Find government programs, banks, companies, and non-profit organizations that issue interest-free loans or free grant money to minority, veteran or women owned businesses. The small business or start up financial assistance is offered in every state. Each lender will vary in their application process, however the loans or grants will prioritize black owned businesses, women, LGTBQ+, Latinos, veterans, Black owned and disadvantaged groups. Get a free grant or loan in for MWBE or veteran businesses.
There are also funds for people that lack access to capital due to credit or other barriers. There may also be small business grants or funds for businesses or entrepreneurs with bad or limited credit histories. In general, the funds can be used by an existing small business to help them grow. Or some national lenders or organizations (such as non-profits) will provide loans or grants to entrepreneurs and start up companies. Generally, most of the organizations will also provide some type of free advice or mentoring services to help the business as well.
National free small business grants and loans offered today
Find an ongoing list below of different sources of funds for BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) as well as MWBE (Minority/Women-owned) businesses. It will be updated with new announcements each and every day.
A number of organizations offer financial assistance to historically disadvantaged start ups or small businesses. Everything listed below, including from a non-profit or charity, is offered in every state. The goal is to ensure businesses owned by Black women or men, Hispanics, women, immigrants or veterans have the resources they need – including money from a grant or interest free loan.
January and February 2025
Minority, women and veteran owned agricultural businesses, including farmers, can apply for the Retail Readiness Entrepreneurship Training Program. Walmart and the Watson Institute are partnering on it. Applicants can get a grant for $1,000 as well as several month long workshops, which helps with business development and other needs. Learn more https://watson.is/retail-readiness-entrepreneurship-training-program/
Women owned businesses and entrepreneurs can apply for the free $5K Pitch Perfect Grant. The goal is to help female founders get access to the capital they need, with a focus on start ups. Apply here https://helloskip.com/funding-details/pitchperfect
Santander Cultivate Small Business is helping women owned businesses in several states, including NY, MA, FL, TX and others. Grants of up to $100,000 can be provided as well as mentoring, multiple weeks counseling services and more. The money is for BIPOC owned food restaurants as well as LGTBQ+ and women owned. Apply here. https://www.santanderus.com/cultivate-small-business/
Dairy Farmers in the Northeastern US, in particular disadvantaged farmers (including MWBE, vets, etc.) can apply for the Dairy Farm Improvement and Modernization Grant. The amount of financial help given ranges from 15K up to $100K. This grant program is only for dairy businesses in the states of Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont, with farmers of color and women owned encouraged to apply here. https://nedairyinnovation.com/grants/farm-improvement-modernization/
SecretSOS is providing at minimum one $2,500 grant to a qualified small business or start up. In addition to the funding the organization has other programs for small businesses or entrepreneurs, including those owned by people of color. Find more details here. https://secretsos.net/SOS_Grant/
By Jon McNamara