Black Women Entrepreneurs Can Apply for Grants in 2026

Black women are the fastest-growing group of entrepreneurs in the US, generating nearly $120 billion annually, according to Wells Fargo. If they received equal funding and mentorship opportunities, their businesses could add as much as $1.7 trillion to the economy. Business grants can help address systemic barriers to capital and open new opportunities for growth, often providing professional development and mentorship resources.

This guide outlines strategies for applying for business grants and highlights promising grants available to Black women business owners.

What is a business grant?

A business grant is funding or resources awarded to a business that it doesn’t need to repay. While many grants provide direct financial assistance, some offer support like professional development, networking, marketing promotion, and other non-monetary resources to help a small business succeed. Most business grants are application-based and competitive, with winners selected after a formal judging process. Applicants may need to provide written responses to questions alongside budgets and business plans or submit media such as photos, videos, or recorded pitches. Private companies, nonprofits, and government agencies may all offer business grants, often as part of mission-driven initiatives. Many grants focus on supporting business owners from underrepresented groups or helping small businesses reach specific milestones. Awarded grants often include restrictions on what funds can be spent on and may be tied to participation in programs or business platforms connected with the granting organization.

Tips for finding and applying to small business grants

Applying for a small business grant can take time, but don’t get discouraged. The grant application process becomes easier as you build reusable material packets and apply to more grants. Many grant applications ask similar questions—such as “Tell us about your business” or “What would you do with the award money?” Once you’ve written strong answers, save them for future applications.

Here are some practical tips to strengthen your process:

Search widely, but strategically

Use online grant lists and trusted resources like Grants.gov and SBA.gov to find relevant opportunities. Local and state economic development agencies can also be good sources. Focus on grants for your business type, size, and location.

Review the grant details

Read each grant’s guidelines carefully to make sure you are eligible, especially for location, revenue, and business category. Look closely at grant deadlines—many websites aren’t updated regularly—and consider signing up for newsletters or alerts to learn about new deadlines.

Tailor your written responses

Let your writing reflect your voice and capture your passion for your business. Review the funder’s mission and values, and don’t be afraid to use similar vocabulary or reference the organization’s mission directly. Avoid using AI tools to write your answers—authenticity is more likely to stand out and emotionally connect with your audience.

Use documents and media to your advantage

Business plans, photos, and videos can set you apart by showing rather than telling your story. Play to your strengths: If you have a strong business and revenue model, spend extra time writing your business plan. If you have access to a professional photographer, take impressive photos of your products.

10 grants for Black women entrepreneurs

Black women entrepreneurs have deep roots in the US—from financier and abolitionist Mary Ellen Pleasant (1814–1904) to cosmetics magnate and activist Madam C. J. Walker (1867–1919). Today, many grant programs continue that legacy by helping Black and women business owners overcome barriers to capital and grow their businesses.

Here are 10 grants worth exploring:

1. Amber Grants for Women

• Amount: $10,000–$25,000
• Eligibility: Women-owned small businesses and startups in the US and Canada
• Application details: Simple form, no required documents, $15 fee
• Deadline: Last day of each month

WomensNet offers three monthly Amber Grants to female-owned small businesses. One grant is for organizations in any category, including nonprofits, while the other two target startups and rotating categories. WomensNet also selects three of its yearly awardees for additional $25,000 grants. One application covers all three monthly grants.

2. Wish Local Empowerment Program

• Amount: $500–$2,000
• Eligibility: Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses in the US with fewer than 20 employees and annual revenue of less than $1 million
• Application details: Simple form, images required but video optional, no fee
• Deadline: Varies

Wish offers grants to Black entrepreneurs with physical stores in the US through its Wish Local Empowerment Program. There are no restrictions on how the awarded funds can be used. Grant recipients are required to join Wish Local for free and use the platform for their businesses.

3. HerRise MicroGrants

• Amount: $1,000
• Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in the US with annual revenue under $1 million
• Application details: Simple form, headshot, and business logo required, $15 fee
• Deadline: Last day of each month

HerSuiteSpot offers monthly HerRise MicroGrants to support women-owned small businesses, particularly under-resourced women and women of color. Funds can be used for anything from computers and equipment to marketing materials. Nonprofits, franchises, and direct sellers are not eligible.

4. EmpowHer Grants

• Amount: $25,000 and training resources
• Eligibility: US female founders age 22 or older with socially conscious, revenue-earning businesses less than three years old
• Application details: Lengthy application questions, requires multiple documents and a background check, no fee
• Deadline: Quarterly

The Boundless Futures Foundation’s EmpowHer Grants program offers support to women-owned small businesses. Applicant businesses must make a clear social impact in poverty and hunger, sustainability and the environment, or strong communities. The grant award includes professional training.

5. NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant Program

• Amount: $25,000 and additional resources
• Eligibility: Black-owned, for-profit businesses in the US
• Application details: Not fully disclosed
• Deadline: Annual

The NAACP awards grants, along with additional resources and support, to Black business owners. The grant generally coincides with the celebration of Black Entrepreneurs Day. Details about the grant and how to apply are generally released closer to the application deadline.

6. Galaxy Grants

• Amount: $2,000–$5,000
• Eligibility: Small businesses in the US owned by women and people of color
• Application details: Simple form, no fee
• Deadline: Varies

Galaxy of Stars offers Galaxy Grants for female- and minority-owned businesses. The grants are available to entrepreneurs at any stage.

7. Pathway to Opportunity Competition

• Amount: $1,250–$5,000, with networking and exposure opportunities
• Eligibility: Black-owned and other small businesses in the US
• Application details: Simple form, with a capability statement and a three-minute video about your business, no fee
• Deadline: Annual

The Pathway to Opportunity Competition invites business owners to present their business in a national pitch competition. Applications are free and must include a marketing document and a video.

8. Fund Her Future Grant

• Amount: $10,000–$50,000, free tax support
• Eligibility: Women-owned, for-profit businesses in the US with no more than 20 employees
• Application details: Not fully disclosed
• Deadline: Annual

H&R Block and Hello Alice offer the Fund Her Future Grant to exceptional women-owned businesses. The grant award includes professional training and free tax expertise.

9. She’s Connected AT&T Small Business Contest

• Amount: $5,000–$50,000
• Eligibility: Women-owned businesses in the US with fewer than 50 employees
• Application details: Moderate number of questions, business ownership documents, no fee
• Deadline: Annual

AT&T awards cash prizes to women-owned small businesses. The contest also includes free AT&T service and a new device, as well as the opportunity to be involved in featured content.

10. NAACP Backing the B.A.R. Grants

• Amount: Varies
• Eligibility: Minority-owned businesses with or seeking a liquor license
• Application details: Not fully disclosed
• Deadline: Annual

The NAACP and BACARDI award grants to minority-owned bars, restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, and liquor stores. The grants are designed to accelerate business growth and offer educational and mentorship support.

Grants for Black women FAQ

Do I need to own a business to apply for a business grant?
It depends on the grant you’re applying for. Some business grants are for early-stage businesses that haven’t been registered yet. Make sure to look closely at the eligibility guidelines before you apply.

What kind of documents do I need to apply for a business grant?
Your typical grant application may require documents such as budgets, business plans, bank documents, business ownership documentation, or promotional media. These documents often are similar across different grant applications, so you will be able to reuse many of them for future grants.

What other resources are there that support Black women entrepreneurs?
There are several non-grant resources available to Black women entrepreneurs. Organizations that can help include Hello Alice, the NAACP, and local Black chambers of commerce. You can also reach out to the US Small Business Administration (SBA), which offers microloans.

*Shopify Capital loans must be paid in full within a maximum of 18 months, and two minimum payments apply within the first two six-month periods. The actual duration may be less than 18 months based on sales.