Free government grants are available for small to mid-sized MWBE businesses in Tennessee. There is financial assistance for minority and female owned businesses, veterans, or LGTBQ+ and the applicant may be given a grant or a loan. Find free small business grants and loans in Tennessee, including from lenders, charities, corporations, and business development centers.
The funds are for any entrepreneur, small business owner (regardless of race), or startup company. However each of the financial assistance programs will be allocated some of the grants and/or loans to minority owned small businesses (including Black, Latino, Asian, LGBTQ) or veteran or female owned businesses. Most of the funds are for businesses in Nashville, Knoxville, or Memphis, but there are funds statewide.
In addition to the free government grants or interest free loans, minority as well as female small business owners are given ongoing support. There are free mentoring and business coaching services in Tennessee; help with creating business plans; SEO and online marketing services; networking events and so much more. The focus is on BIPOC (Black, Indigenous and People of Color) as well as MWBE (Minority/Women-owned Business Enterprises), can loans or grants can help anyone who is qualified.
Small business loans or free grants for females or minorities in Tennessee
As noted, any business can apply, and the free grant as well as loan programs listed below are updated daily. Each agency or lender will allocate some funds to minorities, women, or other disadvantaged businesses such as veterans, Asian, or LGBTQ among others.
January 2026
Cocke County businesses that are still recovering from Hurricane Helene can apply for grant money from the East Tennessee Human Resource Agency. Find more details on the agency from this link https://www.ethra.org/
November 2025
Nashville artists / musicians can apply for grant money from the Family Alliance in Music Support Grant. Multiple grants are available with money able to pay the bills for those in a hardship, cover touring expenses, payroll and other needs – apply here. https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf1aAH8Y3gKd3G2n45JVxAgEKihMFycN3n5uQlgyzriB9xS1w/viewform
In addition to the list above, we have archived the older funding programs. Use this link to find previous business grants and loans issued in TN.
By Jon McNamara
