10 Business Grants For Black Women In 2025

Building new relationships within the community, along with exploring alternative approaches such as … [+] local community funding, private sector partnerships and intersectional grant opportunities, can provide viable solutions.

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Right now, within the current political and economic climate, accessing business grants for Black women can be challenging due to shifting funding priorities and limited resources. Many programs that once directly supported Black female business grants have either been reduced or become highly competitive, making it difficult for underrepresented, overlooked and underfunded groups of women to secure financial support. Despite these challenges, alternative approaches such as local community funding, private sector partnerships and intersectional grant opportunities can provide viable solutions. Expanding research beyond traditional funding sources can help uncover additional options for Black women business grants. Strategic advocacy and awareness efforts are also crucial in researching and locating funding opportunities.

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Grant Opportunities For Black Women

Black women entrepreneurs can expand their funding opportunities by looking beyond directly labeled business grants for marginalized or minority women. While some grants have traditionally targeted Black women-owned businesses, resources may be scarce due to shifts in regulations and policies around language and terminology, though not necessarily in mission or impact. Instead, entrepreneurs can explore small business grants under other eligibility categories, such as first-time owners, local community initiatives or industry-specific funding. For example, searching for grants is like looking for a job; sometimes, the perfect opportunity is listed under a different title, but the qualifications still match. Additionally, local nonprofits, community foundations and chambers of commerce often provide financial and mentorship support, as well as valuable local connections that may not appear in national databases.

If direct funding is limited, shifting strategies and leveraging strategic networking can help. Seeking out grants tied to intersecting identities, such as economic development, labor growth, social change, youth programs, healthcare, environmental issues or community-based initiatives, can uncover more opportunities. Comparative research on similar groups or projects in different regions can also provide valuable insights into successful funding models. When financial resources are scarce, raising awareness through advocacy, data collection, networking, coalition-building and storytelling can push for future investment in marginalized women business grants. I’ve listed ten grants you can apply to now, and have outlined strategies to help you find the right grants that align with your business. I have organized this list to help you identify the best fits for your industry. I’m confident these insights will put you on the path to securing the funding you need to grow and point you in the right direction!

1. Her Rise Micro Grant

Women entrepreneurs can apply for this grant, which provides financial support to help grow their businesses.

2. Amber Grant

Women-owned businesses can apply for this grant, which provides funding to support business growth and development.

Deadline: Monthly
Eligibility: Women business owners
Reward: $10,000
Application Link:Amber Grant

3. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award

Women impact entrepreneurs from around the world can apply for this award, which includes financial support and mentoring.

Deadline: April 18 to June 24, 2025
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs leading businesses with a social or environmental impact
Reward: Grant funding up to $200,000 + mentoring and support
Application Link: Cartier Women’s Initiative Award

4. Nikon x Black Women Photographers Grant Fund

Black women photographers can apply for funding to support their photography projects and ventures.

5. Women’s Empire Grant

Women business owners, women-led organizations and women entrepreneurs in NYC can apply for funding to help grow their businesses and support their entrepreneurial journey.

Deadline: March – December 2025
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs
Reward: $1,000
Application Link: Women’s Empire Grant

Having professional support is important before seeking funding, as it increases your chances of … [+] success and allows you to focus on other critical aspects of your business while experts help you navigate the more technical parts of the process.

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6. Boundless Futures Foundation Grants

Entrepreneurial women who are leveraging their businesses to solve social issues.

7. Texas Woman’s University Veteran Woman Grant

Women veteran entrepreneurs in Texas can apply for funding to support their business ventures.

8. Olga’s Kitchen Grant for Michigan Women Entrepreneurs

Women entrepreneurs in Michigan looking for funding to support their businesses.

Deadline: Rolling
Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs in Michigan
Reward: Up to $10,000
Application Link: Olga’s Kitchen Grant

9. The Mama Ladder International Grant

Mothers who are entrepreneurs can apply for funding to grow their businesses while balancing motherhood.

10. Women’s Giving Circle of Harford County Grant

Nonprofits and other mission driven initiatives that support women and girls in Harford County, Maryland, can apply for funding.

Bottom Line

Funding is out there, but it might not always have the label you expect. For now, the best approach is to look beyond “Black women minority business grants” and tap into opportunities tied to new businesses, creative ideas and the positive ripple effects your work can create. When funding feels limited, making new connections, telling stories that “connect the dots,” and advocating around your cause can open new doors. Supporting Black women-led businesses is not just the right thing to do; it helps entire communities and economies thrive.

Additional Resources And Tips for Black Women Entrepreneurs

Grants.gov
Good Fit For:

Tech startups looking for funding to grow
Nonprofits focused on community, youth, education, health and wellness, and domestic violence
Small manufacturers aiming to improve their products
Rural businesses seeking government funding
Social enterprises creating positive change

Visit Grants.gov.

Women’s Business Centers (WBCs)
Good Fit For:

Women entrepreneurs seeking business development and funding resources
Those looking for direct loans or guidance on finding grants and loans

WBCs are SBA-sponsored centers across the U.S. that offer business advice, financial resources, and support.

Find a WBC near you: SBA Women’s Business Centers.

Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Good Fit For:

Women-owned businesses looking to strengthen their local economies
Entrepreneurs in need of state or regional funding for growth

The EDA supports economic development concepts and program efforts in many states and cities.

Visit EDA Grants.

Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs)
Good Fit For:

Women entrepreneurs looking for free business consulting
Those needing help with business plans, market research, or financing

SBDCs provide one-on-one support, including grant and loan guidance, and assist with certification programs like SBA 8(a). These centers, often located at colleges and universities, can be a great resource for women seeking business growth resources and guidance.

Find an SBDC near you: SBA SBDCs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What Are Some Small Business Grants For Women-Owned Businesses?

Here are a few small business grants you might qualify for:

CÎROC’s Blue Dot Creative Residency – Up to $500,000 for creatives in fashion, art, music, and entertainment. Supports projects like art installations, pilots, documentaries, and fashion collections. Apply by February 24, 2025.

Caltech Rocket Fund – Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 for innovators working on clean energy and sustainability solutions. Apply by March 3, 2025.

Catalyst by CTIA Wireless Foundation – Awards between $10,000 and $100,000 to early-stage social entrepreneurs using mobile-first solutions to address challenges in American communities. Apply by March 5, 2025.

Arch Grants – Equity-free grants of $75,000 to $100,000 for startups relocating to St. Louis, with additional support for growth and development. Apply by March 31, 2025.

Find more details on these and other minority small business grants.

What Are Some Small Business Grants For Black-Owned Businesses?

Here are a few small business grants you might qualify for:

Farm to Community Food Hubs Grant Program – Grants ranging from $50,000 to $2,000,000 for California food hubs, local farmers, and Indigenous food producers working on sustainable food systems and increasing local food purchases. Deadline: Ongoing.

Social Impact Nonprofit Grant – Provides $10,000 to nonprofits with 501(c)(3) status working to create socially impactful change. Apply by February 16, 2025.

Minority Research Grant Program – Offers up to $212,500 to researchers at minority-serving institutions (HBCUs, HSIs, TCUs, and more) to address healthcare disparities affecting minority populations. Letter of Intent due March 6, 2025; Application due April 1, 2025.

The Well Work x Justworks — Just Thrive Program – Grants up to $6,000 for existing businesses with at least 50% ownership by marginalized founders and a minimum of two W-2 employees. Rolling deadline.

Find more details on these and other small business grants for black-owned businesses.

How Do You Get Women’s Small Business Grants?

To qualify for a small business grant for women, applicants typically need to meet specific ownership, business registration and operational requirements. Many grants require businesses to be at least 51% women-owned, legally registered, and actively operating in the U.S. Some programs focus on startups, while others support established businesses looking to scale. Certain grants may also prioritize specific industries, geographic locations or businesses that address social impact. For government grants, certification through organizations like the Women’s Business Enterprise National Council (WBENC) or the SBA’s Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) program can possibly strengthen eligibility.

However, please note that the 51% minority ownership requirement typically applies to government grants. For grants from non-government sources, such as private organizations, the ownership criteria may vary. Be sure to check each grant’s specific requirements and confirm whether the grant is from a government entity (usually indicated by a “.gov” or “.org” domain) or a private organization.

A successful grant application requires a well-prepared and compelling submission. This means a strong business plan, financial statements, and a clear explanation of how the funds will be used are very important. Highlighting your business’s impact, growth potential, and alignment with the grant’s mission can improve your chances. Many programs prioritize businesses that contribute to job creation, innovation, or community development.

To stand out, focus on storytelling, measurable outcomes, and a strategic approach to showcasing why your business is a great investment for the communities you are looking to serve. If you don’t have these elements in place, you can delegate these tasks by searching for a business or financial consultant, advisor, or mentor who can help get you prepared.

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10 Business Grants For Black Women In 2025