Top 12 Grants for Black-Owned Businesses (and How to Win Them)

Finding the capital to scale your business shouldn't feel like an uphill battle. Yet, statistics from the Federal Reserve show that Black-owned businesses are significantly less likely to be fully approved for financing compared to their white-owned counterparts.

This is where grants come in. Unlike loans, this is "free money" capital that doesn’t require repayment or giving up equity. For 2025, several major organizations and corporations have renewed their commitment to funding Black excellence.

Here is your curated guide to the top 12 black business grants for 2025, plus the secret to ensuring you never miss a deadline again.

The 2025 Minority Grants List: 12 Opportunities to Watch

1. NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant

Created by Daymond John and the NAACP, this grant awards $25,000 to emerging Black entrepreneurs.

• Best for: Innovative startups with a strong "hustle" story.

2. BeyGOOD x Cécred Salon Business Grant

Beyoncé’s foundation continues to support the beauty industry with $10,000 grants for salon owners and barbershops.

• Best for: Licensed beauty professionals.

3. Black Ambition Prize

Founded by Pharrell Williams, this is a massive opportunity with prizes ranging from $20,000 to $1 million.

• Best for: High-growth startups in tech, healthcare, and consumer products.

4. Google for Startups Black Founders Fund

Google offers up to $150,000 in equity-free cash plus Google Cloud credits and hands-on technical support.

• Best for: Tech-enabled startups with a product already in the market.

5. Comcast RISE

A comprehensive package including a $5,000 cash grant, technology makeovers, and marketing consultations.

• Best for: Small businesses in select urban regions.

6. Wish Local Empowerment Program

Specifically for "brick-and-mortar" shops, offering $500 to $2,000 to Black-owned businesses with fewer than 20 employees.

• Best for: Local retail shops.

7. HerRise MicroGrant

A monthly $1,000 grant specifically for women of color who are creating innovative community solutions.

• Best for: Women-led small businesses.

8. SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant

Provides $5,000 to $10,000 in cash awards and tactical support for Black women and non-binary entrepreneurs.

• Best for: High-impact, scalable business ideas.

9. National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) Scale-Up Pitch

A competition where founders can win up to $50,000 by pitching their business to a panel of corporate judges.

• Best for: Companies where you, as a Black founder (African descent), own a significant stake (at least equal) and have a compelling, scalable business

10. Freed Fellowship

Awards $500 monthly grants with a $2,500 year-end prize to entrepreneurs who demonstrate exceptional "grit."

• Best for: Women, minorities, and underrepresented founders

11. Galaxy Grants

A quick-entry $2,025 grant intended to help minority and women-owned businesses take the next step.

• Best for: Women and minority business owners

12. Sage "Invest in Progress" Grant

In partnership with Hello Alice, this program awards $10,000 to Black-owned businesses in their first five years of operation.

• Best for: Black woman founder

How to Win: 3 Pro Tips for Your Application

1. Nail Your "Why": Grantors aren't just funding a product; they are funding a person. Be clear about how your business impacts the Black community.
2. Have Your Documents Ready: Most grants require a Business Tax ID (EIN), a formal Business Plan, and Financial Statements. Keep these in a "Grant Folder" so you can apply in minutes.
3. Get Certified: Having a Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification can fast-track your eligibility for several grants.

Looking for Inspiration

Searching for other black entrepreneurs who have been able to secure grant funding and have a similar business to yours?

That’s why we built the Stockvu Small Business Directory.

Instead of searching manually, you can scroll through our website to see other black entrepreneurs who have received grants. See the following:

• Owner: See the owners who have received funding
• Website: See their business 
• Social Media: Follow them to see their journey

Stop leaving money on the table. Follow us to find your business’s next funding opportunity.