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.
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
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.