (dor.mo.gov)
• Register as a state supplier to sell to Missouri
  The state is migrating to a new system, MissouriBUYS powered by MOVERS. Prior registrations will not transfer. Register your company to get bid alerts. Supplier Registration and Bid Board. (missouribuys.mo.gov)
• Line up near‑term capital
  Apply for Kiva 0% loans up to $15,000 and connect with an SBA microlender such as AltCap (833-549-2890). Kiva and SBA microlenders list. (kiva.org, sba.gov)

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Paying third‑party websites for a Missouri tax ID or sales tax license — the state issues IDs at no cost. DOR scam alert. (dor.mo.gov)
• Missing state supplier migration — if you only registered in the old MissouriBUYS, you will miss new bid notices. MissouriBUYS transition details. (missouribuys.mo.gov)
• Assuming there are universal free grants — most cash comes as loans, tax credits, reimbursements, or competitive founder grants in STL and KC. See the table above for real, current options.

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Call an SBA office directly for lender referrals and local programs. St. Louis 314‑539‑6600, Kansas City 816‑426‑4900. SBA Missouri and SBA Kansas City. (sba.gov)

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Your Missouri Startup Costs — What to Budget

Table — Typical Missouri Filing and Compliance Costs

What to do if this doesn’t work

• If online filing is confusing, use Missouri SOS step‑by‑step guides and call the Business Services help line listed on those pages. SOS user guides. (sos.mo.gov)

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Founder Grants You Can Actually Win in Missouri

Arch Grants (St. Louis)

• Amount: $75,000\ast \ast non‑dilutiveplus\ast \ast$25,000 relocation; potential up to $100,000 in follow‑on growth grants.
• Basics: Headquarter in the City of St. Louis for at least one year during the program year.
• Timeline: 2025 applications closed March 31, 2025; next cycle opens February 2026.
• Apply: Arch Grants Startup Competition. (archgrants.org)

LaunchKC (Kansas City)

• Amount: Generally $60,000 equity‑free, plus ecosystem support.
• Basics: Locate or relocate operations in Kansas City, Missouri for at least one year.
• Timeline: Application window typically late summer; finalists in October.
• Apply: LaunchKC Competition. (launchkc.org)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Consider Kiva 0% and SBA microloans to bridge while you build traction for next year’s Arch Grants or LaunchKC cycle. Kiva and SBA Microloans. (kiva.org, sba.gov)

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Loans Without Predatory Traps

SBA Microloans

• Amounts and terms: Up to $50,000\ast \ast ,averagearound\ast \ast$13,000; maximum 7 years; typical rates 8–13%. SBA Microloan details. (sba.gov)
• Missouri microlenders to call: AltCap (833-549-2890). SBA microlender list. (sba.gov)

SBA 7(a) and 504 loans — for bigger purchases

• 7(a) overview: Up to $5,000,000, use for working capital, equipment, real estate, or buying a business; SBA guarantee typically 75–85%; rates capped over base rate by loan size. SBA 7(a) program and terms and maximum rates. (sba.gov)
• 504 overview: Long‑term fixed‑rate financing for major assets up to $5.5 million. Often 10% down by borrower, 40% CDC, 50% bank. SBA 504 program. (sba.gov)

Kiva 0% loans

• Up to: $15,000 at 0% with 12–36 month terms; approval commonly 10–15 business days plus crowdfunding time. Apply at Kiva. (kiva.org)

MOBUCK$ Linked Deposits (State Treasurer)

• Benefit: Your partnering bank lowers your rate by about 2–3 percentage points via the State’s linked deposits.
• Who qualifies: Missouri for‑profit small businesses headquartered in MO with <100 FTEs.
• Note: Application portal has been periodically closed due to high demand — monitor for reopenings. MOBUCK$ small business program and program status. (treasurer.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Ask your lender to check SSBCI‑backed credit enhancements run by the Missouri Technology Corporation and partners, such as IgniteMO through Justine PETERSEN deploying SSBCI capital to SEDI‑owned firms over the next decade. IgniteMO announcement. (justinepetersen.org)

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Grants and Tax Incentives for Hiring, Training, and Exporting

Missouri One Start — Credential Training Program

• Reimburses: Up to $2,000peremployee\ast \ast ,cap\ast \ast$30,000 per company per fiscal year, with application windows quarterly (January, April, July, October). Credential Training press info. (ded.mo.gov)

Intern & Apprentice Tax Credit

• Credit: $1,500\ast \ast pereligibleintern/apprentice,upto\ast \ast$9,000 per year, preliminary applications typically July 1–November 15. Program details. (ded.mo.gov)

MO STEP=UP (Export Reimbursements)

• What’s covered: Trade shows, foreign market services, translation, and export training. Funding caps vary by activity and cycle; see current 2024–2026 guidelines. Program page and guidelines. (ded.mo.gov)

Missouri Works

• Incentive: Withholding retention and/or tax credits for projects adding jobs and, in some tiers, capital investment. For example, Statewide Works requires 10 new jobs at ≥90% of county average wage; Zone/Rural Works can start at 2 jobs with $100,000 investment. Benefit period 5–6 years depending on firm history. Missouri Works program. (ded.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Meet an SBDC counselor to re‑scope hiring or training plans to match a program you can actually qualify for this year. Find events and coaching via Missouri SBDC. SBDC event examples and contact. (extension.missouri.edu)

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Agriculture and Food Product Entrepreneurs

If your business touches agriculture or food manufacturing, Missouri has unusually strong value‑add funding.

• SEGA Innovation Grants — $50,000–$250,000 with 25% cash match for value‑added ag projects. 2025 deadline September 19, 2025 at 3:00 p.m. SEGA page. (agriculture.mo.gov)
• Urban Agriculture Cost‑Share — 75% reimbursement up to $10,000 for urban ag with measurable economic impact; due September 15, 2025. Urban Ag grant announcement. (agriculture.mo.gov)
• Value‑Added Agriculture Grant — Max $200,000 for certain value‑added concepts; see restrictions in program guidelines. Value‑Added Grant page. (agriculture.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Consider SBA 7(a) or SBA Microloans to buy equipment and then apply for MO STEP=UP to open export channels for your specialty products. SBA 7(a), Microloans, and MO STEP=UP. (sba.gov, ded.mo.gov)

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Sell to the State — A Steady Revenue Option

• Register now in MissouriBUYS powered by MOVERS so you receive bid alerts. Old registrations will not transfer. Supplier Registration. (missouribuys.mo.gov)
• Get help with contracting via Missouri APEX Accelerator (formerly PTAC) for free coaching on SAM, WOSB/EDWOSB, DBE/M/WBE certifications, and bid strategy. Missouri APEX overview and locations. (missouribusiness.net)
• Consider M/WBE state certification if you’re a woman and/or minority owner with 51% control — it improves visibility in state contracting directories. Office of Equal Opportunity information. (oa.mo.gov)

What to do if this doesn’t work

• Start with local city bids where competition is smaller. Both St. Louis and Kansas City maintain bid portals and small business help desks. Also search the Bid Locator Tool inside MissouriBUYS to find city and county solicitations. Bid Board & Locator. (missouribuys.mo.gov)

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Free, Trusted Advising for Missouri Single‑Mom Founders

• Missouri SBDC — statewide coaching, classes, and finance prep; see current sessions and local centers via MU Extension. How to Start a Business in Missouri — SBDC. (extension.missouri.edu)
• Women’s Business Centers (WBCs):
  Missouri Women’s Business Center (Columbia) — 573‑818‑2980. Contact MoWBC.
  Urban League Women’s Business Center (St. Louis) — 314‑584‑6700. ULSTL WBC overview.
  Kansas City Women’s Business Center — programs and alternative lending. KC WBC. (mowbc.org, ulstlwbc.com, kansascitywbc.com)
• SBA District Offices: St. Louis 314‑539‑6600, Kansas City 816‑426‑4900. Find SBA Missouri and KC. (sba.gov)

Real‑world scenarios

• Side‑hustle to storefront: Use Kiva 0% for $6,000–$10,000 inventory, set up LLC for $50\ast \ast ,registerforsalestax(\ast \ast$0 fee), then apply to AltCap for $20,000 working capital once you show 3–6 months of sales. (kiva.org, sos.mo.gov, dor.mo.gov, sba.gov)
• Food product from home kitchen to co‑pack: Use Urban Ag reimbursement up to $10,000 to buy equipment for a licensed workspace and MO STEP=UP later for export labeling or translation. (agriculture.mo.gov, ded.mo.gov)
• Tech‑enabled service with growth potential: Prep now for Arch Grants ($75,000\ast \ast )or\ast \ast LaunchKC\ast \ast (\ast \ast$60,000) next cycle; in the meantime, open a MOBUCK$‑supported bank line at a lower rate or seek a microloan to build proof points. (archgrants.org, launchkc.org, treasurer.mo.gov, sba.gov)

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Table — Funding Timelines You Can Expect

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Quick Reference Cheat Sheet

• LLC filing online: $50 — Missouri Secretary of State LLC. (sos.mo.gov)
• Sales tax registration: $0 — MyTax Missouri New Business Registration. (dor.mo.gov)
• Supplier registration for state bids: Free — MissouriBUYS powered by MOVERS. (missouribuys.mo.gov)
• SBA offices and free mentors: 314‑539‑6600 and 816‑426‑4900 — SBA Missouri offices and KC office. (sba.gov)
• DSS benefits while you build: 855‑373‑4636 or mydss.mo.gov. DSS contacts. (dss.mo.gov)

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Application Checklist

• Business identity: LLC approval, EIN, and DBA (if needed). SOS startup guide. (sos.mo.gov)
• Financials: Last 3–6 months of bank statements, a simple cash‑flow and 12‑month sales plan, and quotes for equipment or inventory.
• Taxes and compliance: Sales tax license and, if you plan to sell to the state, MissouriBUYS supplier registration. DOR registration and MissouriBUYS registration. (dor.mo.gov, missouribuys.mo.gov)
• Personal docs for loans: Copy of ID, last 2 years of personal tax returns (if available), and a brief one‑page business overview.

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Inclusive Support — Tailored Pointers

• LGBTQ+ single mothers: Look for lenders and programs that do not require a spouse co‑signer. Use Kiva for 0% community‑backed capital and WBC/SBDC mentors who respect your family structure. Kiva U.S. loans and Women’s Business Centers. (kiva.org, sba.gov)
• Single mothers with disabilities or disabled children: Ask SBDC and WBC counselors to structure your plan around home‑based sales and online channels first; apply for Kiva or SBA microloan amounts that match realistic capacity. (sba.gov)
• Veteran single mothers: Missouri waives many SOS business filing fees under Startup for Soldiers for active duty; check if you qualify and ask SBA’s Veterans programs for counseling. Startup for Soldiers fee waiver. (s1.sos.mo.gov)
• Immigrant and refugee single moms: You can use Kiva 0% if you’re 18+ and living in the U.S., regardless of credit history. For government contracts, work with APEX to understand registration steps. (kiva.org, missouribusiness.net)
• Tribal‑citizen entrepreneurs: If operating on or near tribal lands, ask SBDC/APEX for DBE and federal contracting pathways and pair with Kiva or microloans that can work with nontraditional credit. (sba.gov)
• Rural single moms: If banks keep saying “no,” ask about **MOBUCK$\ast \ast interestreductionsand\ast \ast IgniteMO\ast \ast SSBCI‑backedloanparticipationtargetingruralSEDIborrowers.[MOBUCK$ interest info](https://treasurer.mo.gov/content/low-interest-loans/1ldinterestrateondeposits) and IgniteMO. (treasurer.mo.gov, justinepetersen.org)
• Single fathers: All resources above apply equally — WBCs serve everyone. MoWBC mission. (mowbc.org)
• Language access: KC BizCare and SBA offer multilingual help and translated materials; ask for interpreter services when booking appointments. KC BizCare. (bizcare.kcmo.gov)

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Regional Resources You Can Call This Week

• St. Louis region:
  Urban League WBC 314‑584‑6700 — 1:1 counseling and classes. About ULSTL WBC.
  SBA St. Louis 314‑539‑6600 — lender referrals, certifications. SBA St. Louis.
  Arch Grants — founder grants $75,000 + support network. Arch Grants. (ulstlwbc.com, sba.gov, archgrants.org)
• Kansas City region:
  KC Women’s Business Center — programs and lending. KC WBC.
  KC BizCare — one‑stop for permits and licensing. BizCare.
  SBA Kansas City 816‑426‑4900. SBA KC. (kansascitywbc.com, bizcare.kcmo.gov, sba.gov)
• Central Missouri (Columbia/Jefferson City):
  Missouri Women’s Business Center 573‑818‑2980 — coaching and funding prep. MoWBC contact. (mowbc.org)
• Springfield and Southwest:
  City of Springfield Micro‑Enterprise Loans — 5% fixed, 12‑year term, interest‑only first two years. Micro‑Enterprise Loans.
  SBA KC — Springfield Branch 417‑501‑0542 for federal help. SBA KC page. (springfieldmo.gov, sba.gov)

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Build While You Protect Household Stability

It’s smart to keep benefits steady while your business ramps.

• SNAP in FY 2025: Maximum allotment for a 4‑person household in MO is $975\ast \ast ;minimumbenefit\ast \ast$23; standard deduction for 1–3 persons $204\ast \ast ;shelterdeductioncap\ast \ast$712. USDA SNAP FY2025 COLA. Apply or manage your case at mydss.mo.gov, call 855‑373‑4636, or SNAP interview 855‑823‑4908. DSS contact. (fns.usda.gov, dss.mo.gov)
• Medicaid expansion (MO HealthNet) adults: Eligibility is ≤138% of FPL. 2025 FPL for the 48 states — household of 1 is $15,650\ast \ast ,of3is\ast \ast$26,650, of 4 is $32,150. Use those to estimate 138% thresholds while applying. 2025 HHS Poverty Guidelines. (aspe.hhs.gov)
• Child care business grants: If your business is a child care start‑up, DESE’s Innovation Grants are funding new licensed programs now. DESE Innovation Grants. (dese.mo.gov)
• SkillUP and SBDC training: Pair SBDC training with SNAP/TA‑linked SkillUP supports while you build your company. DSS programs contact hub. (dss.mo.gov)

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Table — SBA Loan Options Compared

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Practical Tips That Save Time and Money

• Use county‑level sales tax tools when setting prices; Missouri’s state base is 4.225% and food has a 1.225% state rate — local adds on top. DOR rate resources and food rate reduction. (dor.mo.gov)
• Keep your “No Tax Due” letter current — cities can require it to issue or renew licenses. DOR registration FAQs. (dor.mo.gov)
• Avoid EBT/SNAP card fraud if your family uses benefits — never share your PIN and watch for fake texts. DSS EBT scam alert. (dss.mo.gov)

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10 Missouri‑Specific FAQs

1. Can I get a grant just because I’m a single mom starting a business:
   No blanket grant exists. Real options include Arch Grants ($75,000\ast \ast ),\ast \ast LaunchKC\ast \ast (\ast \ast$60,000), SEGA ($50,000–$250,000), and Urban Ag (up to $10,000), each competitive with eligibility rules. (archgrants.org, launchkc.org, agriculture.mo.gov)
2. How fast can I register an LLC in Missouri:
   Online filings can be approved the same day. LLC online fee is $50. (sos.mo.gov)
3. Do I need a sales tax license for services:
   Missouri taxes certain services like places of amusement and some telecom; many services are not taxed. When in doubt, contact DOR’s Sales/Use Taxability at 573‑751‑2836. (dor.mo.gov)
4. Is there a fee for a Missouri sales tax license:
   No. The Department of Revenue warns about third‑party websites that charge. Apply at mytax.mo.gov. (dor.mo.gov)
5. How do I sell to the State of Missouri:
   Register in the new MissouriBUYS powered by MOVERS system and set UNSPSC commodity codes to receive email bid notices. (missouribuys.mo.gov)
6. Do WBCs only serve women:
   No. WBCs serve everyone while focusing outreach on women. See MoWBC and ULSTL WBC. (mowbc.org, ulstlwbc.com)
7. How big are SNAP benefits right now if I’m starting up and income is low:
   For FY 2025, a four‑person Missouri household max is $975/month\ast \ast .Minimumbenefit\ast \ast$23. (fns.usda.gov)
8. Will a loan affect my SNAP or Medicaid:
   Loans you must repay are generally not counted as income for SNAP, but check with DSS and report any deposits; Medicaid has separate income rules. Contact FSD Info Line 855‑373‑4636. (dss.mo.gov)
9. Can I get help paying for worker training:
   Yes — Missouri One Start reimburses up to $2,000perworker\ast \ast forcertainshort‑termcredentialswitha\ast \ast$30,000 cap per firm. (ded.mo.gov)
10. Are there local city programs for very small businesses:
    Yes — example, Springfield Micro‑Enterprise Loans with 5% rate and 12‑year term; check your city’s economic development office for CDBG‑funded microloans. (springfieldmo.gov)

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About This Guide

Compiled by the ASingleMother.org Editorial Team

Research standards: We rely only on official state and federal websites and established nonprofits. We verify application links, phone numbers, amounts, and deadlines and monitor policy changes.

Method note: This Missouri guide references Missouri Department of Economic Development, Missouri Department of Revenue, Missouri Secretary of State, USDA FNS, Missouri Department of Agriculture, DESE, the State Treasurer, SBA, and established nonprofit funders. See citations linked throughout.

Editorial standards: This guide follows our Editorial Standards. Last verified September 2025, next review April 2026.

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Disclaimer

Accuracy and updates: Programs change. Dollar amounts, deadlines, and eligibility can shift after publication. Always verify directly with the agency or program before applying.

Not legal or tax advice: This guide is for general information. Consult a qualified professional for personal legal, tax, or financial advice.

Site safety: When sharing documents online, use official portals like mydss.mo.gov, mytax.mo.gov, and missouribuys.mo.gov and avoid third‑party sites that charge fees or request full SSNs outside secure state systems. (dss.mo.gov, dor.mo.gov, missouribuys.mo.gov)

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If you spot an error or a broken link, email info@asinglemother.org and we will review within 48–72 hours per our editorial policy.

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🏛️More Missouri Resources for Single Mothers

Explore all assistance programs in 34 categories available in Missouri

• 📋 Assistance Programs
• 💰 Benefits and Grants
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Child Support
• 🌾 Rural Single Mothers Assistance
• ♿ Disabled Single Mothers Assistance
• 🎖️ Veteran Single Mothers Benefits
• 🦷 Dental Care Assistance
• 🎓 Education Grants
• 📊 EITC and Tax Credits
• 🍎 SNAP and Food Assistance
• 🔧 Job Training
• ⚖️ Legal Help
• 🧠 Mental Health Resources
• 🚗 Transportation Assistance
• 💼 Job Loss Support & Unemployment
• ⚡ Utility Assistance
• 🥛 WIC Benefits
• 🏦 TANF Assistance
• 🏠 Housing Assistance
• 👶 Childcare Assistance
• 🏥 Healthcare Assistance
• 🚨 Emergency Assistance
• 🤝 Community Support
• 🎯 Disability & Special Needs Support
• 🛋️ Free Furniture & Household Items
• 🏫 Afterschool & Summer Programs
• 🍼 Free Baby Gear & Children's Items
• 🎒 Free School Supplies & Backpacks
• 🏡 Home Buyer Down Payment Grants
• 🤱 Postpartum Health & Maternity Support
• 👩‍💼 Workplace Rights & Pregnancy Protection
• 🛡️ Domestic Violence Resources & Safety
• 💻 Digital Literacy & Technology Assistance
• 🤱 Free Breast Pumps & Maternity Support
• 📈 Credit Repair & Financial Recovery