In the United States, Black-owned businesses account for roughly 3% of all employer businesses – a striking statistic considering that Black Americans make up about 14.4% of the population. (Pew Research Center, 2025)
This gap isn’t just a number. It speaks volumes about the systemic barriers many Black entrepreneurs face when trying to break into the business world. From limited access to capital and mentorship to the challenges of networking in predominantly white business environments, the hurdles are sadly significant.
The good news is that an increasing number of organizations are launching grant programs aimed at supporting Black businesses. These initiatives are vital because they not only contribute to a more equitable environment but also improve the economic well-being of historically marginalized communities.
If you’re a Black entrepreneur seeking funding, mentorship or essential business resources, now is an excellent opportunity to look into these grants. They are specifically tailored to assist you in navigating the complexities of running a business, whether you’re just starting or aiming to grow.
From local nonprofits to national programs, there are numerous resources available to explore. Here are 13 to help you get started!
Just make sure to mark your calendars, as most of them have deadlines this month!
Paypal Small Business Impact Awards
Award – $25,000
PayPal and Global Citizen have joined forces to highlight small businesses that are making a positive impact socially and environmentally. Their initiative, the Global Citizen and PayPal Small Business Impact Awards, aims to recognize innovative entrepreneurs who are committed to positive change through sustainable practices and community engagement.
The awards not only recognize these leaders but also provide a $25,000 cash prize and essential resources to help them expand their influence as innovators. Winners will receive valuable data, insights, and expert guidance on commerce and payments, as well as marketing support to enhance their visibility.
ELIGIBILITY:
Active Business Leader – applicant must be the business’s owner, CEO, or founder and actively involved in business strategy and/or operations.
Small-to-Medium Sized Business – the business has fewer than 50 full-time employees or annual revenue under $1 million, and is registered as a small business in its home country.
Demonstrate Community Impact – business should have at least 3 years of operation and show significant, tangible contributions to the local community:
- Supporting local causes, charities, or nonprofit organizations.
- Engaging in community development projects or local partnerships.
- Implementing sustainable practices that benefit the local environment or economy.
- Creating jobs or providing educational/training opportunities for community members.
Serve the Local Community – the business must operate and primarily serve the local community.
❌ Business Cannot Be:
- Affiliated with an organization from any country or entity subject to financial or other sanctions by the Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) or other government entity of the United States of America.
- A franchise or part of a national or international chain, as the focus is on independent, locally owned enterprises.
DEADLINE: August 15th, 2025
Alibaba CoCreate Pitch
Award – $40,000 to $200,000
The Alibaba CoCreate Pitch offers product-focused startups a chance to access $1 million in funding to launch or grow their businesses. Entrepreneurs worldwide can participate by submitting a short video on TikTok or Instagram or filling out an online application. The competition is fierce, with the top 10 finalists each receiving $40,000, while the grand prize winner gets $200,000. Participants also gain access to Alibaba’s extensive network of global manufacturers and investors, building up their market potential. This is an excellent opportunity for emerging entrepreneurs to secure funding and connect with vital resources for their ideas.
DEADLINE: August 15, 2025
The Sky Is Not the Limit Social Impact Grant
Award – up to $10,000
Bombshell Impact Design Agency recognizes that meaningful brands have a clear purpose. They’ve introduced The Sky Is Not the Limit Social Impact Grant, designed for social impact organizations such as nonprofits, social enterprises, B Corps and mission-driven for-profits. This grant provides up to $10,000 in professional design, marketing and “AI for Good” strategy services to help amplify your mission and reach a broader audience.
This opportunity is reserved for those genuinely dedicated to social or environmental change. By applying, you’ll gain resources and join a community of like-minded changemakers committed to goal-oriented initiatives.
DEADLINE: August 19, 2025
Women Founders Grant
Award – $5,000
Women Founders Grants are shaking up the status quo by providing a refreshing, no-nonsense approach to funding that empowers women entrepreneurs to gain true financial agency without the usual strings attached. It’s a well-known fact that women are desperately underfunded in the entrepreneurial space, despite possessing an incredible abundance of talent and grit. These grants are not just about handing over money; they’re about fostering a supportive ecosystem where women can take risks, create and thrive without the burdensome expectations that often accompany traditional funding.
DEADLINE: August 31, 2025
Amika: Rooted in Growth Grant
Award – $50,000
Amika’s Rooted in Growth startup grant and mentorship program, powered by Innovation Studio, is making waves in the beauty and hair industry by supporting emerging professional hair brand founders in their quest for equity and success. The initiative is set to fund four promising entrepreneurs, each receiving a $50,000 grant that can significantly boost their business endeavors. But it doesn’t stop there; the program also offers a comprehensive four-month mentorship experience that connects these founders with the Amika team and influential leaders in the hair and beauty space.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Business must have 51% or more ownership by an underrepresented founder or founding team
- Business must operate in the hair care category (products, tools, wigs, extensions, color, etc.)
- Business must sell a CPG (consumer packaged good) product
- Business must currently sell to or aspire to expand into professional distribution channels (e.g. salon distributors, direct-to-stylist, etc.)
- Business must submit a complete application, including an up-to-date profit and loss statement
- Founder(s) must be able to travel to NYC in October 2025 for the in-person program kick-off and participate in a spring 2026 industry trade show
- Founder(s) must be willing to participate in monthly virtual mentorship sessions from October 2025 – April 2026
DEADLINE: August 22, 2025
Detroit Start-up Fund
Award – $15,000 to $50,000
Detroit has become a dynamic center for entrepreneurs eager to start and expand their businesses. The city is cultivating an environment that promotes newness and facilitates economic growth, with local government initiatives dedicated to supporting entrepreneurs, who are crucial for economic revitalization.
A prime example of this enterprise is the Detroit Startup Fund at Newlab Detroit in the historic Michigan Central Station, which recently launched with $700,000 from the city’s general fund, approved by the Detroit City Council. This unique program offers grants to support startups at various growth stages, providing 26 grants over two rounds: $15,000 seed grants for 20 new entrepreneurs and $50,000 scale grants for six startups with outside investment.
ELIGIBILITY:
Applicants must meet the following criteria to qualify for the startup fund, according to a news release and Justin Onwenu, the city of Detroit’s director of entrepreneurship and economic opportunity:
- Be a Detroit-based startup or founder building in Detroit that has been established for up to a decade.
- Be a “scalable, venture backable company” — meaning companies, typically tech- or software-enabled, that can grow quickly — with a service or product that improves residents’ lives or enhances city services or operations.
- Become certified as a Detroit-based business.
- Share progress and outcome data with the city and DEGC.
DEADLINE: August 25, 2025
BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program
Award – $10,000
The BMO Celebrating Women Grant Program was created to ensure that women-owned businesses get the resources and support they need to thrive. Since its kickoff, the grant has backed a diverse range of women-led enterprises across Canada, spanning various sectors and industries. This initiative not only provides financial assistance but also aims to shine a spotlight on the incredible contributions women make to the economy.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Be a business that is at least 51% or more owned and controlled by an individual or individuals who self-identify as women, non-binary individual(s), or trans women
- The business must be for-profit, and must be currently active and operating in Canada.
- The business may not be a previous BMO Celebrating Women Grant recipient
DEADLINE: August 19, 2025
StartHER Grant
Award – $5,000
If you’re a woman entrepreneur on the hunt for that extra boost to get your startup off the ground, the CWE’s StartHER Grant Program might just be the perfect fit for you! This initiative is all about empowering women-owned, early-stage businesses by providing the resources and support needed to launch original projects and foster early-stage growth.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Business must be at least 51% owned and controlled by one or more women who are US citizens or permanent residents.
- Must be a for-profit business located and operating in Texas with five or fewer employees, including the owner.
- The business needs to be established as a legal entity, be current on taxes and in good standing with permits and licenses.
DEADLINE: TBD – Application opens on August 26, 2025 – Additional guidelines will be updated at that time.
Hey Helen Grant
Award – $5,000
The Hey Helen Grant is an awesome opportunity for women-owned businesses that have seen between $25K and $1M in revenue over the past year, offering a solid $5,000 in funding to help fuel their growth. This grant, provided by Visionaries, aims to enable female entrepreneurs by supporting their operations, marketing efforts and infrastructure needs.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Must identify as a woman (or be nonbinary individuals who were assigned female at birth or otherwise align with the grant’s mission)
- Must own 100% of the business which must be a for-profit entity registered in the U.S.
- Annual revenue must be between $25,000 and $1 million
- Eligible applicants must be legal U.S. residents aged 18 or older, with a U.S. based business bank account.
DEADLINE: August 29, 2025
Empowering Growth Small Business Program
Award – $10,000
M&F Bank genuinely believes that small businesses are the backbone of our communities. Their Empowering Growth Small Business Grant is all about giving a helping hand to entrepreneurs throughout North Carolina, providing thousands in funding to help them thrive. If you’re a small business in the Greensboro Market, get ready – one deserving business will snag a $10,000 grant, designed to give that extra boost needed to take their company to the next level.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Your business must have gross revenues of $750,000 or less
- Must have been in business for ten (10) years or less as of January 31, 2025
- Your small business must have twenty-five (25) employees or less, including yourself
- Your business must operate in Guilford, Alamance, Rockingham, or Randolph County
❌ Previous grant recipients are not eligible to apply
DEADLINE: August 31, 2025
SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant
Award – $5,000 to $10,000
SoGal Foundation is energizing the entrepreneurial landscape by partnering with Winky Lux, Bluemercury, twelveNYC, Twilio, and other sponsors to offer much-needed financial support to Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs. With several $5K and $10K cash grants available, this initiative is a fantastic opportunity for those who often face barriers in accessing funding.
In addition to the financial grants, awardees will benefit from tactical guidance on navigating the complex fundraising environment.
ELIGIBILITY:
- Applicants must self-identify as a Black woman or Black nonbinary entrepreneur (inclusive of multiracial Black women and multiracial Black nonbinary people)
- Have a legally registered business
- Plan to seek investor financing in order to scale, now or in the future
- Have a scalable, high-impact solution or idea with the ambition to be the next billion-dollar business.
DEADLINE: Rolling
Amber Grant Monthly Start-Up Grant
Award – $10,000 – $25,000
In 1998, WomensNet established the Amber Grant to support women entrepreneurs with vital financial assistance. Named in memory of Amber Wigdahl, who passed away at 19 without fulfilling her entrepreneurial dreams, the grant honors her legacy. Each month, three women entrepreneurs receive $10,000, along with three annual grants of $25,000 for selected previous winners.
The Amber Grant also includes the WomensNet Startup Grant, aimed at early-stage businesses with sales under $10,000. This initiative recognizes the hurdles faced by new entrepreneurs and promotes innovation. By allowing startups to compete for monthly Amber Grants and the yearly $25,000 award, WomensNet supports all business development stages, bridging the funding gap for women and inspiring future generations in business.
DEADLINE: Rolling; Monthly
Her Agenda Breakthrough Grant
Award – $5,000
Her Agenda is an award-winning digital platform aimed at empowering millennial women by connecting ambition with achievement. To mark their 17th anniversary, they have introduced The Breakthrough Grant, designed for women entrepreneurs eager to elevate their businesses.
This grant will provide $5,000 to one determined woman entrepreneur who shows the ambition to overcome obstacles. This funding is intended to facilitate important advancements in her business, such as investing in technology, expanding her team or launching marketing efforts.
ELIGIBILITY:
Before applying, applicants must confirm their email subscription to the Her Agenda newsletter, where they share exclusive insights and opportunities for ambitious professionals. You must be subscribed to the Her Agenda newsletter to be considered.
DEADLINE: August 17, 2025
