Welcome to Breaking the Blueprint — a blog series that dives into the unique business challenges and opportunities of underrepresented business owners and entrepreneurs. Learn how they’ve grown or scaled their businesses, explored entrepreneurial ventures within their companies, or created side hustles, and how their stories can inspire and inform your own success.
If you’re reading this, I can promise you two truths: 1) you probably know how hard it is to find grants for Black women (likely because you are a Black woman seeking funding that actually supports your vision without unnecessary hoops), and 2) you’re not alone in feeling like the system wasn’t built with you in mind.
So, here’s another (undeniable) truth: Black women remain the most dynamic entrepreneurs in the nation, and studies prove it. Besides being the most educated, they own 2.7 million businesses in the U.S. and are the fastest-growing demographic of entrepreneurs, according to an article by J.P. Morgan. Plus, their companies have made a mark on every industry, from beauty and fashion to tech and education.
However, despite their successes, Black women have faced many challenges as founders and CEOs, and a lack of financial support is at the top of the list. Ultimately, Black women deserve more resources to support them through their entrepreneurship journey. Read on to learn about grants that can help you take your business venture to the next level, no matter what or how big it’s gotten.
Table of Contents:
- What is a business grant?
- Statistics that Black Women Entrepreneurs Should Know About
- 16 Business Grants For Black Women
- More Resources for Black Women Entrepreneurs
- Follow Your Dreams, Black Girl
Although there are tons of grant funding opportunities available, as a Black woman, it’s hard (to say the least) to find one that’s:
- Specific to you
- Not overly competitive or saturated
- Aligned with your stage of business or unique goals
That’s why it’s so important to approach funding with both strategy and awareness. Before diving into applications or pitching your business, it helps to understand the bigger picture — where the opportunities lie, how we’re showing up and making space in the business world.
Knowing the stats can give you clarity, motivation, and even an edge when it comes to telling your story and advocating for your business. In the next section, take a look at some key statistics that every Black woman and woman of color entrepreneur should have in her back pocket.
Statistics that Black Women Entrepreneurs Should Know About
Whether you’re new and true to entrepreneurship or just getting started, it’s empowering and essential to stay updated on what the entrepreneurial landscape holds. From funding disparities to the rising number of Black women launching successful businesses, these numbers foreshadow a story — your story.
So, before diving into more resources and opportunities, take a moment to ground yourself in the facts and see just how powerful our presence in business truly is. Check out some data I pulled from GoDaddy’s 2024 U.S. Venture Forward Report:
- 13% of U.S. micro-businesses are owned by a Black entrepreneur, and of those, 73% are owned by Black women
- 33% of Black business owners use generative AI for both business and personal use
- About 3 out of 10 (31%) women with a micro-business are the breadwinners in their home
- About 1 in 3 business owners currently own more than one business
16 Business Grants For Black Women
As a fellow Black girl with big dreams, I know one of the most complex parts about funding your business is knowing where to look. Between navigating limited resources, juggling multiple responsibilities, and trying to turn your vision into reality, it can feel overwhelming even to know where to start.
But trust me, you’re not alone, and there are opportunities out there created with us in mind.
Check out the list I put together below just for you:
1. WomensNet Grants
WomensNet gives away at least $30,000 every month and around $435,000 per year to women-owned businesses in four different grant categories:
- Monthly Amber Grant: $10,000 to one recipient
- Monthly Startup Grant: $10,000 to one recipient
- Business Category Grants: $10,000 to one recipient (monthly business categories are listed here)
- Annual Amber Grant: $25,000 to one recipient who has won one of the other monthly grants.
Oh, and want to know the best part? You only need to fill out one application to be considered for all four grants.
Deadline: The next due date is March 31st, 2025, but applications are accepted throughout the year.
Eligibility: You must be a woman 18 years or older with a 50% women-owned business operating in the United States or Canada. Women who haven’t started their business (but are looking to do so) are also encouraged to apply.
2. Galaxy Grant
The Galaxy Grant, managed by the nonprofit Hidden Star, offers $2,750 to women and minority entrepreneurs who run a business or plan to start one.
If you apply and refer a friend who wins, you each receive a $2,750 grant.
Deadline: The 2025 application deadline is March 31st, 2025.
Eligibility: Women and minority founders who are new to or experienced in owning a business, as well as folks thinking about starting a business, are encouraged to apply.
3. FedEx Small Business Grant
FedEx’s Small Business Grant awards innovative small businesses the capital they need to support their businesses.
Ten recipients are selected; one is awarded $50,000, and the remaining nine are awarded $20,000. Recipients are also eligible for various growth-supporting perks, like a $500 print credit and a $300 voucher.
The fund is open to anyone, making it great for Black women at all stages of their entrepreneurial journey. You must have had a FedEx business account open for six or more months before March 1st, 2024.
Deadline: The 2025 deadline is April 1, 2025.
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, a legal resident of the United States, own a for-profit business that’s been operating for at least six months, and be current shipping customer with FedEx using a FedEx shipping account number.
4. HerRise MicroGrant
HerRise MicroGrant for small businesses offers monthly awards of $1,000 to women of color entrepreneurs.
The financial awards are given to those with businesses that directly impact their community and struggle to secure their funding. Past recipients have used the grants to buy computers, marketing materials, equipment, and more.
Deadline: The application deadline is 11:59 PM on each last day of the month.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a business currently registered in the United States that has made less than $1 million in gross revenue and is 51% women-owned. Non-profit, franchise, direct seller, authorized seller, and independent consultant businesses are not eligible.
5. HerRise Hustlers MicroGrant
Like the HerRise MicroGrant, the HerRise Huslers MicroGrant offers entrepreneurs of color and minority small business owners a $1,000 business grant.
Although this grant is smaller, I think it’s perfect for early-stage entrepreneurs and founders looking to finance the little things — like business licenses, website development, subscriptions, or initial inventory. This grant also requires a $15 nonrefundable fee at the time of application submission.
Deadline: The application deadline is 11:59 PM on each last day of the month.
Eligibility: Applicants must be small business owners (or aspiring ones).
6. Corporate Counsel Women of Color Grants
Corporate Counsel Women of Color awards five $2,500 grants to women entrepreneurs with legal, for-profit businesses.
To qualify, your company has to have generated over $25,000 in revenue since Jan. 2020.
Deadline: Submissions are reviewed on a rolling basis, and they apply today to be considered for the Jan. 2025 award.
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18, a woman of color, and own a for-profit business in the United States (with an EIN).
7. SheaMoisture Grants
Shea Moisture offers grants to Black-owned businesses and founders; they are as follows:
- The Next Black Millionaires Grant/Program: This grant offers $100,000 in funding, business development services, retail distribution support, and executive coaching and mentorship. You can sign up to be on the program/grant waitlist (and get notified when applications for 2025-2026 officially launch) here.
- The Brown Girl Jane Grant: This grant offers $10,000 to $25,000 grants to Black and woman-owned beauty or wellness businesses that have been in operation for at least one year. Applications open
- The Blueprint Grant: This grant offers one-time $10,000 grants and 1:1 mentoring support to Black women (aged 18 – 35) in the United States. This grant is awarded to Black women seeking funding for a project or initiative to give back to their community.
- The SheaMoisture Community Impact Grant: This grant offers one-time $10,000 grants to Black-owned businesses (registered and based in the U.S.) that have been in operation for at least one year.
Eligibility: Each respective grant has its requirements, but ultimately, the only standing criteria for each is that applicants must be Black women.
8. NAACP Grants
The NAACP partners with organizations like Vistaprint, The Boston Celtics, and BEYGOOD to fund and support Black-owned businesses.
It offers multiple grant opportunities, including:
- Keep It Local Business Fund: This one-time grant provides $5,000 (plus additional support opportunities) to small business owners of color.
- Certification Boost Grant: This one-time grant offers $5,000 to assist small, minority-owned businesses in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas to get critical business certifications.
- Powershift Entrepreneur Grant: This grant awards Black entrepreneurs and black-owned businesses with $25,000 grants. It selects multiple winners per year.
Deadline: Check back for 2025 application dates. All grant applications except the NAACP x Bacardi: Backing the B.A.R. Grant and the NAACP x BeyGOOD: Black Owned Small Business Impact Fund Grant are open.
Eligibility: Applicants must be a Black entrepreneur or business owner.
9. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
Since 2006, the NASE has awarded nearly $1,000,000 in small business grants.
Recipients can receive up to $4,000 for advertising, hiring, and other business needs. To apply, you’ll submit a plan detailing your business’s purpose and operations.
Deadline: Applications are reviewed quarterly (i.e., applications received between Jan. and Mar. are reviewed in April).
Eligibility: Applicants must be a NASE member to apply.
10. The Freed Fellowship
Every month, the Freed Fellowship bestows a $500 micro-grant and two months of free mentoring in its virtual community of business owners.
Monthly awardees also qualify for a $2,500 year-end grant.
Deadline: Applications are accepted monthly.
Eligibility: Applicants must be a micro- or small business owner. Women and other minority groups are especially encouraged to apply.
11. Comcast RISE
Comcast RISE is a grant program, sustained by the technology and entertainment company Comcast, that advances digital equity and capital for small businesses owned by underrepresented entrepreneurs who make a difference in their communities.
Recipients receive $5,000 to invest in growth sustainability and access to digital tools. In previous years, Comcast has awarded funds to 500 recipients across five cities with a grant package that includes business consultation services, educational resources, creative production, a media schedule, and a technology makeover.
Deadline: Check back for deadlines via the Comcast RISE application page. In previous years, applications have launched in early October and have closed by mid-October. They are typically awarded in December.
Eligibility: Applicants must have a business that’s been established for 3 or more years, have one to 25 employees, and be within the following cities:
- Chicago, IL (Cook County)
- Miami, FL (Miami-Dade and Broward Counties)
- Oakland, CA (City of Oakland)
- Seattle, WA (King and Pierce Counties)
- Washington, D.C. (Wards 1–8)
12. The San Francisco Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund
San Francisco Women’s Entrepreneurship Fund (exclusive to SF businesses) offers up to $5,000 in mini-grants to women-owned small businesses to help with projects and updates that will significantly impact growth.
The Fund was established to improve the small business environment in San Francisco and encourage collaboration between female entrepreneurs and local technical assistance providers.
Deadline: Rolling basis acceptance. Your TA provider must submit your application and supporting documents to the Mission Economic Development Agency (MEDA).
Eligibility: Applicants must be residents of San Francisco, proprietors of a woman-owned business operating full-time (with at least 40 percent revenue in the city), have a current lease with at least 18 months remaining, and identify as low/moderate income.
13. The David Prize Grant
The David Prize Grant is a New York resident-specific funding opportunity to support creatives who dream of starting any artistic endeavor, whether a product or a passion project. Individuals who win the David Prize Grant can be affiliated with organizations or companies, but it prioritizes folks doing extraordinary things outside of traditional pathways.
The David Prize offers $200,000 to 5 exceptional New Yorkers. Additionally, it prides itself in supporting individuals who have yet to receive their flowers (meaning that if you’ve shown up under a ‘30 under 30’ list or have raised more than $200,000 in the past year, you’re not the ideal candidate).
Deadline: Check the David Prize website for application deadlines for this upcoming year. They typically open in the Fall.
Eligibility: Applicants must be a New York resident. According to the David Prize’s site, they must also be dedicated to getting things done, making a difference, and taking risks.
14. The Glossier for Good Grant Program
The Glossier for Good Grant Program invests in Black and underrepresented beauty founders leading beauty brands across the United States and the UK through grant funding, curated business programming, and additional resources to help them take their businesses to the next level.
In the past, Glossier has funded over 25 Black-owned businesses in the U.S. and expanded this grant funding opportunity to Black-owned UK businesses. Presently, Glossier offers $50,000 to selected U.S. grantees and $10,000 to selected UK recipients.
Deadline: The application due date is June 1st, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Eligibility: Applicants must be new founders of a beauty-specific business, provide net sales for the current year and expected net sales for the following year, and share a pitch deck with an overview of their business plans.
14. Black Women Photographers x Nikon Inc. Grants
Black Women Photographers (BWP), a global community, directory, and support hub for Black and African creatives, is partnered with Nikon Inc. to offer one $10,000 grant, five $5,000 grants, five $3,000 grants, and an additional $20,000 in Nikon mirrorless gear to Black photographers.
Deadline: The application due date is March 28th, 2025, at 11:59 p.m. EST.
Eligibility: Applicants must identify as Black creatives; international applicants are also accepted. Applicants are also encouraged to apply for more than one grant but must submit separate applications for each grant. You do not have to be a BWP member to apply.
15. Grantmakers for Girls of Color’s (G4GC) Black Girl Freedom Fund Grant
Grantmakers for Girls of Color’s Black Girl Freedom Fund offers one-time $10,000 grants to Black women, girls, femmes, and gender-expansive youth for projects focused on the Black female diaspora’s artistic vision, activism, and innovation.
Deadline: Check the Black Girl Freedom Fund page for updates; G4GC is also fairly active on Instagram, so I suggest following them for timely information on application deadlines!
Eligibility: Applicants must be a Black girl, femme, and/or gender-expansive youth between the ages of 15 – 25.
15. Black Film Space x Entertainmint Short Film Grant
Black Film Space (BFS), a 501(c) nonprofit organization, is partnered with Entertainmint to offer a one-time $2,500 grant to Black filmmakers who want to bring their creative visions to life.
This grant opportunity calls for Black filmmakers to submit original short films at any stage of production that requires funding to complete principal photography. Projects in production or post-production are also encouraged to be submitted.
Deadline: The application due date is January 16th, 2025 (winners are announced in April 2025).
Eligibility: Applicants must be 18 years old, present a script (of 25 pages maximum) for their short film, and can reside anywhere globally but must have access to a United States bank to receive funds for the grant. The short film must also be a narrative project. The application fee for this grant is $25 but free to BFS members.
More Resources for Black Women Entrepreneurs
In addition to sharing funding-specific opportunities, I wanted to pass along the names of some other organizations and companies (who are doing pretty amazing things, might I add) that offer mentorship, networking, education, and tools specifically designed to support and uplift women entrepreneurs and people of color on their business journeys.
Take a look at my list below:
1. Start Small, Think Big Inc.
Start Small, Think Big Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing equity and inclusion in entrepreneurship through connecting small businesses with the resources and community support they need to thrive.
More specifically, Start Small, Think Big offers free small business workshops and events as well as expert small business services, from finance services to legal assistance.
If you’re looking for ways to get connected with other Black and Brown small business folks or get tailored business support, I think this organization is definitely worth checking out.
2. SCORE
SCORE is a 501(c)3 organization and resource partner of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA). SCORE provides free small business advice, events, courses, and mentorship to entrepreneurs and small business owners nationwide.
Additionally, SCORE has free templates and resources available. It also offers women entrepreneur-specific resources. All of this said, I think SCORE is a valuable option to consider if you’re seeking guidance, support, and practical tools to grow or launch your business.
3. Stan
If you’re looking to monetize your small business through social media, Stan (also known as Stan Store) is worth looking into. Stan is an all-in-one platform that allows its users to sell digital products, courses, and manage bookings through a mobile-optimized “link in bio” design.
Through Stan, you can experiment with different income streams like digital downloads, paid consultations, and online courses — all without needing a full website. If you’re a Black girl entrepreneur who’s just getting started, I recommend utilizing Stan’s capabilities to build your brand, test your offers, and generate early capital.
Oh, and one more thing: If you’re looking for another full-stack, easy-to-navigate platform to help you better manage your small business, I highly suggest looking into HubSpot’s Sales Hub. Not only does it have everything you (most likely) need, like email templates and tracking, it’s also fully AI-powered. It’s designed to save you time, help you grow your client base faster, and keep all your customer interactions in one place.
Follow Your Dreams, Black Girl
If no one’s told you lately, let me be the first: your ideas are valid, your ambition is powerful, and your dreams are worth pursuing — fearlessly and unapologetically. As a Black woman navigating the world of entrepreneurship, you’re not just building a business — you’re creating legacy, shifting narratives, and opening doors for the next generation.
Yes, the path can feel isolating. Yes, the resources might seem hidden or out of reach. But trust — there are tools, communities, and opportunities made for you, by people who understand the road you’re walking. And even when it feels like the world wasn’t designed with your brilliance in mind, remember: you’ve always been the blueprint.
So take up space. Seek what you need. Keep dreaming big, even when it feels too bold. Because every step you take builds something greater — not just for you, but for all of us watching and believing right alongside you.
Editor’s note: This post was originally published in December 2021 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
