December 2023
The Black Community Commitment (BCC) from the Jordan Brand (Nike) is available each year to non-profits that focus on a defined set of issues. Non-profits need to help Black issues around education or job training, narrative change, economic justice or development and social justice. Funds are provided yearly, apply here https://www.nike.com/jordan/purpose/black-community-commitment
Sephora Beauty Grant is worth $100,000 to one Black owned beauty company. In addition to financial help, this may actually provide space in Sephora stores to sell the beauty products. Apply here. https://15percentpledge.org/award-sephora
Verizon has $10,000 small business grants. The program, known as the Verizon Small Business Digital Ready, is run in partnership with Next Street and Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC). They are giving free financial help, 1:1 coaching or mentoring, online tools and more. A major focus is on disadvantaged businesses, and learn more here. https://digitalready.verizonwireless.com/?utm_source=news&utm_medium=press-release&utm_campaign=digital-ready_10122023_national-small-business-grants-launch
Lenovo, the Evolve Small program, provides small businesses with grants, free marketing materials, and online presence and more. The Tech company is helping small businesses grow and “evolve”. Learn more here. https://www.lenovo.com/us/en/evolvesmall/
October 2023
Daymond John, from Shark Tank, is holding a Black Entrepreneurs Day. This is held in partnership with other non-profits, such AS NAACP, successful Black business owners, Shopify and other corporations. There will also be grant money provided. Learn more here. https://blackentrepreneursday.com/naacpgrant/
The FedEx Entrepreneur Fund is for small business owners that are either (1) veterans or family members or (2) people with a disability. As many as 30 business will be provided $10,000 grants. Hello Access and The Global Entpreuner Network are partners. Apply here. https://www.3blmedia.com/news/global-entrepreneurship-fedex-providing-access-capital-training-mentoring-and-networking
Dearfield Fund for Black Wealth is providing loans to Black and African-American homebuyers. The funds will also help minorities that own a small business get the funds they need to help them buy a home, which can often be a barrier for small business owners. Learn more about the Deerfield non-profit. https://www.dearfieldfund.com/
Holocaust Remembrance Grants, or IHRA Grant Program, are available in the US and worldwide. The funds are for non-profits or businesses that focus on religious’ equality including the Jewish faith, new research in the Holocausts, and similar topics. Apply here. https://www.holocaustremembrance.com/resources/funding
High Five Grant for Moms is for businesses owned by women who are also moms/caregivers. Financial assistance is for verified “mom” owned businesses that have been currently operating for as much as a year and that have proof of ownership, revenue and other details. Apply here. https://form.jotform.com/crystalee/2023app
August and September 2023
The Black Farmer Fund has a response grant/loan program. Up to $10,000 is provided to Black-owned farms, with a focus on those located in the Northeast. Apply here. https://blackfarmerfund.org/rapid-response-fund
HerRise MicroGrants is for businesses owned by women of color. Up to $1,000 is provided to each qualified business. The grant money can also be provided to non-profits that are started/run by women of color. A diverse range of organizations can apply, and apply here. https://www.hersuitespot.com/herrise/
Millionaire Mastermind Academy, Elevate Together, and Round It Up America are providing grants to Black owned businesses. In total, over $30,000 will be provided to multiple businesses, and there is also an accelerator program, pitch competition and other programs. Learn more here. https://millionairemastermindacademy.org/programs/pitch-competition/
Route 66 Extraordinary Women Micro-Grant Program is available in TX, OK, IL, and CA. Applicants need to be women owned businesses (including those of color), that are close to the Route 66 highway. $2,000 grants will be provided to qualified applicants. Apply here. https://roadahead.route66centennial.org/
SunPower Foundation has multiple grant programs’ for businesses in the solar industry. There are funds for solar accessibility, workforce development and other businesses. But the goal is to help businesses in the solar industry grow, train workers and evolve. Find details here. https://us.sunpower.com/foundation
Microgrants will be provided to businesses owned by people of color from the Keep It Local Business Fund. The NAACP and Nextdoor Kind Foundation are providing the financial help. Up to $5,000 will be provided to 20 businesses, with the money for businesses that are helping their local communities. Apply here. https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/keep-it-local-business-fund
$10,000 grants from Doordash are available as part of the Restaurant Disaster Relief Fund. This will help food service businesses, restaurants, etc. that have been impacted by a natural disaster, such as fire, flood, or another event. Apply here. https://get.doordash.com/en-us/about/disaster-relief-fund
NAACP, in partnership with Leslie’s Inc. Certification Boost Grant, is helping minority owned businesses, women, and those owned by disabled people get certified. Up to $5,000 will be given to each qualified business to help them get Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Disability-Owned Business Enterprise (DOBE) certifications. Apply here. https://naacp.org/find-resources/grants/naacp-and-leslies-inc-certification-boost-grant
Black owned farms, which are underrepresented and have limited access to funds, can apply for free grants from the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) and Cargill. There is business support including financial; support for certifications, loans from a Business Consortium Fund, grants, coaching services from the less than 2% of Black farmers and more. Get details here. https://nmsdc.org/acres-cultivating-equity-in-black-agriculture/
Pepper Startup Grant is provided Black women owned business owners with $5,000. The goal is to help Black women get the capital they need to inmvest into and grow their business. Other support is provided too, and learn more here. https://www.wearpepper.com/pages/grant
Citi Trends offers $5,000 grants to Black-owned businesses. The funds are part of the annual Black History Makers program. The money is provided annually, and sign up for notification for next years grants. Get details here. https://cititrends.com/bhm-winners-2023/
Former professional women soccer players can get business grants, education, and licensing support from the Angel City Play 22 Program. The Angel City soccer team is providing funds, in partnership with corporations, banks and others to help former athletes start a business or get the support they need. Learn more here. https://www.angelcity.com/news/article/player-22-program-to-evolve-include-support-for-player-led-small-businesses
People of color in the Rodeo Industry can apply for free grants from Crown Royal and the Bill Pickett Invitational Rodeo Association. The goal is to help Black women, men, and people of color get established in the predominately White industry. It will help open up more opportunities in the industry, and apply here. https://bpirfoundation.org/
The SBA is making small business loans easier to get, and the new rules are effective as of 8/1/2023. The programs will be open up to more borrowers, including those with lower credit scores, minorities and others. Get details here. https://www.sba.gov/article/2023/04/12/us-small-business-administration-implements-rules-address-persistent-capital
Tarte Shape Your Future Small Business Awards is for Black women owned companies and Black female entrepreneurs. There is financial help, access to business development tools, coaching and other assistance provided. Learn more on their social media channels or find more details here. https://tartecosmetics.com/shop/explore/tarte-gives-back/
Paypal / Venmo Small Business Grant is available. Dozens of small businesses, sole proprietors and MWBE companies will receive a grant from the fin tech leader. Each grant will be as much as $10,000. Apply here. https://venmo.com/business/small-business-grant/
Boos Women Media has a pitch content and as many a 3 free grants for small, Black women owned businesses. There is also an accelerator, partnership programs and other support to help businesses owned by women of color grow and expand. https://www.youtube.com/@BossWomenMedia
Antares’ REACH is $20,000 grants to dozens of small businesses that are under-represented and disadvantaged. The program is known as HUGS, and Hello Alice is accepted applications on behalf Antares. There is other help provided too, such as digital marketing, free PR, and more. Apply here. https://helloalice.com/grants/antares-capital/
Visa is helping Women owned businesses, and is launching grant programs to coincide with the World Cup. Programs include the SheBelieves Cup grant, low cost loans, and other support for women owned small businesses. Learn more here. https://usa.visa.com/about-visa/newsroom/press-releases.releaseId.19796.html
Black Kitchen Initiative grants, for restaurant / food service businesses owned by Black people, is available. Up to $1 million in total is being provided, with the funds coming from HEINZ, the Southern Restaurants for Racial Justice (SRRJ), as well as The LEE Initiative. Apply here. https://www.leeinitiative.org/southern-restaurants-for-racial-justice
AT&T She’s Connected is a program for women entrepreneurs. There will be grant(s) of $20,000 provided to “winners” of the event as well as other free services, such as high speed internet access, phone service from AT&T and other support. Apply here. https://about.att.com/pages/shes_connected.html
Ernst & Young LLP and the Entrepreneurs Access Network (EAN) from them has a business accelerator program for businesses owned by people of color. It is a multi-month program with help given to businesses, with referrals to financing and capital too. Learn more/apply here. https://www.ey.com/en_us/news/2023/06/ey-entrepreneurs-access-network-ean-now-accepting-applications
Small Business Growth Fund, Round 2, is providing free grants of up to $25,000. The program is run by Global Entrepreneurship Network, and some funds will be prioritized/allocated to small businesses that are women or minority owned. Other companies, such as Etsy, Hello Alice and other participate too. Apply for for the small business grants. https://helloalice.com/grants/sbgf/
Black owned businesses in the beauty/cosmetic industry can apply for grants from the Startup Collective by Aveeno. There is free financial help, assistance with marketing and product development, legal or accounting support and other resources. https://www.aveeno.com/startup-collective
Women’s Council of REALTORS has 10 grants for local and state REALTOR associations. The money needs to go towards funding women real estate leaders, careers, and practices. The financial assistance is known as the Supporting Women of Real Estate Grant, and apply here. https://www.wcr.org/network-tools/programs-grants/
Women business owners in the Pest Control industry, or that are considering entering it, can apply for grants, education, and training. The Professional Women in Pest Management (PWIPM) Council. The goal is to help disadvantaged female owned businesses get a start in the often male dominated industry. Apply here. https://www.mypmp.net/2023/06/09/deadlines-approaching-for-npma-awards-and-grant-programs/
Juntos Crecemos, from Pepisco, helps Latino, immigrant, and Hispanic owned businesses There is digital help, grant money, a business accelerator, and business Development. Learn more here. https://pepsicojuntoscrecemos.com/
Bank of America Breakthrough Lab is a free program for Black, Hispanic-Latino, Veterans, Native American and disabled business owners. There is free mentoring, coaching, information on grant applications and hands on, one on one support. Read more. https://business.bofa.com/en-us/content/breakthrough-lab-accelerator-program-application.html
Impacto Hispanic Business Accelerator from Pepsico is providing free grants of up to $10,000, one-on-one mentoring as well as group coaching and digital marketing support and advice. The Hispanic owned business needs to be a food oriented small company, such as restaurant, cafe, caterers, food trucks, pub, bodegas, and other food businesses. Find applications here. https://aofund.org/program/impacto/
Black owned pet businesses can apply for a free $10,000 grant as part of the SuperZoo Pitch Competition. The program is run by Black Pet Business Network as well as Leap Venture Studio, and the goal is to help under represented people in the pet industry. There are accelerators, financial help, marketing support and more. Apply here. https://www.f6s.com/superzoo-pitch-competition/apply
The 2023 Comcast RISE grants are now available in several cities. Up to $5000 is provided as well as advertising/marketing help, business consultations and other support. They also help businesses with IT needs, and learn more on the 2023 Comcast Rise grant money. https://www.comcastrise.com/about/
Truist Foundation Inspire Awards Challenge is providing funds to non-profit organizations that focus is helping disadvantaged businesses, in particular those owned by people of color. The program is run in partnership with MIT Solve. Applying non-profits need to be involved in helping MWBE companies get funds, grow their business, and overcome challenges. Apply here. https://solve.mit.edu/challenges/truist-foundation-inspire-awards-year-2
McBride Sisters SHE CAN Fund is providing small business grant money as well as scholarships for women who are in the wine business. There will also be scholarships for women who are going to college for this specialty, but a focus is on financial assistance to wineries, professional development and more. Apply here
https://www.mcbridesistersfund.org/grants-and-scholarships
July 2023
Ebay is helping small businesses acquire equipment and supplies they need for their small business. There will be (1) grant provided; (2) 50% discounts; or (3) free equipment provided. Minorities owned businesses can apply, and Hello Alice is a partner with Ebay. Apply here. https://pages.ebay.com/refurbished/
Progressive Insurance is helping Black owned businesses buy a commercial vehicle. This may be a truck, tractor, CDL class A trailer or similar vehicle. The program is run in Partnership with Hello Alice, and up to $25,000 may be provided. Apply here for the Progressive Driving Small Business Forward program. https://helloalice.com/grants/progressive/
June 2023
JOANN store minority grant program is available. AAPI entrepreneurs or small business owners that are “creators” or a creative industry can apply. The funds are for Asian American and/or Pacific Islanders, with up to $5000 grants or store credit provided. Learn more here. https://www.joann.com/minority-creative-grants/
Entergy is providing grants in their service territory to Support Environmentally Beneficial Projects. The money will help pay existing businesses for energy efficiency updates, Green Energy initiatives, clean air improvements and the like. The utility company provides most the grants in the South and SE US. Apply here. https://cdn.entergy.com/userfiles/content/environment/docs/EIF_RFP.pdf
Black owned businesses in several states are able to apply for grants from Beyoncé’s BeyGOOD in partnership with National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC). The program is known as the Black Parade Route Small Business relief grants, with funds offered in Atlanta, Charlotte, Chicago, Houston, Los Angeles, New Orleans, and NYC among other area. Apply here. https://www.nmsdcforms.org/nmsdc/m3izn5qvln/index
FUND Bootcamp is for women (and non-binary) small businesses. Grants are offered in partnership with Ladies Who Launch, and the money is available in Atlanta, Baltimore, Denver and Detroit. The program combines a bootcamp / advice with financial help to support the business as they grow. https://www.ladieswholaunch.org/fund-program
May 2023
Farmers, Ranchers and Rural businesses can get $1 million dollar grants from the USDA due to a Biden program. The money needs to be used to pay for energy efficiency improvements to the business’. The focus is on helping businesses in rural America, whether minority owned or other group. Get details here. https://www.usda.gov/media/press-releases/2023/03/31/biden-harris-administration-announces-availability-1-billion-help
The Fearless Fund and JP Morgan Get Ready Venture Program Cohort 2 is providing free 12 week training and grant money to up to 50 businesses owned by women of color. The focus is on finance/Fintech and businesses that help with workforce development, such as education. The financial assistance programs is also focused on existing small businesses that are on a sustainable growth path. Learn more here. https://www.fearless.fund/jpmc
Grameen America and Etsy are helping minority and disadvantaged businesses. There is an small business networks, Uplift Funds, AltCAP and more. The goal of the various programs, including financial, free digital educational development and more are offered. Find details here. https://www.etsy.com/news/deepening-etsys-commitment-to-the-creative-economy
April 2023
Comcast and the Native Women Lead (NWL) has an new 0%, interest rate free loans to Native women business owners. The Matriarch Response Loan Fund. There is also a restorative fund, mentoring and other assistance for various business expenses. Get details here. https://www.nativewomenlead.org/new-page-5
American Express, and the new round of Backing Small Businesses Grant, is available. Up to 350 small businesses, including Black, Asian, Latino and others, will get free grant money from Amex. There is also funds for the disabled, LGTBQ+ business owners, veterans and those who lack access to capital. Some applicants will be provided up to $25,000 as well. Apply here. https://nationalmainstreetcenter.submittable.com/submit/cf839347-903e-4ed8-a2eb-8a111086b095/backing-small-businesses-grant-program-2023
March 2023
Small businesses owned by women of color (Black, Latina, Asian, Native American, etc.) can apply for $10,000 to $20,000 grants. Financial help is provided by the Tory Burch Foundation and Fearless Fund. There is also community support, networking and other support. Apply for women of color grants here. https://www.fearless.fund/tory-burch-foundation
Black owned businesses with over $1 million in revenue can apply for free grants of up to $25,000. The money is issued as part of Hello Alice, Etsy Uplift Fund, the Global Entrepreneurship Network (GEN) as well as Progressive Insurance. There will be a formal application process around how the grant funds will help the businesses “hit the next level”. Apply here. https://helloalice.com/funding/sbgf/
Square, the website / content management company, has a business accelerator program for Black or Latino owned businesses. The program is known as “Forward”, and it provides a wide variety of services, including free grant money. Learn more here. https://squareup.com/us/en/forward
Businesses in the South St. Petersburg Community Redevelopment Area can apply for free, $10,000 grants as part of the Microfund Program. A major focus is on businesses, including MWBE owned, that have a store front or retail presence in St. Pete’s FL This is an ongoing grant programs that also help businesses in other ways, with PR, mentoring and more. https://stpetegreenhouse.com/
Backing the BAR Grant from the NACCP as well as Bacardi provides free grants, technical help, marketing help and more. The goal of the NAACP and Bacardi is to help Black-owned businesses in the alcohol industry. Apply here. https://naacp.org/grants/backing-the-bar
Minority women (Black, Latino, Native American, etc.) can apply for the Breakthrough Grant. Applicants need to have been in business for at least one year and be internet focused/online presence. DigitalUndivided and JP Morgan – Chase are partnering on the program. Apply to a Breakthrough Grant here. https://www.digitalundivided.com/breakthrough
Black, women owned businesses can apply for grants from Flawless by Gabrielle Union. Applicants will need to go through a pitch contest. There is also up to one year of free mentoring provided. The women owned business needs to be involved in fashion, skincare or hair accessories/tools business. Learn more here. https://flawlesscurls.com/pages/lift-as-we-climb-grant-initiative-promotion
Botox / AbbVie has a couple dozen grants of up to $25,000 each for women owned businesses. The company is partnering with the non-profit iFundwomen. There is free financial help provided as well as coaching, mentoring, and up to 12 months of ongoing support. Learn more here and apply to the $25,000 grants. https://www.botoxcosmetic.com/real-impact
Papaya Reusables is providing a free, $10,000 grant to a women owned “founder” business in the US. The funds are part of Women’s History Month, with the goal to help a women owned businesses (regardless of ethnicity) get the financial help they need. Any women founder can apply, no matter their business category. Apply here. https://www.papayareusables.com/pages/grant
Home Depot Foundation is providing free scholarships and/or grant money to women who are in a trade school, or business’. Up to $4,000 is provided to each qualified applicant. The funds are part of the Home Depot Foundation’s Path to Pro Scholarship for Women. While the focus is on individuals, a small business may also be able to get the financial help they need for construction type work. Learn more here https://corporate.homedepot.com/news/foundation-and-community/home-depot-foundation-grant-200000-trade-school-scholarships-women
HerRise Microgrants are funds for women of color. The amount of the grant will be $500, but is will help small businesses and sole-proprietorships owned by women of color get funds they need. Use the grants for technology costs, marketing or sales investments and other business expenses. Learn more here. https://www.hersuitespot.com/herrise/
Raisefashion has a Brand Fellowship Program for businesses owned by people of color, Black women or men as well as immigrants. It is a “pitch” type application, when the applicant will be accepted based on many factors such as distribution channels, marketing, product quality and more. Winners will get a multiple week long free coaching and mentoring service, with grant money provided at the end. Apply here https://raisefashionnow.org/brand-fellowship
Uber Eats is providing loans to Black-owned restaurants. The company is partnering with non-profit LISC on the financial assistance program. The loans are part of the Black Restaurant Fund from Uber Eats, and the funds are provided along with other support including mentoring, counseling and more. Apply here. https://www.liscstrategicinvestments.org/uber-black-restaurant-fund
Citizens Bank is providing as many as 30 $10,000 grants to women, minority and other disadvantaged businesses. Note applicants need to be customers of the bank. The assistance program is known as the Small Business Community Champion Award. There is a pitch content, with businesses also need to be involved in giving back top their community. Apply here https://citizens.businesschampion2023.dja.com/
Insider is offering support, and recognition, to women owned content creator businesses or influencers. The winners of the program will be provided publicity, marketing, and in general more exposure. Learn more here. https://www.businessinsider.com/insider-looking-for-women-startup-founders-creator-economy-influencer-2023-2
January and February 2023
Ladies Who Launch is providing $10,000 grants and 6 months of mentoring to women owned businesses who have less than 500K in annual revenue and that are involved in the consumer packaged goods businesses. This means the company needs to be involved in packaging, shipping, and similar industries. Apply here. https://www.ladieswholaunch.org/launch-program
Non-profit organizations that help place women into skilled trade jobs (or train them for those positions) can apply for the Carhartt Empowers Women in the Skilled Trades. It is a form of assistance that encourages women to gain new skills, and non-profits can learn more here. https://www.carhartt.com/every-day-is-labor-day?icid=2022-11-17_clp_1up_none_rank1_learn-more_cont_isc-hub-program-ftlol_allvisitors_lifestyle_16235
The Association of African American Vintners is providing $5,000 grants to Black-owned wineries. There are various conditions in place, including applicants need to be a member of the organization. The AAAV Wine Entrepreneur Grant Program is funded by donations and intended to help these organizations get the capital they need. Apply here. https://www.aaavintners.org/
Mastercard has a number of assistance programs for Black-owned businesses. There is the FEARLESS Grant program, partnerships with Amazon and Tik-Tok to increase publicity of Black-owned businesses, and other events. All of these are for the entire month of February – Black History month. Learn more here. https://www.mastercard.com/news/press/2023/february/mastercard-launches-she-runs-this-program-celebrating-entrepreneurship-for-black-women-in-business-and-hip-hop-during-grammy-week/
Or the grant program from Mastercard is here. https://www.fearless.fund/grant-programs
FedEx is operating the 2023 Small Business Grant Contest. Ten businesses will be given free grants from Federal Express. There will be funds given, free mailing services, and other support. A pitch is required from applicants, including MWBE as well as veteran owned companies. Apply here. https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grant-contest.html
The BOSS Network has $10,000 grants and equity contributions to disburse to Black women entrepreneurs . The assistance is known as the Sage Invest in Progress Grant Program. There is free mentoring, financial help, marketing and business strategy assistance and more. Learn more on services and free grants for Black women here. https://www.bossimpactfund.com/
Small businesses that took PPP loans can apply for forgiveness of the government loan. There are criteria in place to qualify, but the government is pushing this program for 2023. All businesses that owe money from a PPP loan can apply, including those owned by people of color, women, and veterans. Get details here. https://directforgiveness.sba.gov/requests/borrower/login/?next=/.
Braze Tech For Black Founders Grant is focused on Black-owned tech companies. The company is providing everything from financial help to free use of their platform, free marketing and social media assistance and other support. Get details here. https://www.braze.com/techforblackfounders?utm_source=businesswire&utm_medium=press-release&utm_campaign=fy23-q4-global-techforblackfounders2023
Black students, including those with a business degree or in college for one, can get a $5000 grant to pay for school. The fintech lender Earnest is offering $5000 to help minority students. They also provide other loans, grants and more. Learn more and apply here. https://www.earnest.com/student-loans/scholarship
There are national grants from 2022 as well. They can serve as a referral or give business owners more information. Locate 2022 MWBE Grants and Loans.
By Jon McNamara
