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Welcome to Breaking the Blueprint — a blog series that dives into the unique business challenges and opportunities of underrepresented business owners and entrepreneurs. Learn how they’ve grown or scaled their businesses, explored entrepreneurial ventures within their companies, or created side hustles, and how their stories can inspire and inform your own success.

You and I both know it: Grants for Black-owned businesses are hard to come by. According to — more than any other demographic — Black business owners experience pervasive barriers to accessing capital. That means finding the right opportunities often takes more time, research, and resilience than it should.

In this piece, I’ll share a diverse list of grants and other funding resources for Black-owned businesses, all thoughtfully selected to help you take your dreams to the next level.

Table of Contents:

• Black Owned-Business Statistics You Should Know About
• Grants for Black-Owned Businesses
• Additional Resources for Black-Owned Business Owners
• We Need More Black Businesses, So Start Yours

Black Owned-Business Statistics You Should Know About

Although pursuing entrepreneurship and business ownership as a Black person isn’t easy, it’s not impossible. Despite obstacles, Black entrepreneurs and founders continue to rise, create, and thrive in spaces that weren’t exactly built with them in mind.

That said, I think it’s crucial always to acknowledge the facts. As a Black founder and business owner, knowing how other Black entrepreneurs are thinking/feeling/navigating day-to-day challenges can help you:

• Recognize where Black founders and business owners are in their respective journeys
• Understand the ways in which Black founders and business owners are using emerging tools and technology
• Grow comfortable with your business growth and approach to navigating business ownership

To assist you with staying grounded in the reality of your journey, here are some statistics from that I think are especially worth noting:

• 32% of U.S. small business owners surveyed view AI as very/extremely important to their business

• 40% of U.S. small business owners who were surveyed are interested in using AI to increase productivity; 34% are interested in using AI to improve customer service experiences

• 59% of U.S. small businesses source materials and products internationally

• Only 48% of U.S. small business owners say their work-life balance is good or perfect

Take a peek at a few more statistics from the :

• 97% of U.S. Black-owned businesses have less than 20 employees

• 94% of U.S. Black businesses are located in an urban area (70% are located east of the Mississippi River, especially large concentrations of Black-owned businesses in the southeast)

• 48% of Black-owned businesses are less than two years old

• 71% of Black-owned business owners say more income was a “very important” reason for owning a business; 69% say wanting to be their own boss was another

Grants for Black-Owned Businesses

Grants for Black-owned businesses are notoriously perceived to be far and few. While it may feel discouraging at times to sift through countless resources and come up short, the key is knowing where to look — and when to look.

Many grants are seasonal, application-only, or promoted through specific networks and platforms, which means staying informed is half the battle. Nevertheless, I’ve got good news to share: there are organizations, foundations, and even corporations that are actively investing in Black entrepreneurs and intentionally working to close the racial wealth gap.

Personally, I think the best grants and funding resources are the hardest ones to find. Why? Because they’re tucked away in networks, industry circles, or lesser-known platforms that most people overlook, which means less competition and a better shot at securing the bag.

Still, I know scouring the internet for resources meant for you feels exhausting and never-ending. So, instead of crawling through Google for hours on end, browse through the list of nearly 20 Black-owned business-specific grants and funding sources I curated below:

1.

offers $1M grants annually to small, Black-owned businesses across the health and beauty sector through several grant opportunities.

Each grant provides a funding award (between $10K and $100K), education, access to additional resources, and mentorship for Black entrepreneurs. Its primary grant programs are:

• The Brown Girl Jane Grant: This grant is for Black and women-owned beauty and wellness businesses in the U.S. Typically, its recipients get between $10K – $25K in funding. Applications open in Fall 2025, and you can .
• The Next Black Millionaire Grant: This grant offers $100K, business development services, and retailer distribution support to black-owned businesses in the U.S. You can apply .
• The Blueprint Grant: This grant is for Black women (aged 13 – 35) who are pushing boundaries across beauty and creative industries. Its recipients get $10K in grant funding and 1:1 mentoring support. You can apply .
• Community Impact Grant: This grant offers $10K to newly established (at least one year old) Black-owned businesses. Businesses can also be nominated. You can apply .

2.

aims to help women of color overcome the early-stage funding gap they often face.

The program offers $25,000 in grants and mentorship to 20 NYC-based female founders of color.

Deadline: The application due date has passed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, the application due date has been March 3.

Eligibility: Applicants must identify as a woman of color and own a small business.

3.

launched its annual Small Business Grant Contest in 2012 and has given approximately $1.5M in cash prizes since then.

There’s a $50K grand prize for one business and $20K for the nine others. Winners are also matched with a mentor and can receive $1K in print credit at FedEx.

Deadline: The has passed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they’ve been due on April 1, 2025.

Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, a legal resident of the United States, own a for-profit business that’s been operating for at least six months, and be current shipping customer with FedEx (using a FedEx shipping account number).

4.

(LWL) is a small business grant and mentorship program for women and non-binary small business owners in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.

LWL aims to remove barriers to access that often prevent these groups from succeeding through $10K cash grants and 6th-month education and mentorship opportunities.

Deadline: are closed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they’ve been due on March 31.

Eligibility: Applicants must identify as a woman and/or non-binary.

5.

offers its members business grants of up to $4K. The funds can be used however you see fit.

For example, you could use your NASE Growth Grant to pay for business growth operations, from marketing and hiring to expanding facilities.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and will be reviewed the following quarter. For example, applications submitted in July, August, and September are reviewed in October. You must be a good-standing member for three months prior to applying, and you can apply for the next round .

Deadline: are reviewed quarterly (i.e., applications received between Jan. and Mar. are reviewed in April).

Eligibility: Applicants must be a NASE member to apply.

6.

and the (GEN) joined forces to create the . The program provides 150 small business owners with a 12-week digital growth accelerator experience and an opportunity to receive $10K in funding.

Plus, selected participants for the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program receive education, mentorship, access to expert-led sessions, and tons of other entrepreneurial growth-specific benefits.

Deadline: are closed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they’ve been due on December 13.

Eligibility: Applicants must be entrepreneur who is the leading executive (i.e. Founder and/or President, CEO, CFO, COO, or any such other similar title) of a business that meets the below business criteria; and 18 years of age or older.

7.

This private small business grant is a joint effort between corporations like American Express, ADP, AIG Foundation, Altice USA, Down, and the S&P Global Foundation.

Businesses that qualify will receive $5,000 in grants, mentorship, and training. Only a select number of entrepreneurs will be tapped for their $25,000 Enhancement Grants.

Deadline: are closed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they’ve been due on September 6.

Eligibility: Applicants must identify as Black/African-American and own a small business.

8.

and have partnered to offer institutional and grassroots organizations the .

Since 2021, the Community Commitment Grant has supported organizations driving sustainable change in the fight against systemic racism and working to create more equitable futures for Black Americans.

This funding opportunity offers a one-year grant to selected awardees. Thus far, Nike and Jordan have committed $8.6M to both national and local organizations.

Deadline: Applications are closed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. Check back for 2025 updates.

Eligibility: Applicants be a part of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been established since 2021 or prior with an annual operating budget between $100,000 to $3M. Its mission should align with one of grant’s key focus areas:

• Economic Justice
• Education
• Narrative Change
• Social Justice

Qualified applicants may apply once each year (if they have not received the grant before).

9.

The , offered and sustained by the , is a grant funding opportunity designed for older Black gay men and folks in the health and wellness space.

Recipients of Joseph Beam Black Gay Men’s Wellness Grant receive $10,000; up to three winners are selected. Previous winners of this grant have been (2023) and The (2023).

If you’re hesitating to apply for this funding opportunity, here’s a little advice: The nicher the grant, the more inclined you should be to submit an application. A niche grant does not equal a lost opportunity, so if you feel like your venture fits the bill, go for it with confidence — this could be the exact support you’ve been waiting for.

Deadline: The has passed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they’ve been due on February 28.

Eligibility: Applicants must identify as gay, Black, and male. Applicants must also apply on behalf of an organization or collective that specifically holds space for:

• Wellness/mental health support groups
• Relationship-building events
• Wellness and healing projects for Black gay men ages 50+ living with HIV/AIDS

Fiscally-sponsored organizations are encouraged to apply as well.

10.

, powered by , provides Black entrepreneurs and founders with funding grants (between $500 and $2000) to help build/rebuild their small business.

The Wish Local Empowerment Grant is open to Black-owned businesses only; it’s even advised that grantees use the money they’re awarded to pay rent and operation costs, connect with customers (through events or IRL activations), and provide opportunities for advancement to the communities they serve.

Deadline: Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; folks can submit their application at any time .

Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, identify as Black/African-American, own a business that’s earned an annual revenue of less than $1M, has 20 or fewer employees and a brick and mortar location. If selected for this grant, you’re required to join Wish Local.

11.

The was made with small businesses in mind. It connects them with interested corporations seeking to expand their supply chain with innovative products and services.

Selected participants will receive cash prizes of up to $5,000. However, those selected to move on from the application phase will transition to a live pitch competition in which they’ll pitch in front of a virtual audience of corporate procurement professionals.

Deadline: The is June 9, 2025.

Eligibility: Applicants must identify as African-American and own a small business within the United States.

12.

The assists companies with Payroll, HR, and Compliance, along with access to health insurance, 401k, and more.

In partnership with , JustWorks PEO offers one of two credits ($6,000 or $2,000) to eligible businesses that are at least 50% owned by a member of an underrepresented group or 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on eradicating racism. Grant amounts depend on when your business was formed.

Deadline: are accepted on a rolling basis; folks typically hear back within one business day.

Eligibility: Applicants must be a person of color and own a business with at least two employees OR have founded a nonprofit dedicated to antiracist work.

13.

The offers eight early-stage beauty brands the opportunity to grow and expand their growth toward retail readiness and business success.

The Muse Accelerator Grant/Program awards $50,000 to selected grantees to help accelerate their businesses; one grantee can receive an additional $10,000 in financial support. All participants will receive 10 weeks of training on how to set up their brand for long-term success and mentorship from Ulta Beauty Merchandising partners.

Deadline: The has passed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they’ve been due in June.

Eligibility: Applicants must identify as BIPOC, be at least 18 years old, and be a U.S. or Canadian citizen currently residing in the U.S. or Canada. Additionally, an applicant’s business must be registered in either country.

14.

aims to fund bold ideas and help reduce barriers to capital for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs. However, just like its founder, Pharrell Williams, the process for applying for and receiving the Black Ambition Prize can only be described with one word: Unconventional.

Once moved beyond the application round, selected applicants will compete for awards between $20,000 and $100,000. 150 – 200 semi-finalists will be chosen to participate in the Black Ambitionist mentorship program.

Underrepresented founders who decide to apply for the Black Ambition Prize will also receive support with marketing opportunities, graphic design support, and access to information sessions and webinars (before applying).

If you’re a Black business owner, I urge you to apply for this funding opportunity. It’s designed to feel like an experience, not a competition, which is, in my opinion, extremely rare to see/find in the grant funding landscape. While the pool is more significant than most funding opportunities, this unique reward is designed for anyone to apply.

Deadline: The is May 2, 2025. Winners are announced in November 2025.

Eligibility: Applicants must be Black or Hispanic entrepreneurs and apply as a team (with at least two members). Additionally, all applicants must be building an early-stage venture across one of the five categories:

• Consumer Products and Services
• Healthcare
• Media and Entertainment
• Technology
• Artificial Intelligence (AI)

15.

Like the , the Black Ambition HBCU Prize is for Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs from Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

The Black Ambition HBCU Prize is tiered and allows multiple teams to be selected for funding at different levels. However, eligible applicants can only apply to one of the two Black Ambition HBCU Prize tracks. More specifically, the Black Ambition HBCU Early Business track is for ventures that have raised no more than $1M in dilutive funding; these ventures can compete for up to $100,000 in funding.

This funding opportunity may be niche, but it’s for a reason. If you’re a former HBCU graduate/student turned entrepreneur, apply for this opportunity. I believe this grant exists for the HBCU community exclusively, so you won’t have to worry about navigating as large of a pool of candidates as you would for another funding opportunity.

Deadline: The is May 2, 2025.

Eligibility: Applicants must be a Black or Brown undergraduate or graduate student (part-time or full-time), recent alumni (graduated within the last two years), or former student (attended in the last two years, within at least one year of course credits). Additionally,

16.

was designed to uplift minority, disabled, and women-owned small businesses.

Over the last four years, the Evolve Small Grant has supported 5,000+ businesses with 750+ hours of mentorship and over $3M in grant funding. Grant recipients receive a $25,000 grant, a customized AI technology package (valued at $10,000), and inclusion in the and mentorship programs.

If you’re a Black business owner, I highly recommend applying for this grant, mainly because, quite frankly, new, free-of-cost technology and money are hard to come by. Even if this funding opportunity doesn’t check off every box, it’s worth giving yourself (and your business) a shot at getting the financial support you’ve always dreamed of.

Deadline: The has passed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they’ve been open from January 27 to February 17.

Eligibility: Applicants must have a small business, have an annual revenue of less than $7.5M, and have 75 or fewer employees. Additionally, an applicant’s business must be located in the following areas:

• Atlanta, GA
• Chicago, IL
• Dallas, TX
• Los Angeles, CA
• Miami, FL
• San Diego, CA
• Houston, TX
• Washington, D.C.
• Toronto, Ontario

17.

is a national business acceleration program dedicated to supporting local businesses through delivering research-based, results-driven business education, technical assistance, and access-to-capital programs.

The $2,500 Start.Pivot.Grow Micro-Grant is offered quarterly and allows small businesses to use it in whatever capacity they see fit. Previous grantees have used it for utilities, commercial rent, professional development, and other essential business needs.

Deadline: The is the last day of each quarter, typically on the 30 or 31 of the month.

Eligibility: Applicants must own a U.S.-based for-profit business that has been in operation for at least two years and has 1-2 employees, including the owner. Additionally, the applicant must have made an annual revenue of $50,000 or more.

Additional Resources for Black-Owned Business Owners

Grants aren’t the only way to get resources for your Black-owned business. Support can look like legal aid, networking opportunities, educational courses, financial assistance, discovering new tools that make building your venture easier — the list goes on.

Building and growing a business takes more than just capital; it requires access to knowledge, connections, and infrastructure that can help you make informed decisions and scale with intention.

Whether you’re just getting started or looking to get extra knowledge that’ll help you elevate your venture to new heights, the organizations I’ve listed below offer valuable support beyond just funding:

1.

is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to advancing equity and inclusion in entrepreneurship through connecting minority-owned small businesses with the resources and community support they need to thrive.

Start Small, Think Big also offers as well as expert small business services, from finance services to legal assistance.

I think Start Small, Think Big is a great place to start if you’re seeking a knowledge base that:

• Helps you navigate the legal and financial foundations of running a business
• Offers actionable guidance through free workshops, events, and expert support
• Connects you with a community invested in inclusive, long-term business growth

2.

This nonprofit platform offers an annual grant program that funds family farms and rural service organizations. In 2022, assisted Black and other minority farmers and groups working to demand change for racial justice and social equity.

Farm Aid offers tons of several farmer-specific assistance, from , its Northeast-based network of farmers, service providers, mental health professionals and nonprofit workers, to its , designed for folks who are navigating challenges in agriculture, business planning, and farmer well-being.

3.

, a core product offering of , offers small business owners the technological tools and integrations they need to:

• Streamline sales processes
• Manage customer relationships more effectively
• Drive consistent business growth

[alt text] a screenshot of the hubspot sales hub software info page

I think Sales Hub is a great beginner software for any business owner who wants to get organized, save time, and build better relationships with their clientele — all without needing crazy amounts of training on every single feature.

If this sounds like you, I recommend looking into what Sales Hub can do for your business venture.

4.

, powered by the , supports founders with the unbiased advice, business growth essentials, and workplace benefits guidance they need to start, run, and grow their businesses on their own terms.

I think Venturize is a great place to start if you’re seeking a knowledge base that:

• Breaks down complex topics
• Empowers your informed decisions
• Meets you at every stage of your entrepreneurial journey

5.

Completely run by a network of volunteers, has provided resources like education and mentorship to small business owners since 1964. Additionally, SCORE offers free templates, and online events to founders looking to broaden their knowledge in business planning, marketing, finance, and more.

[alt text] a screenshot of the SCORE employee to entrepreneur resource hub site page with a poto of a south asian woman holding her product in-store

We Need More Black Businesses, So Start Yours

The truth is … the barriers to Black business ownership are real — but so is your potential.

Despite the challenges, Black entrepreneurs continue to build, create, and innovate in ways that shape industries and uplift communities. That’s why it’s not just important that you start your business — it's necessary. We need your ideas, your leadership, and your vision out in the world.

So, know this: your journey matters, and there’s a growing ecosystem of support ready to back you. So don’t wait. Start your business, grow it, and own your power every step of the way. The future of Black business starts with bold moves like yours.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in February 2021 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.