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 in 2024 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 during calendar year 2024 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.
March 2024
Nextdoor Kind Foundation is providing microgrants to hundreds of individuals, non-profits, and groups in LA County. The Los Angeles County Microgrant Program will provide funds to the diverse LA County area, with Hispanics, the Asian community, and others able to get funds. The program is run in partnership with the NAACP, and apply here. https://about.nextdoor.com/nextdoor-kind-foundation/los-angeles-microgrant-program/
January and February 2024
Up to $5,000 per business in grant money is offered in the San Diego council District 4. The money is offered by the San Diego Black Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the city. The goal is to help businesses, with a focus on those owned by people of color, recover from the floods. Learn more here. https://sdblackchamber.org/
Oakland CA Immigrant Micro Business Support Program is for micro and small businesses that are immigrant run/owned in the city. Free grant money, workshops and other support will be provided by City of Oakland’s Economic and Workforce Development Department, Feed the Hunger Fund, and The Unity Council. Learn more here. https://www.oaklandca.gov/resources/immigrant-business-support-program
Non-profits in Contra Costa, Merced, Napa, Solano, and Yolo County can apply for grant money from the Travis Credit Union Foundation. The agencies applying for the Financial Coaching Grant need to be focused on economic development of disadvantaged groups, such as minorities, immigrants, LGTBQ+, veterans and others. Learn more https://www.tcufund.org/grants.html
Find 2023 grants for MWBE business too. The agencies that operated them can serve as a referral or give business owners more information. Locate 2022 MWBE Grants and Loans in California.
By Jon McNamara
