Find a list of business loans as well as free grant programs in California near you below. Locate lenders, non-profits, and government programs that help disadvantaged companies. Black owned businesses, companies owned by women, Latino, and small minority owned organizations can apply funds. Get help from minority business loans in California or other sources of funding.
The amount of money as well as the application process will vary based on the lender and the program available. Free grants or loans can be issued to small or medium businesses and some lenders (or government programs) may even help minority or women entrepreneur (MWBE)s as well as Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC). If you are looking for money to start a business, or grow an existing one, assistance is available. Find more details below on the latest programs, with come focused on grants for Black women in California.
Small minority or women business loans and free grants in California
Below is a list of grants and loans for small women or minority owned businesses in California. It is updated daily with the newest announcements at the top of the list. A number of California banks, government programs, and community agencies continually issue funds to Black, Latino, women, LGBTQ and other minority owned or run businesses.
April 2025
Los Angeles film and move companies can apply for grant money from the Spring 2025 FOFIF Short Film Fund. Several small companies will be given grant money in as much as $4,000. The focus is on helping women get the financial help they need with applications here https://filmfreeway.com/TheFutureofFilmisFemale
January and February 2025
Berkeley CA cultural organizations / small businesses can apply for up to a 7K grant. The money needs to be sued to hold some type of community organization/festival in the city. The money is for non-profits, diverse cultural businesses and artists among others. Apply here. https://berkeleyca.gov/community-recreation/civic-arts/civic-arts-grants
November and December 2024
City of Eastvale is helping restaurants and food establishments as part of the Business Incentive Loan Program. Forgivable loans (which can be in effect considered a grant) will help food places get the capital they need to expand. It also focuses on minority and cultural restaurants too, and more here. https://www.eastvaleca.gov/business/business-incentive-loan-program
The Sacramento Small Business Micro-Capital Grant Program is for companies with less than $50,000 in annual revenue and/or less than 5 employees. It is a “rolling grant” program that will help small businesses get the capital they need. Get details here. https://sac4micro.org/
Santa Monica Commercial Façade Improvement Matching Grant Program is a matching grant program that will provide up to $10,000 per each qualified business. The money will need to go storefronts in the city and on the Pico Blvd area. HUD, the city and other agencies are contributing, with some funds allocated to low-income and disadvantaged businesses. More info here. https://www.santamonica.gov/programs/small-business-matching-grant-program326232322
LA County businesses that are still recovering from the pandemic can apply for grant money from the Economic Opportunity Holiday Grant Program. The Pacific Asian Consortium of Employment and LA County Department of Economic Opportunity are offering the funds. Get more information here. Microentrepreneurs can apply too. https://opportunity.lacounty.gov/small-business-grants/
The Oakland Small Business Resilience Fund is providing $5,000 to $25,000 grants to small businesses. Applicants need to have lack of access to capital (MWBE, Asian, veterans, etc.) or have been negatively impacted by crime or unusual business costs. The goal is to help the diverse businesses in the Oakland CA area gain stability. Learn more about the free grants here. https://www.ebcf.org/program-strategies/inclusive-economy/oakland-small-business-resiliency-fund/
By Jon McNamara
