The Ultimate Guide to Small Business Grants for Latina & Black-Owned Businesses (2025)
JULY 2025 GRANT LIST
Amazon App Store Small Business Accelerator – The Small Business Accelerator Program allows developers that earn less than 1 million USD in total annual revenue in the previous calendar year to access additional benefits up to or equivalent to 20% of Appstore revenue. If eligible, you’ll receive a 10% increased royalty payment and AWS credits equivalent to 10% of your app revenue. – https://developer.amazon.com/
Amazon Small Business Success Studio – The free service offers lessons in finance, marketing, procurement and operations, along with tips from founders –https://business.amazon.com/
American Express Leadership Academy – The Academy is for people in the non-profit sector who are intentionally striving to be better equipped to respond adaptively to challenges, and to keep going in the face of adversity. – https://commonpurpose.org/
Antler Global Startup Program – Antler is a global early-stage VC that runs multiple programs for business startups around the world. See the website for more info about the program and application dates. – https://www.antler.co/
Awesome Foundation – Foundation distributes $1,000 grants, no strings attached, to projects and their creators. At each fully autonomous chapter, the money is pooled together from the coffers of ten or so self-organizing “micro-trustees”. Awarded monthly – https://www.awesomefoundation.
AWS Generative AI Accelerator Program – A global 8-week hybrid program supporting generative and agentic AI startups to prove what’s possible. Funding up to $1MM in AWS credits. Apply by 7/10/2025 – https://aws.amazon.com/
Canva Pro For Nonprofits – If you are a nonprofit, you can register now to get Canva’s premium features for free. – https://www.canva.com/canva-
Emergent Ventures Grant/Fellowship Application (through Mercatus Center at George Mason University) – Emergent Ventures, a fellowship and grant program from the Mercatus Center, seeks to support entrepreneurs with highly scalable, “zero to one” ideas for meaningfully improving society. Projects will either be fellowships or grants: fellowships involve time in residence at the Mercatus Center in Northern Virginia; grants are one-time or slightly staggered payments to support a project. https://www.mercatus.org/
Etsy Disaster Relief Fund – Sellers will be eligible for a grant if they experienced a federally declared natural disaster within the past year, have been an active seller on Etsy for at least one year, and their Etsy account is in good standing. Grants for $2,500 – https://advocacy.etsy.com/
F6S List of Accelerators and Pitch Competitions – Provides a list of accelerators, contests and pitch competitions around the world. https://www.f6s.com/
Global Citizen Waislitz Award – Are you an entrepreneur, innovator, or changemaker with a bold vision for ending extreme poverty? This is your moment to shine on the world stage! The Global Citizen Waislitz Awards, presented by the Waislitz Foundation and Global Citizen, are seeking passionate individuals who are making a real impact in the fight against extreme poverty. Funding of $100,000. Apply by 6/8/2025 – https://www.globalcitizen.org/
Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub – Microsoft for Startups Founders Hub helps startups radically accelerate innovation by providing access to industry-leading AI services, expert guidance, and the essential technology needed to build a future-proofed startup. Up to $150K in Azure credits – https://www.microsoft.com/en-
Savvy Fellowship – Savvy is a 12-week virtual Fellowship program for young professionals seeking to be part of the new generation of impact entrepreneurs. Applicants should be 40 or younger – https://savvyfellows.com/team/
Social Shifters Global Innovation Challenge – Must be a young founder (18-30 years) leading a project or startup with a focus on social impact. Open worldwide—except for countries under UK government financial sanctions (Russia, Belarus, Syria, North Korea, Iran, Cuba, Venezuela). Funding up to $15,000 – Apply by 7/31/25 – https://www.socialshifters.co/
Streets Global Award – Are you a mission-driven business, non-profit, or NGO that is making a difference in the world through hospitality or tourism? The STREETS Global Awards offers you a platform to be recognized for your social impact, innovation, and dedication to sustainability. If your organization is in the first 1–5 years of operation and is focused on creating positive change, this award is for you. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 8/15/2025 – https://www.
Techstars Accelerators – Techstars accelerators have one goal: to help entrepreneurs succeed. During each three-month program, they surround companies (companies should be based in North American time zones) with the best mentors and an unrivaled network of corporate partners, investors, and alumni. Companies can receive $20K for 6% of company. Various locations and due dates – https://www.techstars.com/
We Make Change – Global initiative that matches small businesses (mainly not for profits) with volunteers who are professional individuals or are from companies (including blue chip) that have an interest in supporting not for profits. Helps impact startups build a remote volunteer team for free – https://www.wemakechange.org/
Western Union Global Fellowship Program – The Western Union Global Fellowship Program is a fully-funded Impact Fellowship, empowering individuals supporting or hailing from refugee, highly-marginalized, or forcibly displaced communities around the globe. Through this experience, Fellows will gain essential skills, resources, and networks to scale their ventures and accelerate their impact. Apply by 7/1/2025 – https://watson.is/western-
AFRICA-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES
Founders Factory Africa Gen F Incubator – Gen F is for exceptional founders/aspiring entrepreneurs looking to build out and test their ideas, achieve commercial success, and create outsized, systemic impact and founders looking to build tech solutions that solve Africa’s largest problems and catalyze change. Funding up to $250,000 – https://www.foundersfactory.
Grindstone incubator – Incubator will include training, corporate advisory, coaching, mentorship and funding. Specific interventions for each company include a structured gap analysis, understanding of the company value system, building a digital go-to-market strategy, financial modelling, intellectual property assessment, strategic and financial valuation as well as populating a data room – https://www.grindstonexl.
CANADA-SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES
Amber Grants ($15 application fee) – Must be a woman-owned business or non-profit in the US or Canada. Three $10,000 Amber Grants are awarded each month. Three of the 36 monthly winners get an additional $25,000 Year-End Amber Grant. –https://ambergrantsforwomen.
Black Innovation Launchpad – The Black Innovation Launchpad is a FREE virtual skills development platform focused on building the next generation of Black entrepreneurs. https://www.dmzlaunchpad.ca/
BMO Community Giving Grant – BMO has a long history of supporting registered charities and non-profit organizations. Funding applications are accepted online and are considered if you have a program or project that aligns with their focus areas and meets their eligibility criteria. Deadline of 9/30/25 – https://our-impact.bmo.com/
Coralus – Designed to leverage all forms of capital that have laid dormant in traditional structures, undervalued for decades. There is no fee to apply as a venture. –https://www.coralus.world/
Dragons Den Auditions – Applications are open for season 20. They will start contacting select applicants in early 2025 to schedule an audition. Applicants must be based in Canada to be considered for the show. – https://www.cbc.ca/dragonsden/
FoundHers Innovation Labs – FoundHers Innovation Labs invites early-stage, tech-enabled businesses led by women entrepreneurs to apply for our intensive 3-month hybrid accelerator. Through in-person workshops, virtual sessions, and one-on-one mentorship, this program is designed to help you scale your business and prepare for venture capital funding. Apply by 8/18/2025 – https://foundhers.vc/
High Five Grant for Mom Entrepreneurs – Mom entrepreneurs are invited to apply. Plan 30-60 minutes to complete your application. Open to business owners in Canada and the US. Funding of $25,000. Applications open 9/1-9/30/25 – https://themamaladder.com/
Indigenous Women Entrepreneurship Fund – To be eligible for the grant, businesses must be at least 51 per cent owned and controlled by an Indigenous woman, and must be registered in Canada. Funding of $2,500. Apply by 7/7/2025 – https://www.ccab.com/iwef2025/
Launchpad for Women Entrepreneurs – Launchpad for Women Entrepreneurs is designed to empower early-stage women entrepreneurs interprovincially by offering dedicated resources to kickstart and grow a successful business. Program is available via its on-demand self-paced learning platform nationally or through in-person sessions across Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia –https://www.
Stand With Owners Telus Business Grant – The application is open to all small business owners (for profit and not for profit) who are residents of Canada. 30 winners will be chosen. Contest period runs through September but winners will be selected as early as June. Funding up to $75000. Apply by 9/3/2025 – https://www.telus.com/en/
Zensurance Small Business Grant – Must be an operational company registered in Canada (excluding Quebec, Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories). Annual revenue cannot exceed $1MM. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 7/13/2025 – https://www.zensurance.com/
UNITED KINGDOM/IRELAND SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES
Enterprise Ireland’s Competitive Start Fund (CSF) for Women Entrepreneurs – Enterprise Ireland’s €750,000 Competitive Start Fund (CSF) for Women Entrepreneurs will open for applications on Tuesday, 25 June. Up to €50,000 in equity funding is available to a maximum of 15 successful applicants with early stage start-up companies. Apply by 7/15/2025 – https://www.enterprise-
Innovate UK KTN – Resource for sourcing grant programs available in the UK across all sectors. Funding opportunities section allows visitors to the website to filter grants by sector or type of funding required. – https://iuk.ktn-uk.org/
UNITED STATES – SPECIFIC OPPORTUNITIES
Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator – Dedicated to helping build sustainable equity and growth for Black entrepreneurs by enabling their success as sellers. Grow your business with access to financial support, strategic business guidance and mentorship, and marketing and promotional support. – https://sell.
Amber Grants ($15 application fee) – Must be a woman-owned business or non-profit in the US or Canada. Three $10,000 Amber Grants are awarded each month. Three of the 36 monthly winners get an additional $25,000 Year-End Amber Grant. –https://ambergrantsforwomen.
Andreessen Horowitz TalentxOpportunity Accelerator – The Talent x Opportunity Initiative (TxO) by Andreessen Horowitz (a16z) is a hybrid accelerator program based in San Francisco, designed to support entrepreneurs building breakthrough companies rooted in cultural innovation. TxO specifically targets founders who have the talent, drive, and ideas to build great businesses but lack the networks and resources to do so. $175,000 for 7% ownership stake. Apply by 8/1/2025 – https://info.a16z.com/TxO-
Bank of America’s Business Education Center for Entrepreneurs – Visit Bank of America’s Small Business Education site for access to free webinars on Accessing Capital, Building Business Credit and more – https://go.bofa.com/
Clever Girl Finance – Clever Girl Finance is one of the largest personal finance media/education platforms for women in the U.S. and has consistently been voted one of the best finance websites for women by the Plutus Awards celebrating excellence in financial media. The site offers free resources including personal finance courses, one-on-one mentor calls, articles, audio, and video content, an incredibly supportive community, and more. –https://www.
digitalundivided Do You Fellowship – The Do You Fellowship is a specialized, comprehensive, and interactive seven-week program designed to empower a cohort of 10 entrepreneurs with the essential skills, knowledge, and mentorship needed to grow and scale their businesses. The program offers a flexible yet robust educational environment tailored to address the unique challenges faced by founders in entrepreneurship. Business should be tech-based or innovatively incorporate technology in the business model, products, or services. Should be post-revenue stage with a minimum annual revenue of $250,000 or have raised at least $150,000 in funding. Apply by 7/20/2025 – https://digitalundivided.com/
Emerging Brand Accelerator – This intensive 10-week virtual accelerator is designed specifically as a foundational version of our renowned Retail Brand Accelerator. It’s crafted for brands who have started generating revenue and are now poised to scale—offering everything you need to prepare for major retail partnerships. Apply by 7/14/2025 – https://seedspot.org/seed-
EmpowerHer Grant – Boundless Futures Foundation – The Boundless Futures Foundation awards grants to U.S.-based female entrepreneurs and nonprofits that support female entrepreneurship. The EmpowHer Grant offers entrepreneurs up to $25,000, with funds provided as reimbursements for business expenses upon proof of payment. EmpowHer Grant applications are accepted on a rolling basis – https://boundlessfutures.org/
Enthuse Foundation Catalyst Grant for Women-Owned Food & Beverage Brands – Must be a Women-founded food or beverage business. In addition to receiving $40,000, the winner will gain direct access to expert mentorship from Spearhead Global’s award-winning team. The Capital + Catalyst Grant reflects a shared mission between Spearhead Global and the Enthuse Foundation to fuel innovation and elevate women entrepreneurs in an industry where capital, packaging expertise, and access to mentorship are critical to success. Funding up to $40,000. Apply by 7/28/2025 – https://www.enthusefoundation.
FedEx E-Commerce Learning Lab – Must own at least 51% of a U.S.-based small business – Business must have been operating for at least 6 months – You must sell a packaged, shelf-stable product that is legal and not part of prohibited industries. Funding up to $5,000. Apply by 7/3/2025 – https://aofund.org/program/
First Interstate BancSystem Foundation grants – First Interstate Bank and the First Interstate BancSystem Foundation provide support in communities served by First Interstate Bank in Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Oregon, South Dakota, Washington, and Wyoming. Must be a nonprofit to apply. The majority of the Foundation’s grants are focused on alleviating poverty by assisting low- and moderate-income individuals and communities. Funding minimum of $2500 –https://www.
Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program – The Foot Locker Foundation Community Empowerment Program offers two types of grants: Grants to support current youth programming, create new programming or extend existing programming. These grants will range from $25,000 to $75,000 over one year – and Grants to support capital improvement projects that enhance the impact of youth programming. These grants will range from $25,000 to $100,000 over one year. This funding opportunity is open to 501c3 nonprofit organizations that operate in low-to-moderate income communities within the following 14 cities: Atlanta, GA; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL; Dallas, TX; Detroit, MI; Houston, TX; Los Angeles, CA; New York City, NY; Newark, NJ; Oakland, CA; Philadelphia, PA; San Francisco, CA; Tampa, FL; and Washington, DC. Apply by 9/30/2025 – https://www.lisc.org/our-
Goldman Sachs 10000 Small Businesses – The Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses program is actively seeking ambitious entrepreneurs to join their upcoming cohorts. The program aims to help entrepreneurs increase revenues, create jobs, and stimulate economic opportunity in their communities. It provides a mix of training and support to enable small business owners to grow their companies and make a meaningful impact. Apply by Nov 2025 – https://10ksbapply.com/
HerRise Micro-Grant ($10 fee to apply) – Each month a $1000 micro-grant will be awarded to a for-profit small business owned by women of color. Past recipients used their growth grants for computers, equipment, marketing materials, software purchase, website creation and more. – https://www.hersuitespot.com/
Hey Helen Microgrant – Are you a woman entrepreneur building an impact-driven, for-profit business in the U.S.? The Hey Helen Grant, a privately funded initiative by Visionaries, is investing in your next big leap. One founder will receive a $5,000 unrestricted cash award—use it however you want to propel your business forward, whether that’s operations, growth, marketing, hiring, or infrastructure. If more than 1,000 qualified applications are received, an additional $1,000 award may be unlocked. Funding of $5,000. Apply by 8/29/2025 – https://visionaries.co/helen-
High Five Grant for Mom Entrepreneurs – Mom entrepreneurs are invited to apply. Plan 30-60 minutes to complete your application. Open to business owners in Canada and the US. Funding of $25,000. Applications open 9/1-9/30/25 – https://themamaladder.com/
Home Depot Foundation’s Veteran Housing Grants program – The Home Depot Foundation’s Veteran Housing Grants program awards grants to nonprofit organizations for the new construction or rehabilitation of multifamily, permanent supportive housing for veterans throughout the United States, including Puerto Rico. The grants fund physical construction costs, and must comprise less than 50% of the total development cost of the project. While rural areas will be considered, priority will be given to large cities with populations of over 300,000 people. Specifically, there is a focus on projects in the following cities: Los Angeles and San Diego, CA; Denver, CO; Atlanta, GA; Tampa, FL; Chicago, IL; Detroit, MI; New York, NY; Houston, TX; and Seattle, WA. Funding up to $500,000. Apply by July 3, 2025 – https://corporate.homedepot.
Impact Accelerator Program – From October 17th to December 5th, 2025, immerse yourself in a dynamic, virtual environment designed to help you achieve dramatic leaps in revenue and prepare your business for investment. The curriculum is packed with quick-start tools, actionable strategies, and hands-on learning, all led by industry experts who have helped countless entrepreneurs succeed. Apply by 9/29/2025 – https://seedspot.org/impact-
Josephine Collective – The Josephine Collective looks at deals on a rolling basis, and founders can apply to be considered at any time. Goal is to have the entire process take no more than 3 weeks from presentation to wire. They invest anywhere from $10K to $100K depending on the Collective’s interest. JC prefers early-stage tech-enabled businesses. Companies must be for-profit, US-domiciled, and have an expectation of becoming large-scale businesses. “Lifestyle” businesses, single location businesses with no current plans to scale, and non-profits will not be considered. – https://joinjosephine.com/
KFC Foundation’s Kentucky Wishes Grant – The KFC Foundation’s Kentucky Wishes program provides grants to support capacity-building projects that expand access to food and shelter in local communities. Examples of eligible projects include remodeling food pantries, creating community gardens, upgrading animal shelters, and repairing or renovating buildings. Eligible applicants must be local nonprofit organizations, or local chapters/affiliates of larger nonprofits, that directly serve their communities. Funding up to $10,000. Apply 7/14/25 – 7/31/25 – https://kfcfoundation.org/
LabStart Fellowship – The LabStart Fellowship supports early-stage climate tech founders, particularly those who may not otherwise have the opportunity to launch a company in this critical field. Whether you’re still at the idea stage, haven’t raised funds, or haven’t yet incorporated — you are encouraged to apply. Funding of $100,000. Apply by 7/7/2025 – https://www.labstart.co/apply
Military Entrepreneur Challenge – The Military Entrepreneur Challenge is a nationwide grant program that gives veteran, military spouse, and Gold Star Family entrepreneurs the opportunity to network, learn, and compete for capital to grow their small business. – https://
Minority Business Circle – Supportive network for diverse entrepreneurs in various industries, offering opportunities like grants, loans, significant discounts on essential business products, and a comprehensive step-by-step guide with customized tools to track progress and foster growth. See link for info – https://
Mona Access To Capital Initiative – Mona is a social venture whose mission is to connect underserved small business entrepreneurs to affordable loans and grants. It has so far connected 100+ entrepreneurs across the U.S. to $1 million in low-interest loans. All U.S. based small businesses are eligible. When completing the application, enter “BofA Institute” as your referral, and a Mona team member will reach out to help you find a funding match. https://www.mona-ventures.com/
Next 1B program (by McKinsey) – The Next 1B program from McKinsey is designed to support Black-owned brands in the United States. Eligible businesses are typically more than one year in maturity with anywhere from $250k-$5M in annual revenue, and sells consumer products – https://www.mckinsey.com/bem/
NSF Seed Fund – NSF helps startups navigate the earliest stages of technology translation, investing roughly $200 million annually in approximately 400 startups. Each startup can receive up to $2 million to support translational research and development. From advanced manufacturing to artificial intelligence to biological technologies to environmental technologies, they fund nearly all areas of technology. – https://seedfund.nsf.gov/
Prose Emerging Entrepreneurs Grant – In partnership with Ellis Brooklyn, Prose will award the grant to an AANHPI-led business to help fuel their mission and growth. Funding of $10,000. Apply by 8/1/2025 – https://form.typeform.com/to/
Service2CEO program – Service2CEO Is an entrepreneurship program for military-connected entrepreneurs. The program provides resources, networks of people committed to your success, and an actionable curriculum that accelerates your business to the next stage of development. – https://www.therosienetwork.
ShesConnected with AT&T – Apply for the chance to win $50,000, a year of AT&T service with a new device, and the opportunity to share your small business story with your own AT&T content piece alongside #ShesConnected talent!. Apply by 9/30/2025 – https://www.att.com/
Small Business Hero Grant – Small businesses are the backbone of our economy, and the Small Business Hero Program is a way to give back to those who fuel our neighborhoods and communities. By nominating a small business, you are helping them access crucial resources to continue making a difference and further their impact. Funding of $20,000. Apply by 8/14/2025 – https://quickbooks.intuit.com/
Small Business Readiness for Resiliency grant – Developed in partnership with founding sponsor FedEx, the Small Business Readiness for Resiliency Program (R4R) is a multi-year initiative to empower small business owners to proactively mitigate the risks posed by disasters. Funding of $5,000 –https://www.
Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program – Targeted to small certified suppliers in California, Georgia, Kansas, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, Texas and Washington, the Small Certified Supplier Innovative Finance Program is designed to engage diverse suppliers in educational funding readiness training and funder matching to support capacity building. Funding for $5,000 – https://
SPUR (Shared Purpose, Unlimited Reach) Pathways – Through an integrated and collaborative approach, Macy’s, Inc. and Momentus will provide access to a range of capital options from microloans to growth capital to equity investments. This represents a commitment to underrepresented businesses and aims to galvanize the retail industry to invest in the next generation of entrepreneurs – https://www.macysinc.com/
Start Small Think Big is a nonprofit that helps small businesses with high potential and limited access to the resources needed to create thriving businesses. They partner with small business owners, providing personalized business support and building connections with local communities. Applicants should have at least $500 in recurring sales over the past 3 months and total household income must fall below 750% Federal Poverty Guidelines. If you are interested in being considered as a “client” for free services, you can fill out this form https://partner.
Substack Creator Accelerator Fund – The Substack Creator Accelerator Fund is for creators who are ready to expand their reach and subscription business by taking advantage of Substack’s growth network and full suite of publishing, community, and discovery tools. Any U.S.-based individual creator, or small group of creators, who have a monthly recurring revenue (MRR) of at least $2,000 can apply. –https://read.substack.com/p/
This Woman Knows Grant ($15 app fee) – The This Woman Knows Grant opens May 1 and is available to U.S.-based women who are entrepreneurs, artists, or creatives bringing their ideas to life. The grant is designed for women who are bootstrapping their dreams, navigating reinvention, or simply trying to make ends meet while bringing something meaningful into the world. Funding of $500. Next deadline is 7/20/25 (offered monthly) – https://thiswomanknows.com/
Truist NonProfit Grant – The Truist Foundation supports nonprofits with grants that target leadership development, economic mobility, thriving communities and educational equity. Quarterly deadlines – https://www.truist.com/
U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation Grant – The Program Grants will be awarded from the U.S. Venture/Schmidt Family Foundation (USV/SFF) to help the disadvantaged, improve the quality of people’s lives, and strengthen our communities. The Foundation will consider a broad range of requests including specific program needs, capital or general operating support. A charitable organization will typically receive no more than one program grant per calendar year. Apply quarterly (7/25/25, 10/24/25) – https://www.usventure.com/
Veterans Business Outreach Center – The Veterans Business Outreach Center (VBOC) program offers resources to veterans who are interested in starting or growing a small business. There are 22 locations (soon expanding to 35) and they offer workshops, training, counseling, and mentorship opportunities. – https://www.sba.gov/local-
Warrior Rising Grant – Warrior Rising strives to accept and assist veterans at any point in the process of starting their own business, whether it is only a concept or if they have actual operations. Funding of $20,000 – https://www.warriorrising.org/
Wish Local Empowerment Program – You must be a Black-owned business with a brick-and-mortar shop within the United States and less than 20 employees. If selected for the program, you must join Wish Local (which is free). Grants for up to $2000 – https://www.wish.com/
YippityDoo Big Idea Grant – For For-Profits and Non-Profits ($15 application fee) – Each month, one $1000 grant is awarded to a woman, age 18 or over, in the US to invest in their Business or Idea. It can be used as a start up grant, marketing grant, operational grant or whatever you need to help you to the next level with your idea or business – For profit link – https://www.yippitydoo.com/
ZenBusiness Free LLC Formation for Moms – To help mothers take the first step toward entrepreneurship, ZenBusiness is covering business formation costs and will help entrepreneurs form an LCC, track expenses, secure a business name, and more. –https://www.zenbusiness.com/
Zendesk Tech for Good – The Zendesk Tech for Good program partners with over 110 nonprofits across the globe to give them free Zendesk software, grants, and pro bono support, empowering more organizations to leverage technology and serve more people. Apply by 8/15/2025 – https://techforgood.zendesk.
What is a grant, and why is it important?
A grant is a sum of money, goods, or services given by a person or organization, often a public body, charitable foundation, or business, to an individual or another entity, usually a non-profit organization, educational institution, or business, for a specific purpose. Unlike a loan, grants are not expected to be paid back.
Why should Latina & Black business owners apply to grants?
My voice rings out not just as a Latina entrepreneur, but as a champion for equal opportunity. The funding disparity faced by Black and Brown businesses is unacceptable.
We possess the talent, the drive, the ideas – yet systemic barriers keep us from accessing the resources needed to launch, scale, and reach our full potential.
This isn’t simply about closing the gap – it’s about unleashing a wave of innovation and entrepreneurial spirit that will benefit every corner of our society. Let’s rewrite the narrative, brick by equal brick, until every business, regardless of color, has the fuel to fly.
For Latina and Black entrepreneurs seeking insights into securing grant funding, this post is your compass to invaluable information. I’ll be delving into essential websites to subscribe to, highlighting Grant champions on LinkedIn, and unveiling various resources tailored specifically for Black and Brown businesses.
Newsletters for Grants
Proyecto Empower Fueling Female Founder Success: Proyecto Empower by Patricia Diaz empowers WOC entrepreneurs with essential tools and opportunities for rapid growth. 💰 Unlock $3.6M in grants/opportunities tomorrow – straight to your inbox!
Grants For Creators serves up a feast of funding opportunities for hungry US creatives: writers, journalists, podcasters, filmmakers, you name it. No more wading through grant swamps – we do the sifting, curating the juiciest grants across the spectrum to fuel your passion, amplify your voice, and unlock your artistic potential. Subscribe to DANIELLE DESIR CORBETT for weekly grant alerts and insider tips, and watch your creative feast begin!
Fearless Fund propels women-of-color-led businesses towards explosive growth, investing in ventures at pre-seed, seed, and Series A stages. Recognizing the persistent funding disparity faced by these founders, Fearless Fund bridges the gap, empowering bold ideas and fostering scalable, high-growth companies. Rooted in the experiences and values of women of color, Fearless Fund stands beside its community, fueling entrepreneurial firebrands on their journey to transformative success.
Empower your entrepreneurial journey with Hello Alice, the comprehensive platform leading you to the perfect small business grants at every stage. Let us personalize your path to success with weekly, curated grant recommendations delivered straight to your inbox, based on your unique business profile. The search for free funding no longer needs to be a daunting quest. Hello Alice simplifies the process, connecting you with the resources you need to fuel your ambition and unlock your full potential.
Driven by a vision of equitable and inclusive entrepreneurship, Start Small Think Big empowers small businesses to thrive. Through a tapestry of vital resources and a nurturing community, they bridge the gap between dreams and reality, fueling potential and propelling ventures towards sustainable success.
Paulette Piñero, the Unstoppable Latina: Musings on marketing, equity, and embracing imperfection for entrepreneurs building dream businesses.
Linked-In Champions for Grants
Patricia Diaz Strategic Partnerships & Platform | Startup & Small Business Advisor | Former Goldman Sachs Vice President | Driving Growth in Tech & Latinx Communities
Diona Richards Social Impact • Helping Entrepreneurs Fund and Grow their Big Ideas • Amplifying the Voices of Women
Websites for Grants for Black and Brown Business Owners:
Federal Resources:
- Grants.gov: Search various federal grants, including programs specifically for minorities and small businesses.
- Small Business Administration (SBA): Offers various grant programs, including the Community Navigator Pilot Program for under-served communities.
- U.S. Department of Commerce Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA): Provides grants and other resources to minority-owned businesses.
- State Grants or Foundation Grants: Supports local businesses search by your state for example: Maryland.gov
National Foundations and Organizations:
- Fifteen Percent Pledge: The Fifteen Percent Pledge is a call to action for major retailers and corporations to join us in creating sustainable and supportive ecosystems for Black-owned businesses to succeed. We work with companies to comprehensively re-evaluate their org structures, ways of working, funding, and resourcing in order to implement meaningful change and create greater equity for Black businesses.
- The Ladies Who Launch FREE grants database can help you explore funding opportunities for your U.S.-based small business. Business Grants for Women & Non-binary Entrepreneurs
- Accion Opportunity Fund: Offers microloans and business support services to low-income entrepreneurs.
- National Black MBA Association: Provides scholarships and grants to Black entrepreneurs through various programs.
- Hispanic Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (HWBENC): Offers grants and other resources to Hispanic-owned businesses.
- Asian American Business Development Center (AABDC): Provides grants and business development services to Asian American-owned businesses.
- Native American Business Development Fund (NABDF): Offers loans and grants to Native American-owned businesses.
Community and Corporate:
- Global Entrepreneurship Network The Global Entrepreneurship Network operates programs in 200 countries aimed at making it easier for anyone, anywhere to start and scale a business.
- Hello Alice: Small business ownership is a strange and special journey that calls only the bravest, most curious, and obsessively driven. In other words, entrepreneurs. Adventurers. You.
- AWS Impact Accelerator: Black Founders Combining the power of Amazon and AWS technology, we’re helping Black founders accelerate their cloud-based business for serious scaling.
- AWS Impact Accelerator: Latino Founders Combining the power of Amazon and AWS technology, we’re helping Black founders accelerate their cloud-based business for serious scaling.
- Google for Startups Black Founders Fund: Provides resources and funding to Black-owned startups.
- Google for Startups Latino Founders Fund: Provides resources and funding to Latino-owned startups.
- GrowthX Accelerator – startups The program connects tech startups with some of the biggest corporations and mentors that prepare our startups for enterprise selling.
- Facebook Small Business Grants: Offers grants to small businesses, including those owned by minorities.
- WE NYC Accelerator: Provides grants and business development services to women entrepreneurs in New York City.
- 1863 Ventures: Invests in pre-seed and seed-stage businesses led by founders of color.
- Angeles Investors ounded by David Olivencia and Adela Cepeda, alongside a group of Hispanic and Latinx angel investors and venture capitalists in Chicago, Angeles Investors is on a mission to grow the angel investing community.
- The BGV Pitch Program: flips the traditional pitch experience on its head: we coach entrepreneurs, host a live crowdfunded pitch competition, then connect them to community and professionals to support them on their journey.
- Black Ambition: Black Ambition is working towards closing the opportunity & wealth gap through entrepreneurship by investing in Black and Latinx founders & HBCU students.
- Black & Brown Founder Cofounded by Aniyia Williams and Deldelp Medina, as part of the founding members, Black & Brown Founders is a nonprofit that offers community, education, and access to resources for Black and Latinx entrepreneurs.
- The Coalition to Back Black Businesses: Connects Black businesses with funding opportunities and resources.
- FedEx Small Business Grant Contest: An annual competition offering grants to small businesses.
- Latino Flash Pitch This is the moment to see opportunities even as we are overcoming challenges and to enroll in a long term path to make things better. This is the chance for you to create a long-lasting impact, to connect with the others, and create a new future where our communities will be built on. The chance for you to incubate your business idea, or to expand your existing business.
- Latino Founder The Latino Founders Accelerator is an industry-agnostic program to support Latino Entrepreneurs in scaling their products, technology, and services
- L’ATTITUDE Latino Startup Investors | MATCH-UP An annual showcase hosted at L’ATTITUDE that matches early-stage Latino entrepreneurs with institutional capital and strategic partners.
- LBAN | Latino Business LBAN is a dynamic Silicon Valley-based nonprofit with a big mission to strengthen the U.S. economy by empowering Latino entrepreneurship across the country. We are a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization with a national reach.
- Meet the 2023 Amigas in Business Pitch Competition Winners Capital One joined forces with #WeAllGrow to support Latina entrepreneurs through the Amigas in Business Pitch Competition
- National Endowment for the Arts: Provides grants for artists and arts organizations.
- National Science Foundation: Offers grants for scientific research and innovation.
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation: Supports health-related initiatives, including healthcare businesses owned by minorities.
- Gates Foundation: Funds various initiatives, including entrepreneurship and social development.
- Techqueria Is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit serving the largest global community of Latiné professionals in tech.
- Target Accelerators Scale your brand with full-spectrum support from Target’s retail accelerator programs for CPG startups.
- The Tory Burch Foundation The Tory Burch Foundation empowers women and women entrepreneurs by providing access to capital, education and digital resources.
- Check your local Chamber of Commerce, County and Community Development organizations: They often offer grants and resources for small businesses. For Example: Miami Dade County Business Resources or Florida Chamber of Commerce.
Keep applying to Grants
This journey doesn’t end here! I’ll be constantly updating this list as I discover new funding options, expanding this resource alongside your entrepreneurial spirit. My own path to success was paved with hundreds of rejections, but it only took one “yes” to transform everythined
This journey doesn’t end here! I’ll be constantly updating this list as I discover new funding options, expanding this resource alongside your entrepreneurial spirit. My own path to success was paved with hundreds of rejections, but it only took one “yes” to transform everything. So, if you face a setback, don’t let it break your stride. Instead, schedule a reminder in your calendar to revisit that grant later. As your business evolves and gains traction, so will your chances of securing funding. Remember, consistent action is the key to unlocking the grant door and turning your dreams into reality.
Make sure the Grant Funds Grow:
My secret weapon for responsible grant management? A high-yield savings account. Platforms like Marcus offer a generous 4.5% interest rate (check current rates), ensuring my grant money doesn’t just sit idle. It grows steadily, providing a safety net for unforeseen expenses and fueling future business opportunities. Don’t let your hard-earned funds stagnate – placing in an HYSA, like one from Marcus, is a game-changer for any business owner.