20 Must-Apply Business Grants for Black Entrepreneurs in 2025

Author

Lashell Thomas
December 17, 2024

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In the ever-evolving landscape of entrepreneurship, access to funding remains a critical factor for business success. For Black business owners, who often face unique challenges in securing capital, grants can be a game-changing resource. As we look ahead to 2025, several organizations are stepping up to provide financial support specifically tailored to Black-owned businesses.

At BlackPulse Headquarters, we've curated a comprehensive list of 20 business grant opportunities that Black entrepreneurs should have on their radar for 2025. These grants not only offer financial assistance but also provide valuable resources and networking opportunities to help your business thrive.

Top Grant Opportunities for Black-Owned Businesses

1. Wish Local Empowerment Grant

  • Grant Amount: $500 to $2,000

  • Eligibility: Black-owned small businesses with a physical location, 20 or fewer employees, and less than $1 million in annual revenue

  • Application: Rolling basis

2. HerRise Microgrant

  • Grant Amount: $1,000

  • Eligibility: Businesses at least 51% owned by women of color and registered in the U.S.

  • Deadline: Last day of each month

3. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

  • Grant Amount: $50,000 to $1.8 million

  • Focus: Research and development aligned with federal priorities

  • Note: Competitive program with multiple phases

4. IFundWomen's Universal Grant Program

  • Grant Amount: $2,500 to $25,000

  • Eligibility: Women entrepreneurs

5. Coalition to Back Black Businesses

  • Grant Amount: $5,000 with potential for additional $25,000

  • Eligibility: Black-owned startups and small businesses

Specialized Grants and Competitions

6. Power Forward Small Business Grant

  • Grant Amount: $25,000

  • Eligibility: Black-owned small businesses in New England

  • Perks: Includes marketing and design resources

7. Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program

  • Grant Amount: $15K, $10K, and $5K prizes

  • Format: Live, crowdfunded pitch competition

  • Description: Centralized platform for various federal grant opportunities

9. Brown Girl Jane X Shea Moisture

  • Total Grant Pool: $150,000

  • Focus: Black-owned independent beauty and wellness brands

10. Diversity in Entrepreneurship Grant

  • Grant Amount: $5,000

  • Eligibility: Underrepresented individuals in the design industry

Grants for Various Business Stages

11. Merchant Maverick Opportunity Grants

  • Grant Amount: Up to $10,000

  • Focus: Minority-owned businesses facing barriers to traditional financing

12. NASE Growth Grants

  • Grant Amount: Up to $4,000

  • Eligibility: National Association For The Self-Employed members

13. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

  • Grant Amount: $20,000 to $50,000

  • Eligibility: U.S.-based small businesses

14. Boundless Futures Foundation EmpowerHer Grant

  • Grant Amount: Up to $25,000 in business support

  • Focus: Female entrepreneurs

15. Freed Fellowship

  • Grant Amount: $500 monthly

  • Focus: Small business owners, with emphasis on women and minorities

Emerging Opportunities

16. Galaxy Grants by Hidden Star

  • Grant Amount: Up to $2,750

  • Eligibility: People of color and women business owners

17. Transform Business Grant

  • Grant Amount: $1,000 micro-grants

  • Focus: Business owners from systemically oppressed backgrounds

18. Fifteen Percent Pledge Achievement Award

  • Grant Amount: $15,000 to $200,000

  • Eligibility: Black-owned e-commerce businesses

19. Feed the Soul's Restaurant Business Development Grant

  • Offering: Financial grants and consulting services

  • Focus: Food businesses owned by underrepresented groups

20. Black Ambition Prize

  • Grant Amount: Up to $1 million

  • Eligibility: Early-stage Black and Hispanic entrepreneurs

Maximizing Your Grant Application Success

Securing a grant can be a transformative experience for your business, providing not just financial support but often mentorship and networking opportunities as well. To increase your chances of success:

  1. Read the fine print: Carefully review eligibility criteria and application requirements for each grant.

  2. Tailor your application: Highlight how your business aligns with the grant's specific goals and values.

  3. Tell your story: Craft a compelling narrative about your business's mission and potential impact.

  4. Prepare in advance: Many grants have similar requirements. Keep key documents and financial information updated and ready to submit.

  5. Follow up: If you don't succeed initially, ask for feedback and consider reapplying in future rounds.

Stay Informed with BlackPulse HQ

At BlackPulse Headquarters, we're committed to keeping our community informed about the latest opportunities for Black entrepreneurs. These grants represent just a fraction of the resources available to help your business grow and thrive.Don't miss out on future updates and insights!

Join our newsletter to stay connected with the pulse of Black entrepreneurship and be the first to know about new grant opportunities, business strategies, and success stories from our community.

Remember, every great business started with a vision and the right support. These grants could be the catalyst that propels your business to new heights in 2025 and beyond. Start exploring these opportunities today, and let's build a stronger, more vibrant ecosystem of Black-owned businesses together!