{"id":1283,"date":"2025-04-08T11:30:00","date_gmt":"2025-04-08T11:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/web-stil.info\/?p=1283"},"modified":"2025-05-02T22:13:18","modified_gmt":"2025-05-02T22:13:18","slug":"grants-for-black-owned-businesses-and-other-funding-resources-for-black-business-owners-deadlines-for-2025","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/web-stil.info\/index.php\/2025\/04\/08\/grants-for-black-owned-businesses-and-other-funding-resources-for-black-business-owners-deadlines-for-2025\/","title":{"rendered":"Grants for Black-Owned Businesses and Other Funding Resources for Black Business Owners [+ Deadlines for 2025]"},"content":{"rendered":"
Welcome to <\/em>Breaking the Blueprint<\/em><\/strong> \u2014 a blog series that dives into the unique business challenges and opportunities of underrepresented business owners and entrepreneurs. Learn how they\u2019ve 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.<\/em><\/p>\n You and I both know it: Grants for Black-owned businesses are hard to come by. According to a 2024 State of Black Business Report by the Center for Entrepreneurial Equity<\/a> \u2014 more than any other demographic \u2014 Black business owners experience pervasive barriers to accessing capital. That means finding the right opportunities often takes more time, research, and resilience than it should.<\/p>\n In this piece, I\u2019ll share a diverse list of grants and other funding resources for Black-owned businesses, all thoughtfully selected to help you take your dreams to the next level.<\/p>\n Table of Contents:<\/strong><\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Although pursuing entrepreneurship and business ownership as a Black person isn\u2019t easy, it\u2019s not impossible. Despite obstacles, Black entrepreneurs and founders continue to rise, create, and thrive in spaces that weren\u2019t exactly built with them in mind.<\/p>\n That said, I think it\u2019s crucial always to acknowledge the facts. As a Black founder and business owner, knowing how other Black entrepreneurs are thinking\/feeling\/navigating day-to-day challenges can help you:<\/p>\n To assist you with staying grounded in the reality of your journey, here are some statistics from Truist\u2019s Q1 2024 Small Business Owners Survey<\/a> that I think are especially worth noting:<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Take a peek at a few more statistics from the Center for Entrepreneurial Opportunity\u2019s 2024 State of Black Business Report<\/a>:<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n <\/a> <\/p>\n Grants for Black-owned businesses are notoriously perceived to be far and few. While it may feel discouraging at times to sift through countless resources and come up short, the key is knowing where to look \u2014 and when to look.<\/p>\n Many grants are seasonal, application-only, or promoted through specific networks and platforms, which means staying informed is half the battle. Nevertheless, I\u2019ve got good news to share: there are organizations, foundations, and even corporations that are actively investing in Black entrepreneurs and intentionally working to close the racial wealth gap.<\/p>\n Personally, I think the best grants and funding resources are the hardest ones to find. Why? Because they\u2019re tucked away in networks, industry circles, or lesser-known platforms that most people overlook, which means less competition and a better shot at securing the bag.<\/p>\n Still, I know scouring the internet for resources meant for you feels exhausting and never-ending. So, instead of crawling through Google for hours on end, browse through the list of nearly 20 Black-owned business-specific grants and funding sources I curated below:<\/p>\n Shea Moisture<\/a> offers $1M grants annually to small, Black-owned businesses across the health and beauty sector through several grant opportunities.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Each grant provides a funding award (between $10K and $100K), education, access to additional resources, and mentorship for Black entrepreneurs. Its primary grant programs are:<\/p>\n Hello Alice\u2019s<\/a> Democratizing the Friend & Family Round Grant<\/a> aims to help women of color overcome the early-stage funding gap they often face.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The program offers $25,000 in grants and mentorship to 20 NYC-based female founders of color.<\/p>\n Deadline: <\/strong>The application due date has passed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, the application due date has been March 3.<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants must identify as a woman of color and own a small business.<\/p>\n FedEx<\/a> launched its annual Small Business Grant Contest in 2012 and has given approximately $1.5M in cash prizes since then.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n There\u2019s a $50K grand prize for one business and $20K for the nine others. Winners are also matched with a mentor and can receive $1K in print credit at FedEx.<\/p>\n Deadline: <\/strong>The application due date<\/a> has passed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they\u2019ve been due on April 1, 2025.<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, a legal resident of the United States, own a for-profit business that\u2019s been operating for at least six months, and be current shipping customer with FedEx (using a FedEx shipping account number).<\/p>\n Ladies Who Launch<\/a> (LWL) is a small business grant and mentorship program for women and non-binary small business owners in the consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n LWL aims to remove barriers to access that often prevent these groups from succeeding through $10K cash grants and 6th-month education and mentorship opportunities.<\/p>\n Deadline: <\/strong>Applications<\/a> are closed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they\u2019ve been due on March 31.<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants must identify as a woman and\/or non-binary.<\/p>\n The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)\u2019s Growth Grant<\/a> offers its members business grants of up to $4K. The funds can be used however you see fit.<\/p>\n Source<\/a><\/p>\n For example, you could use your NASE Growth Grant to pay for business growth operations, from marketing and hiring to expanding facilities.<\/p>\n Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, and will be reviewed the following quarter. For example, applications submitted in July, August, and September are reviewed in October. You must be a good-standing member for three months prior to applying, and you can apply for the next round here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Deadline:<\/strong> Applications<\/a> are reviewed quarterly (i.e., applications received between Jan. and Mar. are reviewed in April).<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants must be a NASE member to apply.<\/p>\n Hello Alice<\/a> and the Global Entrepreneurship Network<\/a> (GEN) joined forces to create the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Progra<\/a>. The program provides 150 small business owners with a 12-week digital growth accelerator experience and an opportunity to receive $10K in funding.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Plus, selected participants for the FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program receive education, mentorship, access to expert-led sessions, and tons of other entrepreneurial growth-specific benefits.<\/p>\n Deadline: <\/strong>Applications<\/a> are closed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they\u2019ve been due on December 13.<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants must be entrepreneur who is the leading executive (i.e. Founder and\/or President, CEO, CFO, COO, or any such other similar title) of a business that meets the below business criteria; and 18 years of age or older.<\/p>\n This private small business grant is a joint effort between corporations like American Express, ADP, AIG Foundation, Altice USA, Down, and the S&P Global Foundation.<\/p>\n Source<\/a><\/p>\n Businesses that qualify will receive $5,000 in grants, mentorship, and training. Only a select number of entrepreneurs will be tapped for their $25,000 Enhancement Grants.<\/p>\n Deadline: <\/strong>Applications<\/a> are closed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they\u2019ve been due on September 6.<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants must identify as Black\/African-American and own a small business.<\/p>\n Nike, Inc.<\/a> and Jordan<\/a> have partnered to offer institutional and grassroots organizations the Nike x Jordan Black Community Commitment Grant<\/a>.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Since 2021, the Community Commitment Grant has supported organizations driving sustainable change in the fight against systemic racism and working to create more equitable futures for Black Americans.<\/p>\n This funding opportunity offers a one-year grant to selected awardees. Thus far, Nike and Jordan have committed $8.6M to both national and local organizations.<\/p>\n Deadline: <\/strong>Applications are closed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. Check back here<\/a> for 2025 updates.<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants be a part of a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that has been established since 2021 or prior with an annual operating budget between $100,000 to $3M. Its mission should align with one of grant\u2019s key focus areas:<\/p>\n Qualified applicants may apply once each year (if they have not received the grant before).<\/p>\n The Joseph Beam Black Gay Men\u2019s Wellness Grant<\/a>, offered and sustained by the Black Wellness Fund<\/a>, is a grant funding opportunity designed for older Black gay men and folks in the health and wellness space.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Recipients of Joseph Beam Black Gay Men\u2019s Wellness Grant receive $10,000; up to three winners are selected. Previous winners of this grant have been WalkGood LA<\/a> (2023) and The F.I.N.D. Design<\/a> (2023).<\/p>\n If you\u2019re hesitating to apply for this funding opportunity, here\u2019s a little advice: The nicher the grant, the more inclined you should be to submit an application. A niche grant does not<\/em> equal a lost opportunity, so if you feel like your venture fits the bill, go for it with confidence \u2014 this could be the exact<\/em> support you\u2019ve been waiting for.<\/p>\n Deadline: <\/strong>The application due date<\/a> has passed; the next grant cycle deadline is to be announced. In previous years, they\u2019ve been due on February 28.<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants must identify as gay, Black, and male. Applicants must also apply on behalf of an organization or collective that specifically holds space for:<\/p>\n Fiscally-sponsored organizations are encouraged to apply as well.<\/p>\n The Wish Local Empowerment Grant<\/a>, powered by Wish Local<\/a>, provides Black entrepreneurs and founders with funding grants (between $500 and $2000) to help build\/rebuild their small business.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n The Wish Local Empowerment Grant is open to Black-owned businesses only; it\u2019s even advised that grantees use the money they\u2019re awarded to pay rent and operation costs, connect with customers (through events or IRL activations), and provide opportunities for advancement to the communities they serve.<\/p>\n Deadline: <\/strong>Applications are accepted on a rolling basis; folks can submit their application at any time here<\/a>.<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants must be 18 years of age or older, identify as Black\/African-American, own a business that\u2019s earned an annual revenue of less than $1M, has 20 or fewer employees and a brick and mortar location. If selected for this grant, you\u2019re required to join Wish Local.<\/p>\n The Pathway to Opportunity Pitch Competition<\/a> was made with small businesses in mind. It connects them with interested corporations seeking to expand their supply chain with innovative products and services.<\/p>\n Source<\/em><\/a><\/p>\n Selected participants will receive cash prizes of up to $5,000. However, those selected to move on from the application phase will transition to a live pitch competition in which they\u2019ll pitch in front of a virtual audience of corporate procurement professionals.<\/p>\n Deadline: <\/strong>The application due date<\/a> is June 9, 2025.<\/p>\n Eligibility: <\/strong>Applicants must identify as African-American and own a small business within the United States.<\/p>\n The Justworks Professional Employer Organization (PEO)<\/a> assists companies with Payroll, HR, and Compliance, along with access to health insurance, 401k, and more.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n
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Black Owned-Business Statistics You Should Know About<\/h2>\n
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Grants for Black-Owned Businesses<\/h2>\n
1. Shea Moisture<\/a> Grants<\/a><\/h3>\n
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2. Hello Alice\u2019s Democratizing the Friends & Family Round Grant<\/a><\/h3>\n
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3. FedEx Small Business Grant Program<\/a><\/h3>\n
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4. Ladies Who Launch<\/a><\/h3>\n
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5. National Association for the Self-Employed Growth Grant<\/a><\/h3>\n
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6. FedEx Entrepreneur Fund and Boost Camp Program<\/a><\/h3>\n
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7. The Coalition to Back Black Businesses Grant<\/a><\/h3>\n
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8. Nike x Jordan Black Community Commitment Grant<\/a><\/h3>\n
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9. Joseph Beam Black Gay Men\u2019s Wellness Grant<\/a><\/h3>\n
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10. Wish Local Empowerment Grant<\/a><\/h3>\n
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11. Pathway to Opportunity Pitch Competition (formerly known as the National Black Business Pitch)<\/a><\/h3>\n
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12. Just Thrive Grant Program<\/a><\/h3>\n
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