There are federal government programs, nationwide lenders, banks, and other organizations that issue loans or free grants to minority as well as women owned businesses, regardless of what state the business is located in or where you live. Below you will find an updated, ongoing list of places to turn to for funds in 2023. While each lender will vary in their application process, generally the loans will be for black owned businesses, women, Latinos, veterans, and other disadvantaged groups, and there may also be grants or funds for businesses with bad or limited credit histories.
In general, the funds can be used by an existing small business to help them grow during 2023. 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. The goal is to both provide funds to help the business grow and also ongoing support, which benefits the lender as well as business owner.
National free grants and loans
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.
Every organization, bank, or lender listed will have some form of offering for minority businesses, whether a women owned small business, Black owned company, Latino, veteran, or LGBTQ business. Or they will gave priority to other disadvantaged group owned or run businesses as well. Note these will almost always be free grants as well as loans that are available nationwide – regardless of where your business is located. However always read the fine print of the program terms and conditions.
Ongoing non-profit, corporate, or government free financial assistance programs
The organizations immediately below provide year round assistance throughout calendar year 2023. Scroll further down the page for additional monthly grant or loan programs. In either case, there is ongoing support to women, veteran, LGBTQ, minority and disadvantaged businesses.
There will be access to capital (such as interest free loans or free grants) and the organizations often provide other support, such as free business coaching, business plan development, technical help and more. We broke them up by “section”. in addition, continue to scroll down the page for more “timely” financial resources.
Black owned businesses
Black Ambition helps LatinX and Black-owned businesses. It is a partnership of HBCU, celebrities, corporations and others. A major focus is on helping youth and/or college students start a business. There are free grants and other resources. Apply here. https://www.blackambitionprize.com/
Black Business Boom is a network of Black business owners, lenders, non-profits and others that work to help Black-owned businesses. There are digital accelerators, marketing programs, and one on one coaching about accessing capital – including grants, loans, and more. Read more here. https://blackbusinessboom.com/
Black Connect helps Black women and male entrepreneurs, startups and small businesses. They coordinate local mentoring chapters, provide free pro-bono legal aid, referrals to funding and subject matter experts and more. The non-profit is working to grow the Black owned business eco-system. Learn more here https://www.blackconnect.org/
Black Farmer Fund provides assistance to Black-owned farms. A wide variety of programs are offered, including grants, low-cost loans / community notes, marketing and technical help and more. They also work with BIPOC non-profits, the USDA and other groups to help Black owned farms. Read more here. https://www.blackfarmerfund.org/
Black Girl Ventures helps Black and Brown female owned businesses and/or entrepreneurs. They help minorities access capital, apply for grants, get loans (even if they have poor credit), and the organization offers other support as well. There is an ongoing list of assistance programs offered by partners of the organization, including non-profits, banks, and corporations. Read more here. https://www.blackgirlventures.org/
Black Restaurant Accelerator Program is for black owned restaurants only. Pepsi and the Urban League are partnering together on this financial assistance/grant program. Existing restaurant owners can get capital, mentoring, training, and other support to help them keep their restaurant open, start, or grow one. Not that the accelerator program is ONLY offered in the cities of Atlanta, Baltimore, Chicago, Cincinnati, Cleveland, Houston, Jacksonville, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New Orleans, Philadelphia as well as Washington, DC. Read more here. https://nationalurbanleague.salsalabs.org/black-restaurant-accelerator-program/index.html
Black Vision Fund indirectly invests free grants and/or low cost loans into Black owned businesses. The funds work with several Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) to help provide capital. Any small business owner, or entrepreneur, needs to apply directly to the CDFIs for financial assistance. Find more details on how to get help, grants, and support here. https://ebbcfund.org/small-business-owners
Buy Black Store is operated by Amazon. They also provide mentoring services, access to capital and other support for Black-owned businesses. Amazon, and the Buy Black Store, is a place to shop at for businesses owned by people of color. Get details here. https://www.amazon.com/b?node=69662226011
Center for Black Entrepreneurship (CBE) provides help to entrepreneurs and anyone interested in starting a business. The center is run in partnership with Morehouse College, the Black Economic Alliance Foundation as well as corporations such as Cisco. There is access to venture capital, grants, training and more. Find details on the center here. https://foundation.blackeconomicalliance.org/cbe/
Elevated Cities, partnering with Mastercard, has a number of assistance programs for Black owned businesses. These includes grants, coaching, professional services and more. A focus is on Atlanta, Birmingham, Los Angeles CA, state of Maryland and Virginia, St. Louis, New Orleans, New York City, Dayton, and Washington D.C. Continue reading here. https://ourvillageunited.org/elevated-cities/
ForbesBLK is services from Forbes Magazine that provides a wide range of resources to Black business owners, professionals, entrepreneurs, creative people and others. Local in-person events, online specials, mentoring, discounts and more is offered. Find details here. https://www.forbes.com/forbesblk/
H&R Block is offering free coaching, tax advice, and credit building assistance to Black Owned businesses. They are partnering with the Urban League on this service, which is called Block Advisors, There will be application to micro-grants, financial coaching, debt help, and other help arranged. Read more on this H&R Block program. https://www.blockadvisors.com/
National Center for Entrepreneurship is a partnership of all the Historically Black Colleges & Universities (HBCUs) as well as PNC. The main office is at Howard University, but any student or alumni of any HBCU can use the programs. Get help starting a business, raising money, entrepreneurship education and more. Get details here. https://www.hupnccenter.org/
Northwestern Mutual and gener8tor run the Black Founder Accelerator program. Each year there are grants provided as well as access to a 12 week long accelerator program. There is cohort programming, mentoring and coaching services and more. Apply here. https://www.gener8tor.com/investment-accelerators/northwestern-mutual-black-founder-accelerator
Rebuild the Block is a monthly grant program for Black owned businesses. There is financial assistance, in the form of free grants, given to as many as 15 Black owned businesses each month. The focus is on companies that have been hit hard by conditions outside of their control, such as COVID. It is an ongoing program, and read more here. https://www.rebuildtheblock.org/applynow
Operation Hope is working with banks, lenders, non-profits, and many other businesses to help start black owned businesses. It is a multi-year effort with a goal of trying to create hundreds of thousands of black male and female owned businesses. Financial aid in the form of grants or loans are offered as well as mentoring, accounting services, website development and more. Other partners include Shopify and more. Find more on the national program. https://operationhope.org/
Village United is a regional and national non-profit that helps Black owned micro-businesses as well as sole-proprietorships. The programs include, but are not limited too, Elevate which as a 3 month long incubator program. There is information on funds (loans or grants), free in-personal or virtual mentoring and more. Learn about Village United here. https://ourvillageunited.org/
Latino-Hispanic business owners and entrepreneurs
Causa Local focuses on helping Puerto Rican small business owners, start-ups and entrepreneurs. Latinx and Hispanic business owners can also try the non-profit. They facilitate interest free loans, give advice, and other supports. Crowdfunding is offered from their WeFunder program and they also offer 0% APR loans in partnership with Kiva. They also offer loans from Causa Rural to farmers or rural business owners and a creative financial aid program. Get more information. https://www.causalocal.org/
Any MWBE, veteran, or LGBTQ owned business
Annuity Payment Freedom is providing a small dollar microgrant each month. The program is known as BIPOC Small Business Grant, and it is ongoing. There is also marketing help, SEO (search engine optimization) for the grant winners and other support. A major focus is on Black owned businesses, and apply here. https://www.annuityfreedom.net/financial-literacy/black-grants/
Black and Brown Founders helps Black and Latinx tech entrepreneurs. They focus on supporting cutting edge industries. There is boot camp, information on loans or grant programs, coaching and mentoring services and other support. Learn about the national non-profit here. https://blackandbrownfounders.com/
Brookfield Malls is helping Black owned businesses, with a physical retail/brooks and mortar location, set up a store in one of their malls. The program is known as Partner to Empower. There is one on one guidance, mentoring, money to set up a store, lease payment assistance and more. There are also free classes and workshops on setting up a retail store. Read more here. https://www.brookfieldproperties.com/en/our-businesses/retail/leasing/business-resources/partner-to-empower.html
CDFIs (Community Development Lenders) have partnered together on a program known as the Opportunity Finance Network. They work to bring capital to minority owned businesses, small businesses in inner cities or low income parts of the country, and offer ongoing support. Capital may be in the form of loans, government grants, equity investments, and more. The Opportunity Finance Network will also help minority owned businesses with ongoing support, ranging from mentoring to free support on setting up or growing a company. Or read more about CDFI loans.
Comcast is offering cash grants to minority and female owned companies as part of RISE – Representation, Investment, Strength and Empowerment (RISE). Not only will free grants be paid out, but there is also training, counseling, assistance such as internet access, computer hardware, and more. Up to $10,000 may be paid out. Applicants can be female, Black owned, Latinx, Latino and Asian owned businesses, also known as BIPOC. Small business training is also arranged. Apply here. www.comcastrise.com/apply
Connect2Capital is a online portal that directs small businesses, including MWBE owned, veterans, and those with bad credit or no history, to funds. It focuses on helping people apply for non-profit CDFI loans or grants as well as mission focused lenders or banks. Locate funds, financial help, loans and more Capital here. https://www.connect2capital.com/
Entrepreneurs of Color Fund (EOCF) is available in multiple “major” cities, including Chicago, Detroit, Los Angeles, New York, San Francisco, and Washington. A number of banks, non-profits, CDFIs, and government resources are used to help BIPOC businesses get the Capital they need. It may include information on free government grants, low cost loans, counseling, microloans and more. Find details here. https://www.lisc.org/eocf/impact/
First American Capital Corporation, Inc., or FACC, is a community lender that focuses on Native Americans. They offer SBA loans, Native American entrepreneurship classes and a development center, provide free counseling or legal services and more. When government grants and/or low cost, or interest free loans, are offered for Native American small business owners FACC can help with applications. Learn about the lender here. https://www.aiccw-facc.org/
Global Entrepreneurship Network has a number of assistance programs. They work with non-profits, corporations, faith based groups and others to help the disadvantaged, including immigrants, people of color and others. Programs include the GEN Small Business Grants Program, Start up Huddle and others. Read more here. https://www.genglobal.org/
Equitable Access Program from GBN is a partnership with Hello Alice. Additional revolving loans, grants and sup[port is for BIPOC businesses as well as women owned. This program is in addition to other Global Entrepreneurship Network services. Get details here. https://www.genglobal.org/Equitable-Access
Goldman Sachs is helping disadvantaged businesses with the Launch with GS fund. They are allocating hundreds of millions of dollars to businesses owned by women, Black, LGBTQ, veteran and Latinx businesses among others. They focus on tech companies, finance companies, health care, and more cutting edge businesses. It is a free grant program that also gives access to other capital. Read about the Fund here. https://www.goldmansachs.com/our-commitments/diversity-and-inclusion/launch-with-gs/
Good Green provides free grants to non-profits that are based in mostly Black or Brown communities. Applicants need to be non-profits and focus on creating employment, educational opportunities, and in effect helping minority communities with social needs. Apply here for Good Green. https://good.green/grant-program
Howard University has a Center For Entrepreneurship. It is a nationwide service with the goal of helping Black, Women, Veteran, LGTBQ and minority owned businesses succeed. A wide variety of free resources and assistance programs are offered, ranging from help in applying to Capital (loans or grants), technology help, hands on workshops and mentoring and so much more. Apply here. https://business.howard.edu/
Husch Blackwell provides free legal aid as part of their Communities for Change program. This is a volunteer, pro-bono service that is offered in limited quantities. They help lower income minority owned businesses, and the free legal services range from Business Formation to setting up a LLC or corporation, Intellectual Property issues and Minority Business Certifications among other topics. The free legal aid is offered in Austin, Boston, Chattanooga, Chicago, Dallas, Denver, Houston, Jefferson City, Kansas City, Los Angeles, Madison WI, Milwaukee, Oakland, Omaha, Phoenix, Providence RI, Springfield MA, St. Louis, and Washington, DC. Learn more here. https://www.huschblackwell.com/ourfirm/hb-communities-for-change
Interise works with dozens of cities across the US to help small, MWBE and veteran owned businesses, with a focus on those businesses as well as start-ups that are located in lower income communities. They assist LatinX businesses, offer the LEAP leadership program, offer streetwise MBA and focus on helping disadvantaged businesses thrive. A part of this is referrals too, and help in applying for, capital – both loans and free grants. Read on the non-profit here. https://interise.org/programs/
Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership helps people of color, whether veterans, Black men or women, LGTBQ+ or any other minority of color. This nationwide organization helps with everything from accessing grant money or raising money from Angel investors to partnerships from non-profits or groups such as the Urban League or Women of Color Connecting. Read more about the Institute for Entrepreneurial Leadership here. https://www.weareifel.org/
JP Morgan Chase has a number of assistance programs for businesses owned by people of color as well as women owned companies. There is free mentoring from experienced Chase employees. They also offer a number of ongoing grant programs, including for start-ups. Or get referrals to charities, financial literacy/banking solutions and more. Read about the Chase programs here. https://www.chase.com/business/minority-businesses
JPMorgan Chase’s Diverse Supplier Grant Initiative helps minority owned businesses get certificated and overcome other barriers. There is also a financial matching part of this program. Continue reading. https://www.jpmorganchase.com/about/suppliers/supplier-diversity/creating-opportunity-by-removing-barriers
Chase Special Purpose Credit Program (SPCP) helps small businesses in underserved cities and parts of the country, many of which are MWBE, veteran, or disabled business-owned. Chase is providing financial help, low cost or interest free loans, online mentoring or classes and more as part of SPCP. Learn more here. https://www.chase.com/business/knowledge-center/investing-in-success/minority-entrepreneurship
Lending Circle has a variety of microloans, business programs for immigrants, financial literacy programs and more. There are immigration loans, small business loans of up to $2,5000 at 0% interest rate, peer to peer funding and much more. Get details here on MAF Lending Circles. https://www.missionassetfund.org/programs/
Lendistry is a minority owned small business lender – fintech company. They help businesses owned by people of color as well as underserved and undercapitalized companies get capitol. This includes loans, referrals to grants, technical help and more. They are a African American-led SBA loan provider. Read more. https://lendistry.com/
LegalZoom as well as the NBA are offering free grants as part of a program known as “Fast Break for Small Business”. It is an ongoing program in which applications will generally open up a few times per year. Priority is for BIPOC, LGTBQ, and woman owned small businesses. Free grants of up to $10,000 will be provided, and LegalZoom will also provide free legal aid as the business owner needs. Read more. https://www.legalzoom.com/fastbreakforsmallbusiness
Macy’s is help disadvantaged businesses as part of the S.P.U.R. Pathways: Shared Purpose, Unlimited Reach program. There will be grant and loan programs provided, increased use of women and minorities as supplies to Macys, advisory resources, reporting, and more. The program is run in partnership with Momentus Capital. Read more. https://www.macysinc.com/purpose/spurpathways
Mansas Fund provides various types of investment in Black and Latino owned businesses. There may be loans, equity investments, grants, and other forms of capital provided. Most of the assistance is for micro-enterprises. Apply here. https://www.themansafund.com/
Minority Business Development Agency is the main federal government department that focuses on minority businesses. They often provide grants (sometimes to states other times to small businesses) or offer technical help. They are also loan programs for MWBE, initiatives and much more. Learn about the federal government MBDA here. https://www.mbda.gov/enterprising-women-of-color
National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) has an ongoing, quarterly grant program for very small business, including women, veteran, disabled or minority owned. It is also for sole-proprietors. The NASE $4,000 grant is issued multiple times per year. Get details here. https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/member-benefits/business-resources/growth-grants
ODP Corporation offers an assistance program known as Elevate Together. They focus on African-American and Hispanic owned businesses with under 5 employees, meaning sole proprietors can apply too. Free grants, support services and more is offered. Get details here. https://elevatetogether.org/partnerships/
SHE Can Fund from McBride Sisters offers various assistance programs to disadvantaged businesses, including women and people of color. There are grant programs, scholarship services, partnerships such as free Facebook advertising credit, marketing help and more. A major goal is to help businesses get the capital they need. Each and every year free grants and other support is given to qualified clients. More details here. https://www.mcbridesistersfund.org/
Southern Opportunity And Resilience (SOAR) Fund is for minority businesses located in the southern as well as southeastern part of the country, including (but not limited too) states such as Texas, Florida, Georgia, Virginia, the Carolinas, and others. A wide variety of assistance programs, including financial help or loans, as well as many other free resources are offered. There are programs for Hispanic owned businesses, Black owned companies, Asian, Latino, Native Americans and other minorities. Both for-profit as well as non-profit can get help from SOAR. Learn about the services here. https://www.connect2capital.com/p/soar-fund/#
US Chamber of Commerce runs the Dream Big Awards program. There are different categories for the grant, including minority businesses, LBGTQ, immigrant, youth, women, and others. It is an annual grant program in which tens of thousands of dollars are given out each year. Companies, including Chase and other lenders, partner with the Chamber of Commerce. Learn more. https://www.uschamber.com/dream-big-awards
Verizon Communications has a few grants offered throughout the year(s) as well as many other free services for small businesses. The program is a portal, and it is known as the Small Business Digital Ready program. There will be free grants, online coaching for MWBE and other small business owners, workshops and learning tools. Networking is offered too. Learn more. https://www.verizon.com/about/responsibility/digital-inclusion/small-business-training
Immigrants or refugees
DreamxAmerica supports immigrant owned businesses and entrepreneurs, refugees, and first-generation American entrepreneurs. There are no gender, ethnicity, age or restrictions period. Asian, Hispanic, European and African immigrants and anyone can apply for interest free loans. They help with the funding as well as provide social media “press” for the business, give technical advice, and support the business through the launch and/or its growth stage. Learn more. https://www.dreamxamerica.com/
LTTBQ+ owned businesses or non-profits
StartOut provides a wide variety of assistance programs to LGTBQ+ entrepreneurs and people thinking of starting a company. There is also help for existing LGTBQ+ owned small businesses. Various workshops, networking events, free grant programs, training and more is offered. The goal is to help entrepreneurs get the support they need to overcome barriers, with business creation, access to capital or loans, and more. Find details here on Startout. https://startout.org/
Veteran entrepreneurs or small business financial assistance, support and more
Bunker Labs is a nationwide organization that partners with banks, corporations, and volunteers. A wide range of services are offered ranging from information on grants to classes, workshops, Angel Tree investing, mentoring and more. The goal of the agency is to help veterans start a business, and this includes the financing they need (whether free grants, loans, equity, etc.) as well as overall guidance. There is a Veteran in Residence incubator, Ambassador program and other help. Learn more. https://bunkerlabs.org/
Veteran Loan Fund is a nationwide network of banks, corporations, and business support groups for veteran owned companies (or entrepreneurs). A wide variety of financial assistance may be offered, ranging from interest free to low APR loans, coaching or mentoring from SCORE, Veteran Business Outreach Centers, or SBDCs and other ongoing assistance. Learn more here https://www.veteranloanfund.com/
Women owned companies or startups
Bank of America (BOA) also has a database that will help women entrepreneurs or small business owners learn about free grants, loans, fundraising programs, as well as other sources of financial aid. It is a free directory to use. Find details here. https://womenscapitaldirectory.com/
The Fearless Fund and Mastercard are providing grants to businesses owned by women of color. The business needs to be operating and have at least $100,000 in revenue. The grants can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Other criteria are in place too. Read on this free funding source. https://www.fearless.fund/strivers-grant-contest
Goldman Sachs and One Million Black Women is providing free grants to Black women owned and run non-profits. The goal of the program is to help charities and non-profits, that are run by Black women, to help others in the community. Agencies that focus on job training, employment, housing, Entrepreneurship and similar causes are a focus. Learn more and apply here. https://www.goldmansachs.com/our-commitments/sustainability/one-million-black-women/black-women-impact-grants-2022/index.html
Grameen America helps low income women and those in or close to poverty. They provide microloans of $2,000 are more, and while some may be interest free (0% APR) others will have very low interest rates. They also help women build savings, improve credit, and provide loans to Black and minority women (even those with bad credit). In addition to funds, they offer counseling, advice, and ongoing support. Learn more here. https://www.grameenamerica.org/
Native Women Lead helps indigenous women entrepreneurs. The programs include the Matriarch Creative Fund (for newer companies or entrepreneurs) and the Matriarch Restorative Fund (for existing businesses) provides very low-cost if not interest free loans. The non-profit also works with banks and lenders in an effort to provide additional financial help. Learn more here. https://www.nativewomenlead.org/
StartHER helps women owned businesses (regardless of race, religion, ethnicity, etc.). The micro fund will invest and/or give small dollar loans to businesses that are involved in healthcare, society, social services or the environment. The fund, which is run by a company called Peanut, is focused on start up and “pre-seed” small businesses. The funds can help women owned businesses that are locked out of typical funding sources. Learn more. https://www.peanut-app.io/starther
The Tory Burch Foundation and Bank of America Capital Program helps provide Capital to women owned businesses. A number of banks, credit unions, CDFIs, and lenders across the nation participate to help women owned businesses get funding, whether low interest or 0% loans. The funds are for established entrepreneurs. Learn more. https://about.bankofamerica.com/en/making-an-impact/tory-burch-foundation-capital-program-faqs
Wells Fargo, one of the nation’s largest banks, has a number of programs that focus on women owned businesses, with a focus on minority owned (black, Latina, Asian, veteran, etc. women owned). The assistance is part of the Wells Fargo Connect to More service. There is free coaching and mentoring for hundreds of companies as part of Milestone Circles mentorship program. The lender also has financing opportunities (such as low cost or interest free loans as well as possible grants), technical help, and many other programs. Learn more here. https://www.wellsfargo.com/small-business/jump/other/connect-to-more/
WomensNet is a resource from female business owners and entrepreneurs. They offer a recurring Amber Grant, which may be $10,000. There is also funds for Marketing Assistance, monthly mini-grants for certain businesses such as restaurants, hair stylists, health and fitness, beauty companies and others. Other free services are offered as well, and read more on the non-profit and the funds here. https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/free-grant-tips/
August and September 2023
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
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
