17 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.

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

HerRise MicroGrant supports under-resourced women entrepreneurs, including women of color, with $1,000 in funding each month. The money can help with business needs such as equipment, marketing materials, software, website development, and other expenses that support business 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. The application also accepts pre-revenue businesses.

The application asks about your business, the problem it solves, and how you would use the money. A $15 nonrefundable administrative fee applies, and applications close at 11:59 p.m. on the last day of each month.

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.

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.

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.

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 through education, coaching, business advisors, workshops, networking, and access to additional financial resources. Fellows also receive a $2,000 education grant.

What it offers: Fellows receive a $2,000 education grant, professional coaching, access to business advisors and decision-makers, workshops, a digital founder platform, and other business resources.
Who qualifies: Applicants must be women entrepreneurs who are at least 21 years old, legal residents of the U.S. or its territories, and actively involved in managing the business. The company must be for-profit, at least 51% women-owned and controlled, formed under U.S. law, operating in the U.S., and generating at least $75,000 annually.

The program is open to women across industries and can be relevant to Black women entrepreneurs who meet the eligibility requirements. Applications for the 2027 Fellows Program are open through November 17, 2026.

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 provide funding to self-employed business owners who need capital for a specific business expense.

What it offers: NASE awards grants of up to $4,000 for expenses such as hiring and training employees, marketing, equipment, software, and other business growth needs.
Who qualifies: Applicants must be NASE members in good standing. Annual members can apply immediately, while monthly members generally need to have been members for at least 90 days before applying.

Applications are considered on a rolling basis, with $4,000 Growth Grants awarded each quarter during 2026.

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.

NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant

The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant supports Black entrepreneurs across the U.S. with business funding and resources. Selected businesses receive a $25,000 grant along with additional support to help them grow.

What it offers: Selected businesses receive $25,000 and business resources. Past recipients have also received mentorship and opportunities connected to Black Entrepreneurs Day.
Who qualifies: Rising and established Black entrepreneurs and business owners can apply when a program cycle opens.

NAACP x L’Oréal USA Inclusive Beauty Fund Grant

The NAACP x L’Oréal USA Inclusive Beauty Fund supports entrepreneurs in the beauty industry with grants and business development resources. In 2026, the program provided $25,000 grants to selected beauty businesses, including salons, spas, haircare companies, beauty educators, barbers, stylists, and beauty product businesses.

What it offers: $25,000 grants, along with professional mentorship and business development support.
Who qualifies: The program accepts new and existing U.S. beauty businesses across different areas of the beauty industry.

The 2026 program supported 12 businesses through the NAACP and Hispanic Federation, and recipients used the funding for needs such as inventory, marketing, and opening new locations.

Rooted In Growth Grant Program

The Rooted In Growth Grant Program, presented by amika in partnership with the Fifteen Percent Pledge, supports underrepresented founders in the professional haircare industry. Four businesses receive $50,000 each, along with mentorship, networking opportunities, and brand visibility.

What it offers: $50,000 in flexible grant funding, founder mentorship, networking, and marketing exposure.
Who qualifies: Applicants must operate a U.S.-based haircare business with annual revenue below $2.5 million. The company must be at least 51% owned by an underserved founder, sell a CPG product, and currently sell to or plan to expand into professional distribution. The program specifically includes Black/African/African American founders among the groups it seeks to support.

The program also requires recipients to participate in its mentorship and networking activities, including an in-person kickoff and an industry trade show.

To apply, visit the Rooted In Growth Grant page and check the next application cycle.

LIFT Beauty Accelerator

The LIFT Beauty Accelerator supports early-stage beauty brands founded by entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. The program offers funding, business support, and the opportunity to pitch their products to JCPenney for potential distribution.

What it offers: At least $10,000 in non-dilutive funding, mentorship, business resources, and an opportunity to pitch to JCPenney.
Who qualifies: The program is designed for U.S.-based, early-stage beauty product businesses founded by entrepreneurs from underrepresented communities. Products must be at least at the prototype stage, and service-based beauty businesses are not eligible.

To apply, visit the LIFT Beauty Accelerator page for information about the next application cycle.

NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant

The NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant helps eligible small businesses pay for the cost of obtaining important business certifications. Each selected business receives $5,000, which can cover expenses such as legal or consulting fees connected to certification applications.

What it offers: $5,000 grants that can be used for eligible costs related to obtaining state or federal business certifications.
Who qualifies: Businesses must be at least 51% owned and controlled by Black or other people of color, women, or people with disabilities, or meet the program’s HUBZone requirements. The business must operate in consulting or food services and be headquartered in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, or Texas.

To apply, visit the NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant page and check the next application cycle.

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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