14 Best Business Grants for Black Women

Black women entrepreneurs are a significant part of the US economy, solving some of the world’s most unmet needs. But they find it difficult to access funding, thanks to systemic racism, among other challenges. Fortunately, various nonprofits, foundations, and corporations offer business grants for black women. Such programs, like the Wish Local Empowerment, work to promote equality in business opportunities.

However, it’s worth noting that many grants are competitive, so it helps to apply early, follow instructions carefully, and submit clear business details. If stuck somewhere, read our guides on how to find business grants for women and how to write a successful small business proposal. Without further ado, here are the best business grants for Black women.

Note: Funding opportunities and application windows may change throughout the year, so it is important to check directly through the official program page for the latest updates.

SoGal Foundation Black Founder Startup Grant

The SoGal Foundation Black Founder Startup Grant supports Black women and Black nonbinary entrepreneurs who are building scalable businesses. It is especially relevant for founders with a legally registered business, a clear growth plan, and a business idea with strong market potential.

What it offers: The program provides cash grants of $5,000 and $10,000. Grantees may also receive support with fundraising guidance and access to the SoGal founder network.
Who qualifies: Applicants should self-identify as Black women or Black nonbinary entrepreneurs, including multiracial Black women and multiracial Black nonbinary founders. They must have a legally registered business, plan to seek investor financing now or in the future, and have a scalable, high-impact idea.

This grant is a good fit for Black women founders who are building businesses with growth potential beyond a local market. A clear application should explain what the business does, who it serves, how it can grow, and how the grant would help move it forward.

To apply, visit the SoGal Foundation website and submit the application through the Black Founder Startup Grant page when applications are available.

Tip: If you are still shaping your business foundation, it may help to first understand what makes a business truly ready for external funding before applying to competitive grant programs. Learn how to build a fundable business.

Wish Local Empowerment Program

The Wish Local Empowerment Program supports Black-owned small businesses with physical storefronts in the United States. It is a good option for Black women entrepreneurs who run local retail shops and need a small grant to help with everyday business costs.

What it offers: The program provides grants ranging from $500 to $2,000. The money can help with costs such as rent, inventory, payroll, operations, customer outreach, or other needs that help the business stay active and visible.
Who qualifies: Applicants must own a Black-owned business, be at least 18 years old, have 20 or fewer employees, operate a brick-and-mortar store in the United States, and earn less than $1 million in average annual revenue. Selected businesses must also join Wish Local.

This program is best for small storefront businesses that need modest funding for clear business expenses. Before applying, make sure the business meets the basic small business grant eligibility requirements and can explain how the money would support operations or growth.

To apply, visit the Wish Local Empowerment Program page and submit the application when the program is accepting entries.

Note: Not every business is ready to apply for funding immediately, and understanding your current stage can help you choose the right grant opportunities instead of applying blindly. Read our guide on how to know if you’re ready for funding.

HerRise MicroGrant

The HerRise MicroGrant supports women entrepreneurs who need a small but useful amount of funding to move their business forward. It is especially relevant for Black women founders who need help with business expenses such as equipment, marketing materials, software, inventory, website updates, or other costs tied to growth.

What it offers: The program awards $1,000 each month.
Who qualifies: Applicants must have a business that is at least 51% women owned, currently registered in the United States, and earning less than $1 million in gross revenue.

This is a good option for founders who have a clear business need but do not need a large grant to make progress. A $1,000 award may not transform the entire business, but it can help cover one focused expense that supports sales, visibility, or operations.

To apply, visit HerSuiteSpot and locate the HerRise MicroGrant page. Complete the application, which involves sharing your pitch and plan, and submit it during the active application cycle.

Tip: Smaller business development grants can still create meaningful progress when founders use them strategically for revenue-generating activities like marketing, inventory, equipment, or customer acquisition.

Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program

Black Girl Ventures supports Black and women-of-color entrepreneurs through pitch programs that combine funding, visibility, feedback, and community support. Its pitch format is different from a traditional written grant application because founders present their businesses directly and compete for funding through live pitching.

What it offers: Founders can receive funding through pitch competitions. In the Pull Up & Pitch format, Round 1 includes vote-based funding, and Round 2 prizes have included $10,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place, and $2,000 for third place.
Who qualifies: The program is designed for underrepresented founders, small business owners, entrepreneurs, and creatives. Black women founders who can clearly explain their business in a short pitch may be a good fit.

This is a strong option if you can tell your business story clearly and explain why the funding matters. A pitch program rewards founders who can connect the business, the customer, the need, and the next step in a focused way.

To participate, visit the Black Girl Ventures website and review upcoming pitch opportunities, locations, and registration details.

Note: Even strong ideas can struggle in funding applications if the business plan is not clearly structured around growth, operations, and revenue potential. Learn how to structure a business fund that attracts funding.

Comcast RISE

Comcast RISE supports small businesses with a mix of funding, technology, marketing, media, education, and coaching. It is not only for Black women, but it can be a strong opportunity for eligible women of color entrepreneurs when the program is available in their city or region.

What it offers: Recent Comcast RISE packages have included a $5,000 monetary grant, technology support, creative production, media placement, business coaching, and access to business education resources.
Who qualifies: Eligibility depends on the current round and selected locations. The program usually focuses on small businesses in specific cities or regions, so founders should check whether their business location is included before preparing an application.

This is a good fit for Black women entrepreneurs who need more than cash. The marketing, media, and technology support can be especially useful for businesses that rely on visibility, customer trust, online presence, or local brand awareness.

Amber Grant for Women

The Amber Grant is one of the most popular national business grant programs for women entrepreneurs, including Black women founders in the United States. It is a strong option for business owners who want a simple application process and recurring chances to be considered for funding.

What it offers: WomensNet awards three $10,000 grants each month through the Amber Grant, Startup Grant, and Business Category Grant. Monthly winners are also considered for three $50,000 year-end grants.
Who qualifies: Applicants must be women entrepreneurs who are at least 18 years old. The business must be at least 50% women owned and based in the United States or Canada.

The Amber Grant is a good fit for Black women entrepreneurs who can clearly explain their business, the problem they solve, how they would use the money, and what progress the grant could support.

Cartier Women’s Initiative

Cartier Women’s Initiative is a global program for women-impact entrepreneurs. It supports women-led businesses that are building sustainable companies while also creating measurable social or environmental impact.

What it offers: Regional Award fellows may receive grants of $100,000, $60,000, or $30,000, depending on placement. Fellows also receive training, coaching, media visibility, mentorship, and access to a global community of impact entrepreneurs.
Who qualifies: Applicants must be women entrepreneurs leading for-profit, impact-driven businesses. For the Regional Awards, businesses generally need annual revenue between $50,000 and $5 million, 5 to 250 team members, and a clear social or environmental impact. The applicant must be a woman in a key leadership role and part of the founding team.

This is a competitive program and is best for Black women founders with traction, a clear business model, and measurable impact. If you are considering this program, your application should clearly explain what funders mean by business impact and show how your business creates change as it grows.

Applications are submitted through the Cartier Women’s Initiative platform when a round opens.

Visa She’s Next

Visa’s She’s Next supports women-owned small businesses through funding, mentorship, exposure, and business resources. The program runs in different countries and through different partner campaigns, so the grant amount and eligibility rules can change by round.

What it offers: Visa She’s Next may offer cash grants, mentorship, business training, marketing exposure, and other support for women-owned small businesses. Award amounts vary depending on the country, partner, and application cycle.
Who qualifies: Eligibility depends on the specific She’s Next program. In general, applicants are women business owners who meet the ownership, location, business stage, and revenue rules for that round.

This can be a useful opportunity for Black women founders who want more than cash. The mentorship, visibility, and business education can help strengthen the business while also supporting growth. Before applying, review the rules carefully and make sure your business matches the program’s focus.

To apply, visit Visa She’s Next and review the available opportunities for your location.

Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program

The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program supports women entrepreneurs who are ready to grow their businesses with education, coaching, networking, and founder support. It is not only for Black women, but eligible Black women entrepreneurs can apply.

What it offers: Fellows receive a year-long fellowship, a $5,000 business education grant, access to workshops, peer support, founder resources, and opportunities to connect with business leaders and advisors.
Who qualifies: Applicants must be women entrepreneurs who are at least 21 years old, legal residents of the United States or its territories, proficient in English, and actively managing a qualifying business. The business must be for-profit, formed and operating in the United States, majority women-owned and controlled, and generating at least $75,000 in annual revenue.

This is a good fit for Black women founders who already have revenue and want structured support to become better leaders, improve business systems, and prepare for growth. It may be especially useful if you need education and connections in addition to funding.

Applications are submitted through the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program page when the application period opens.

National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) Growth Grants

NASE Growth Grants support self-employed business owners who need funding for a specific business growth expense. The grant is not only for women or Black founders, but Black women entrepreneurs who are self-employed and meet the membership rules can apply.

What it offers: NASE awards Growth Grants of up to $4,000. The money can be used for business needs such as marketing, advertising, equipment, software, hiring, training, or other expenses tied to growth.
Who qualifies: Applicants must be NASE members in good standing. Monthly members usually need to wait 90 days before applying, while annual members may apply sooner according to the program rules.

This grant is best for self-employed founders who know exactly how they would use a smaller award. Before applying, take time to learn how to explain the use of funds in your business grant application so the request feels clear, realistic, and tied to business progress.

To apply, become a NASE member and submit the Growth Grant application through the member portal when eligible.

Hello Alice Small Business Grants

Hello Alice is a small business platform that connects entrepreneurs with grant opportunities from corporate partners, foundations, and business support programs. It is not one single grant, but it can be useful for Black women entrepreneurs because new funding opportunities are added through the platform at different times.

What it offers: Grant amounts and benefits vary by program. Some opportunities provide cash grants, while others may include coaching, business education, mentorship, exposure, or access to partner resources.
Who qualifies: Eligibility depends on the specific grant. Some programs are open to women-owned businesses, while others focus on founders by location, industry, revenue, business stage, or underserved community status.

This is a good platform to check regularly if you want one place to find different funding opportunities. It works best when your business profile is complete, and you are applying only to grants that match your business stage, industry, and funding needs.

To get started, create a Hello Alice account, complete your business profile, and review available grant opportunities through the platform.

IFundWomen Grants (IFW)

IFundWomen is not one single grant. It is a funding platform that helps women entrepreneurs find grant opportunities from brand partners, corporate sponsors, and funding campaigns. This makes it useful for Black women founders who want access to recurring opportunities instead of relying on one application window.

What it offers: Grant amounts vary depending on the partner program. Some opportunities include cash grants, coaching, visibility, business education, or access to a larger founder network.
Who qualifies: Eligibility depends on the specific grant. Some programs focus on women-owned businesses, while others support founders by industry, business stage, location, revenue, or community impact.

NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant

The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant supports Black entrepreneurs who need funding and business resources to grow. It is connected to Black Entrepreneurs Day and is built for rising and established Black business owners across the country.

What it offers: Selected businesses receive a $25,000 grant along with business resources.
Who qualifies: Black entrepreneurs and small business owners can apply when the program opens. Applicants should be ready to explain what their business does, how it is growing, and how the funding would help them move forward.

This grant is a good fit for Black women founders with an existing business, a clear growth plan, and a specific use for the money.

Grants.gov (Federal Grant Listings)

Grants.gov is the official U.S. government website where you’ll find listings for federal business grants, including those that target black women-owned businesses. You can apply depending on your business type, purpose, and eligibility rules. However, you should note that many federal grants are project-based and may focus on research, training, or community programs.

Visit Grants.gov and search for funding opportunities using keywords related to your business and industry. Review eligibility rules carefully and prepare the required documents early. Submit the complete application through the official grant listing.

Other Resources for Black Women Entrepreneurs

DigitalUndivided

DigitalUndivided supports Black and Latina women entrepreneurs through founder programs, business education, mentorship, and startup support. While it is not always a direct cash grant program, the organization helps women founders strengthen their businesses and improve access to funding, especially in startup and technology spaces. It is a good fit for Black women entrepreneurs looking for long-term growth support, networking opportunities, and programs designed specifically for women of color.

To get started, visit the DigitalUndivided website, review current founder programs and eligibility requirements, and apply through the active application portal when programs open.

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