Bookmark These Grant Programs If You’re a Black Business Owner
According to a Stanford Institute for Economic Policy Research study conducted in 2020, the number of Black business owners (and their businesses) plummeted in record numbers as COVID-19 ravaged the world. More importantly, it exposed the lack of resources and unfair playing field that has always existed for minority business owners. Though it shouldn’t have taken a worldwide health crisis to draw support for entrepreneurs who don’t have the budget of a global corporation, an almost immediate reaction from big-wig companies followed. And soon enough, a renewed interest in already existing funds and Black business grant opportunities followed.
Besides the timely pandemic-related funds launched by Facebook, SheaMoisture, TikTok, and more, there is an impressive number of grants, incubation programs, and alternative forms of monetary support, that you don’t have to pay back BTW, made specifically for Black women and other minority groups. Your needs will depend on your circumstances. Some businesses may be looking for a temporary boost to their bank account and long-term mentorship. Others just quit their day job and are as novice as it gets. The following list is just a sampling of resources for small business owners. Nonetheless, I suggest bookmarking this page so one, you don’t forget to advocate for yourself, and two, so you can more easily access any of them if you happen to miss a deadline or plan to apply in the future.
This month, we’re hosting Winning Women, a weekly virtual celebration of groundbreaking Black female creators you know and love. Register for free admission.Â
SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant
SoGal teamed up with a group of successful beauty brands and retailers (Winky Lux, bluemercury, and more) to provide several $5K and $10K grants to Black and/or nonbinary entrepreneurs.
The Do You Fellowship Program
Join DigitalUndivided’s email list so you can be notified when applications open for the program that will award 10 Black and Latinx women innovators with a $5,000 and access to resources and mentorship.
grants.gov
Register for an account with this federal database to search and apply for federal business grants in your state.
NASE Growth Grants
The National Association for the Self-Employed Organization offers grants for up to $4,000 to monthly and annual members. Note: members must be in good standing for three consecutive months. Annual members can apply immediately and monthly members can apply after 90 days.
Black Girl Ventures
The virtual BGC community includes webinars, virtual pitch practice, business referrals and funding opportunities.
USDA Rural Business Enterprise Grant Program
For those who live in rural communities, this program provides funding of varying amounts to small business owners with fewer than 50 workers and less than $1 million in gross revenue.
FedEx Small Business Grant Contest
FedEx’s annual small business contest awards money to a number of U.S.-based small businesses to help scale their profits.
MDBA Grants
The Minority Business Development Agency runs a series of grant competitions exclusively for minority business owners.
In addition to its renowned coaching services and workshops, IFundWomen also provides several grant opportunities for women-owned businesses. IFundWomen of Color was created specifically for assisting early-stage entrepreneurs.
NBMBAA® Scale-Up Pitch Challenge
The National Black MBA Association hosts a pitch competition for its members annually with the goal of connecting winners to potential investors. Oh, and there are also cash prizes.
Hello Alice
Hello Alice is a free database for entrepreneurs at every stage who are looking for grants and other money opps.
SBA Veteran-Owned Businesses Resources
If you’re a military veteran who owns a small business, this website is a notable resource for training programs and funding opportunities.
The Amber Grant
The Amber Grant has been in existence since 1998 and every month, awards $10,000 to a small business owner who is automatically eligible for a year-end grant of $25K.
SBA Program for Investment in Micro-Entrepreneurs (PRIME)
The U.S. Small Business Association’s PRIME Program provides several loans and grants in varying amounts to small business owners.
Awesome Foundation Grant
Every month, The Awesome Foundation awards a $1000 grant to one lucky entrepreneur. All you need to do is fill out a simple form.
Operation HOPE 1MBB
In collaboration with Shopify, Operation HOPE is doing its part to close the wage gap with the One Million Black Business and Entrepreneur Initiative. Though this isn’t a grant program, participants are given a wide range of services, including how to attract funding, launch operations, open a physical or e-commerce location, create a business plan, and more.
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