If you’re looking for business grants accessible to black women for starting or boosting your company’s prospects, you’ve come to the right place. This article lists some of the best options plus vital information such as specific eligibility requirements, application deadlines, and typical grant amounts.
12 Best Grants for Black Business Women
Although they have yet to claim their fair share of the business world, black women do have opportunities – as long as they know where to look. While this isn’t an exhaustive list of all the small business grants for black women, it provides a great starting point with plenty of leads to pursue.
1. Wish Local Empowerment Program
Wish's Empowerment Program supports Black-owned small businesses by offering financial aid and resources. Eligible businesses receive grants ranging from $500 to $2,000. To qualify, businesses must be Black-owned, have 20 or fewer employees, and be located in the U.S. The application process is straightforward and managed directly through Wish’s website.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Black-owned small business
- 20 or fewer employees
- Located in the U.S.
Grant Amount: $500–$2,000
Where to Apply: Wish Local Empowerment Program
2. The Amber Grant
Founded by WomensNet in 1998, the Amber Grant was established to memorialize a young entrepreneur – Amber Wigdahl – who passed away before she could set her business plans in motion. Ever since, the team behind the Amber Grant awards at least $30,000 to businesswomen on a monthly basis.
While this grant isn’t exclusive to black entrepreneurs, the Amber Grant has built a reputation by supporting small, women- and minority-owned businesses for over two decades. Apart from their monthly grant program, they offer two grants – worth $25,000 each – as well as various monthly and quarterly grants of $10,000.
Eligibility Requirements:
- An applicant must be a female business owner
- A $15 application fee is required
Grant Amount: $10,000 / $25,000
Deadline: Quarterly / Monthly / Yearly
Where to Apply: The WomensNet website
3. Galaxy of Stars Grants
Galaxy of Stars offers grants supporting women and minority entrepreneurs through two primary grants: a $2,450 Galaxy Grant Giveaway and a larger Dream Business Bundle worth over $23,000 in cash and business services. Both have quick and easy application processes.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Women or minority entrepreneurs
- Based in the U.S.
Grant Amount: $2,450 / $23,000
Deadline: March-April
Where to Apply: Galaxy of Stars Grants
4. Female Founders Fund
While it doesn’t focus specifically on black entrepreneurs, the Female Founders Fund is a great choice for female business owners – especially those that fall within the tech space. They also fund new businesses in the areas of B2B, healthcare, and general consumer services.
The Female Founders Fund provides plenty of online resources for entrepreneurs. Their podcast, known as The Two Percent, features exclusive interviews and podcasts with successful female entrepreneurs. In addition, they maintain a list of common best practices, business document templates, and more.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applying organizations must have at least one female on the company’s founding team
Grant Amount: $500,000 - $750,000
Deadline: Rolling
Where to Apply: The Female Founders Fund website
5. Fearless Striver Grant
Created to help and support women of color business owners, the Fearless Fund regularly invests in early-stage businesses. They often team up with prolific brands, such as Mastercard, Goldman Sachs, and more, and they’re known for coming up with fun and unique grant programs.
Their latest grant opportunity, known as the Fearless Striver Grant, specifically targets businesses that are owned by black women. No less than 11 small applicant businesses will each receive monetary awards alongside various software and digital tools to support their objectives.
Eligibility Requirements:
To qualify, applicants must be:
- A black female aged 18 or older
- A U.S. resident
- The principal owner of a small business based in the U.S.
Grant Amount: $10,000
Deadline: December
Where to Apply: The Fearless Strivers Grant Initiative website
6. The Freed Fellowship
The Freed Fellowship offers small business owners in the U.S. monthly $500 grants, expert business feedback, and mentorship. Selected recipients, known as Freed Fellows, get additional support including a one-on-one strategy session, podcast feature, and membership in the Freed Studio community. Fellows are also eligible for an end-of-year $2,500 grant.
Eligibility Requirements:
- U.S.-based small businesses
Grant Amount: $500 monthly / $2,500 annually
Deadline: Monthly selection
Where to Apply: Freed Fellowship
7. NASE Growth Grants
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers quarterly Growth Grants of up to $4,000 to help members expand their businesses. Applicants must be NASE members in good standing for at least three months (annual members may apply immediately). Funds can be used for hiring, marketing, equipment, and more.
Eligibility Requirements:
- NASE membership (minimum 3 months for monthly members)
Grant Amount: Up to $4,000
Deadline: Quarterly
Where to Apply: NASE Growth Grants
8. Santander Cultivate Small Business
Santander's Cultivate Small Business program supports early-stage food industry entrepreneurs, especially women, immigrants, and BIPOC, in low-to-moderate-income areas. Participants receive a free 12-week curriculum, mentorship, and capital grants. It runs twice yearly in different cities, serving businesses operational for at least one year with annual revenues between $25,000 and $1 million.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Women, immigrant, or BIPOC-owned food businesses
- Operating at least 1 year
- Revenues between $25,000–$1,000,000
Grant Amount: Varies (includes capital grants)
Deadline: Varies (two cohorts annually)
Where to Apply: Santander Cultivate Small Business
9. YippityDoo Small Business Grant
YippityDoo offers a monthly $1,000 grant to support women entrepreneurs in the U.S. Recipients also gain mentorship, access to a wealth mindset coaching group for one year, and additional resources. The application emphasizes the entrepreneur's vision, passion, and intended use of funds.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Women entrepreneurs aged 18+
- U.S.-based businesses (start-up or idea stage)
Grant Amount: $1,000
Deadline: Monthly
Where to Apply: YippityDoo Grant
10. HerRise Micro-Grant
Touted as a “digital funding solution” for women of color,” the HerRise Micro-Grant partners with various corporate sponsors, foundations, and individuals to award $500 to one small business every month. Past grantees have used their funding to upgrade computers and other hardware, purchase marketing materials, bolster their online presence, and more.
But the perks don’t end there. Past grant recipients are also featured on the HerRise official website, giving them online exposure and access to new opportunities. The website also offers access to various training courses that are specifically designed for minority business owners.
Eligibility Requirements:
Applying organizations must be:
- A registered business in the U.S.
- At least 51% owned by women of color
- A member of HerSuiteSpot, which is open for free registration
Grant Amount: $500
Deadline: Monthly
Where to Apply: The HerSuiteSpot website
11. The Opportunity Fund
According to their website, The Opportunity Fund is committed to supporting the arts, as well as social and economic justice – particularly civil rights for black and LGBTQ+ communities. They offer a rolling grant that is awarded twice per year. Although the exact dates vary, the deadline for Cycle One typically happens in mid-January while Cycle Two’s deadline occurs in early July.
Eligible applicants who are accepted receive an invitation to complete their full application, which is generally due two months after the initial deadline. The Opportunity Fund only accepts online applications.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Applicants must be owners of a small or mid-sized organization
Grant Amount: Not Specified
Deadline: January / July
Where to Apply: The Opportunity Fund website
12. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) supports self-employed entrepreneurs with various resources, including Growth Grants of up to $4,000. These grants help members expand their businesses by funding marketing, equipment, or hiring. NASE also provides scholarships, health insurance options, and business advice.
Eligibility Requirements:
- NASE membership (minimum 3 months for monthly members)
Grant Amount: Up to $4,000
Deadline: Quarterly
Where to Apply: NASE Grants
Making the Most of Your Business Grants
With so many small business grants for black women available today, it can be difficult to decide which ones to pursue.
Once chosen, it can be even more difficult to make the most out of your business grants. For best results, make sure to research any potential grants beforehand, ask for recommendations from colleagues, and open up lines of communication with the institution responsible for issuing the grant as soon as possible – you’ll be happy that you did.
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