Starting and growing a business as a Black entrepreneur comes with its challenges, but there are plenty of opportunities out there that can be combined with strategies to help you succeed. I’ve put together a list of 32 grants that Black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs can use.
This list covers everything from startup ventures to established companies, creative businesses and even brick-and-mortar stores, as well as tips and FAQs. These grants can help Black business owners get the financial support needed to reach your goals. Whether you’re in the early stages of your business or looking to expand, there’s something here for everyone. With a mix of funding opportunities and additional resources, this list is all about helping you take your business to the next level and obtain the resources you deserve to achieve success.
Grant Opportunities For Black-Owned Businesses
Finding grants as a Black entrepreneur or business owner requires effort and creativity, but it’s absolutely achievable with the right approach. Although there aren’t many grants exclusively for Black businesses at the moment, you can still apply for industry-specific funding by highlighting your mission, niche and specific needs. Below, I’ll share some simple techniques to help you identify and qualify for funding that fits your business.
Grants for Black-owned businesses can be less common than those for other business types, but focusing on your specific industry and needs can open doors. Many funding options are need-based, meaning the urgency of your business’s growth, mission or impact can make a significant difference if communicated strategically. Eligibility requirements can vary from grant to grant. While some are focused on specific sectors, others prioritize factors like location, revenue or business stage. I’ve outlined strategies to help you find the right grants that align with your business. I’ve organized this list to help you identify the best fits for your industry, and I’m confident these steps will put you on the path to securing the funding you need to grow and point you in the right direction!
Food Business Owners, Agriculturalists And Similar Entrepreneurs
1. Feed the Soul’s Restaurant Business Development Grant
Food businesses that are at least 51% owned by individuals from specific underrepresented groups can apply for this grant. It includes a financial grant as well as six months of consulting services and educational training.
- Deadline: Feb. 1 – Apr. 15, 2025
- Eligibility: At least 51% ownership by Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+, military veterans, persons with disabilities or formerly incarcerated individuals
- Reward: Grant funding + six months of consulting services and training
- Application Link: Restaurant Business Development Grant
2. Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program
This grant supports California food hubs working on sustainable food systems and local food production. It is aimed at increasing the purchase of locally produced food by schools and other institutions.
3. $10,000 Breakthrough Grant
Honeycomb Credit offers a $10,000 grant to small businesses to help achieve major milestones such as opening a new location, launching a food truck or franchising.
- Deadline: April 2, 2025
- Eligibility: Small business owners
- Reward: $10,000
- Application Link: Honeycomb Grant
Tech & AI Businesses
4. Lenovo Evolve Small AI Grant
This grant supports small businesses with up to $25,000 in funding and $10,000 in custom tech solutions. Eligible businesses in specific cities can apply for assistance in advancing their operations through AI.
- Deadline: Feb. 17, 2025
- Eligibility: Small businesses located in Atlanta, Chicago, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego, Toronto, Washington DC or Vancouver
- Reward: $25,000 + $10,000 in custom tech solutions
- Application Link: Evolve Small AI Grant
Nonprofits
5. Nike x Jordan Black Community Commitment Grant
This grant offers $10,000 to nonprofits working to create socially impactful change. Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) tax-exempt status can apply for this funding to scale their mission.
- Deadline: Feb. 16, 2025
- Eligibility: Nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status working to create socially impactful change
- Reward: $10,000
- Application Link: Black Community Commitment Grant
6. Wells Fargo Grant
Wells Fargo offers grants to nonprofit organizations focused on financial health, housing affordability, small business growth and sustainability.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, tribal entities, governmental agencies
- Reward: Varies
- Application Link: Wells Fargo Grant
7. IMPACT Grants
This program provides $1,000 grants to nonprofits focused on innovation, sustainability and social responsibility.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: Nonprofits working to drive positive change
- Reward: $1,000
- Application Link: IMPACT Grants
8. Administration for Community Living Grant
Supports community living programs for older adults and people with disabilities by funding research, services and support through grants and cooperative agreements. Funding is provided to states, local governments and organizations.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: States, local governments, community organizations, colleges, universities
- Reward: Varies
- Application Link: ACL Grants
9. Joseph Beam Black Gay Men’s Wellness Grants
This grant supports organizations and projects with budgets under $500,000 focused on improving the mental health and wellness of Black gay men, aged 50 and older, living with HIV/AIDS.
Grants for Youth Education Models, Ideas and Projects
10. Charter Growth Fund
This fund provides capital and resources for charter schools focused on expanding high-quality education in underserved communities. Funding is tailored based on proposals.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: Charter schools and networks in underserved areas
- Reward: Varies
- Application Link: Charter Growth Fund
11. Public Charter Schools Grant Program
This program helps California charter schools with planning, implementation and expansion, prioritizing those serving minority students.
12. National Education Association (NEA) Grants
The NEA provides grants for public school educators to support classroom projects, professional development and school improvement efforts.
13. Minority Research Grant Program
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Office of Minority Health supports researchers at minority-serving institutions to address healthcare disparities affecting minority populations.
- Deadline: Letter of Intent: March 6, 2025/ Application: April 1, 2025
- Eligibility: Researchers at HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, AANAPISIs, NASNTIs, ANNHSIs and PBIs.
- Reward: Up to $212,500
- Application Link: CMS website (Funding Opportunity Number: CMS-1W1-25-001)
Retail, Brick-and-Mortar And Small Business Owners
14. Wish Local Empowerment Program
This program offers grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 to support Black-owned small businesses. It is available to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and annual revenues under $1 million.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: Black-owned businesses with fewer than 20 employees and annual revenue under $1 million
- Reward: $500 – $2,000
- Application Link: Wish Local Empowerment Program
15. Faire Small Business Grant
This grant offers $5,000 to select retail businesses to cover inventory expenses. Eligible applicants must have opened their retail store within the last year or plan to open in the coming year.
- Deadline: Mar. 31, 2025
- Eligibility: Retail businesses that have opened within the last year or plan to open in the upcoming year
- Reward: $5,000 in credit for inventory purchases
- Application Link: Faire Small Business Grant
16. ZenBusiness $5K Grant Program
ZenBusiness offers $5,000 to small businesses that have formed in the past three to six months. This grant also provides select services to help improve business operations.
- Deadline: Dec. 31, 2025
- Eligibility: U.S.-based businesses formed within the past 3 to 6 months
- Reward: $5,000 + ZenBusiness services
- Application Link: ZenBusiness $5K Grant Program
17. Hustler’s Microgrant
This $1,000 grant supports passionate entrepreneurs in their small business ventures. It is open to small business owners across the U.S. and is available on a monthly basis.
18. National Black Business Pitch
The National Black Business Pitch is an annual competition for Black business owners. Finalists are selected to pitch their businesses in front of a virtual audience, with three winners receiving prizes of up to $10,000.
19. The Well Work x Justworks — Just Thrive Program
This grant offers up to $6,000 to businesses that have at least 50% ownership by marginalized founders and employ at least two W-2 employees. The program is designed to support existing businesses in overcoming barriers and growing their operations.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: Existing businesses with at least 50% ownership by marginalized founders and two W-2 employees
- Reward: Up to $6,000
- Application Link: Just Thrive Program
Beauty & Creative Businesses (Photography, Painting, Crafts, Visual Artistry, Etc.)
20. MUSE Accelerator
This accelerator program is for minority-owned beauty brands. Selected businesses will receive $50,000 in funding and access to educational programming.
- Deadline: Early June 2025
- Eligibility: Minority-owned beauty brands
- Reward: $50,000 + educational programming
- Application Link: MUSE Accelerator
21. Creative Capital Award
This award supports individual artists with unrestricted project grants and professional development resources.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: Individual artists
- Reward: $15,000 – $50,000
- Application Link: Creative Capital Award
22. Etsy x CERF+ Emergency Relief Fund
Provides up to $2,500 in relief funding for Etsy sellers impacted by natural disasters.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: Etsy sellers affected by disasters, must have been in business for at least one year
- Reward: Up to $2,500
- Application Link: CERF+
23. Pollock-Krasner Foundation Grant
This grant supports painters, sculptors, printmakers and artists working on paper. It offers funding for art creation, studio rent and exhibition preparation.
24. Getty Images + Verizon 2025 Creative Grant
This grant supports entrepreneurial artists creating visual content that highlights people with disabilities in the workplace. The goal is to showcase their roles as active participants, industry leaders, and collaborators driving innovation and progress.
25. Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grant
Provides up to $5,000 to artists facing unexpected medical, dental, or mental health emergencies.
- Special deadline extension for Los Angeles County residents affected by FEMA disasters.
- Deadline: February 20, 2025 (for LA residents)
- Eligibility: Creative & Independent Entrepreneurs and Artists in visual arts, choreography, film/video/digital arts; income below $75,000 ($150,000 joint)
- Reward: Up to $5,000
- Application Link: Rauschenberg Medical Emergency Grant
26. Innovate Grant
Quarterly grants of $1,800 to professional artists and photographers.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: Artists, photographers
- Reward: $1,800
- Application Link: Innovate Grant
27. Alexia Foundation Grant
Supports photographers who use photojournalism to drive social change.
Miscellaneous, Mission Driven And Other Categories; Non Industry Specific
28. Citi Trends Black Business Grants
In celebration of Black History Month, Citi Trends is offering grants for Black entrepreneurs.
- Deadline: Feb. 28, 2025
- Eligibility: Black entrepreneurs making history in their communities
- Reward: $5,000
- Application Link: Citi Trends Grant
29. NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant
This grant empowers Black entrepreneurs with funding and resources. It supports the growth of Black-owned businesses across the nation.
30. The Black Ambition Prize
This prize supports businesses with a founding team member who is Black or Hispanic/Latinx. Winners receive up to $1 million, with 15 teams receiving additional funding.
- Deadline: TBA/ Coming Soon
- Eligibility: Businesses with a Black or Hispanic/Latinx founding team member
- Reward: $1 million + additional funding
- Application Link: Black Ambition Prize
31. Boundless Futures Foundation EmpowHER Grants
The EmpowHER grant provides $25,000 to female founders working on social issues.
- Deadline: Feb. 16, 2025
- Eligibility: Female founders addressing social issues
- Reward: $25,000
- Application Link: EmpowHER Grants
32. Awesome Foundation Grants
Awards $1,000 microgrants each month to individuals and groups for a wide variety of projects. Grants are funded by independently-run chapters.
- Deadline: Rolling
- Eligibility: Individuals, groups, businesses and startups
- Reward: $1,000
- Application Link: Awesome Foundation Grants
33. Descendant and Family Stewardship Initiative
The National Trust for Historic Preservation launched its African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund, a program aimed at preserving sites of African American activism, achievement and resilience. This preservation effort, the largest of its kind, contributes to expanding the American story.
Additional Grants Resources And Tips
Federal Opportunities For Scaling Businesses
Grants.gov is a good fit for:
- Tech startups looking for funding to grow.
- Nonprofits doing community, youth or educational work and family support, health and wellness, and domestic violence organizations
- Small manufacturers trying to improve their products.
- Small rural businesses looking for government funding.
- Social enterprises trying to create positive change.
The USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program is a good fit for:
- Small farms or food businesses in rural areas.
- Local food producers like craft breweries or food artisans.
- Eco-friendly farms looking for grants to help them grow.
SBIR and STTR Programs are a good fit for:
- Tech businesses working on new, innovative ideas.
- Healthcare startups focused on senior care or aging.
- Small businesses that are working on research to make new products.
Agricultural Justice Project (AJP) is a good fit for:
- Farm-to-table businesses working with local consumers.
- Sustainable agriculture businesses using ethical farming methods.
- Food cooperatives that want to focus on fair trade and sustainability.
Contracting Resources
SAM.gov is a good fit for:
- Cleaning & janitorial services wanting to work with the government.
- Construction or maintenance businesses offering services to government buildings.
- IT service providers offering tech support to government clients.
- Security services like physical security.
- Logistics and supply companies looking for government work.
Small Business Administration (SBA) is a good fit for:
- Minority-owned cleaning businesses looking for contracts.
- Small landscaping or facility maintenance businesses.
- Consulting firms wanting to work with the government.
General Services Administration (GSA) is a good fit for:
- Cleaning services wanting long-term contracts with the government.
- Office supplies or other companies wanting to sell to the government.
- Tech companies offering products or services to federal agencies.
Your State & Local Government Websites are a good fit for:
- Local cleaning businesses seeking work with cities or school districts.
- Small engineering firms that work on local projects.
- Community nonprofits providing services for local governments.
Examples: California, Texas, and other states have procurement portals.
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is a good Fit For:
- Minority-owned cleaning businesses looking for government contracts.
- Tech startups led by minority entrepreneurs.
- Manufacturing businesses wanting to work with the government.
Procurement Technical Assistance Centers (PTACs) are a good fit for:
- Small businesses needing help finding government contracts.
- Clean energy companies wanting to get government projects.
- Tech startups working on products for the government.
To build your business, start small by looking for smaller contracts that support your goals. Be sure to check these websites regularly, as new opportunities are always being added, giving you a chance to expand and grow over time.
Bottom Line
There are a lot of grants out there for different types of businesses and causes, from tech startups to food businesses. Since deadlines and eligibility can change, it’s important to check regularly and apply as soon as you can. Being prepared with all the right info and a professional pitch will help you stand out and increase your chances of getting the funding you need.
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