Unlocking Opportunities: About 40 Small Business Grants for Minority Businesses

Navigating the entrepreneurial landscape as a minority-owned business can be challenging, but countless resources and opportunities are designed to support you. One of the most powerful tools at your disposal? Small business grants. We gathered can provide the financial boost needed to turn your business dreams into reality. I threw a few together

Business Grants Matter

Grants are essentially free money – unlike loans, they don't need to be repaid. For minority entrepreneurs, these funds can be a lifeline, enabling growth, innovation, and sustainability. Grants can cover a wide range of needs, from startup costs and equipment purchases to marketing and expansion efforts.

Five Tips

1. Grants.gov

Grants.gov is a centralized hub for federal grant opportunities. While it includes a vast array of options, filtering through the database to find grants specific to minority-owned businesses can unearth valuable opportunities.

2. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

The MBDA is dedicated to the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned businesses. They offer various grants and financial assistance programs tailored to meet the unique needs of minority entrepreneurs.

3. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE)

NASE offers Growth Grants up to $4,000 for small businesses, including minority-owned enterprises. These grants can be used for marketing, advertising, and hiring employees.

4. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest

This annual contest provides significant funding to small businesses, including those owned by minorities. Winners can receive up to $50,000 to scale their operations and achieve their business goals.

5. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program

SBIR grants support technological innovation and commercialization. They are a great fit for minority entrepreneurs in the tech industry looking to develop and market new products or services.

Tips for Securing a Grant

Securing a grant involves more than just finding the right one. Here are some tips to increase your chances of success:

1. Understand Eligibility Requirements

Carefully read the eligibility criteria for each grant. Ensure that your business meets these requirements before applying.

2. Prepare a Strong Application

A well-prepared application is crucial. Highlight your business's unique value proposition, your mission, and how the grant will help you achieve your goals. Be clear, concise, and compelling.

3. Gather Necessary Documentation

Be ready to provide financial statements, business plans, and other relevant documents. Having these prepared in advance can streamline the application process.

4. Leverage Community Resources

Many local organizations and business centers offer grant writing workshops and resources. Take advantage of these to improve your application.

5. Follow Up

After submitting your application, follow up with the grant provider. This demonstrates your commitment and keeps your application top of mind.

Beyond Grants: Additional Resources for Minority Entrepreneurs

While grants are an excellent resource, consider other forms of support as well. Look into loans, mentorship programs, and networking opportunities designed for minority business owners. Organizations like SCORE and local Small Business Development Centers (SBDCs) can offer invaluable advice and assistance.

Securing a grant for your minority-owned business can be transformative, providing the financial backing needed to innovate, grow, and succeed. By leveraging available resources, preparing a compelling application, and staying persistent, you can unlock opportunities that propel your business forward.

Stay proactive, informed, and connected with the community of minority entrepreneurs. Together, we can create a thriving ecosystem where all businesses have the opportunity to succeed.

For more insights and resources tailored to entrepreneurs like you, visit our blog at DMS Studios. Let’s turn your vision into reality.

Here are more grants that may bless your business. (I'll add more as I find them)

1. Wish Local Empowerment Grant >>> https://www.wish.com/local

2. The Freed Fellowship Grant >>> https://www.freedfellowship.com

3. HerRise Microgrant >>> https://www.hersuitespot.com/herrise-micro-grant

4. CCWC Women of Color Grant Program >>> https://www.ccwc-fp.org

5. Comcast RISE Investment Fund >>> https://www.comcastrise.com

6. Backstage Capital >>> https://backstagecapital.com

7. Tory Burch Foundation Fellowship Program >>> https://www.toryburchfoundation.org/fellows

8. FedEx Small Business Grant Contest >>> https://www.fedex.com/en-us/small-business/grant-contest.html

9. Amber Grant >>> https://ambergrantsforwomen.com

10. NASE Growth Grants >>> https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/grants-and-scholarships/growth-grants

11. IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Database >>> https://ifundwomen.com/grants

12. Moms as Entrepreneurs >>> https://www.mompreneurs.me

13. Operation Hope >>> https://www.operationhope.org

14. National Black MBA Association Scale-Up Pitch Challenge >>> https://nbmbaa.org/scale-up-pitch-challenge/

15. Grants.gov >>> https://www.grants.gov

16. Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR Program) >>> https://www.sbir.gov

17. National Institute of Health (NIH Grants) >>> https://grants.nih.gov

18. Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) >>> https://www.mbda.gov

19. USDA Rural Business Development Grants >>> https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/business-programs/rural-business-development-grants

20. USDA Value-Added Producer Grants >>> https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/value-added-producer-grants

21. National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE Growth Grants) >>> https://www.nase.org/become-a-member/grants-and-scholarships/growth-grants

22. First Nations Development Institute Grants >>> https://www.firstnations.org/grantmaking/

23. Rural Energy for America Program (REAP Grants) >>> https://www.rd.usda.gov/programs-services/energy-programs/rural-energy-america-program-renewable-energy-systems-energy-efficiency

24. State Trade Expansion Program (STEP) >>> https://www.sba.gov/funding-programs/grants/state-trade-expansion-program-step

25. Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) >>> https://www.hud.gov/program_offices/comm_planning/communitydevelopment/programs

26. Economic Development Administration (EDA Grants) >>> https://www.eda.gov/funding-opportunities/

27. EnrichHER >>> https://enrichher.com

28. Cartier Women’s Initiative Awards >>> https://www.cartierwomensinitiative.com

29. Halstead Grant >>> https://www.halsteadbead.com/halstead-grant

30. Patagonia Corporate Grant Program >>> https://www.patagonia.com/grant-programs/

31. Kinetic Black Business Support Fund >>> https://www.blackbusinesssupportfund.com

32. Poise Foundation Micro-Enterprise Grant >>> https://www.poisefoundation.org

33. Asian Women Giving Circle Grants >>> https://asianwomengivingcircle.org

34. LISC Rural Relief Small Business Grants >>> https://www.lisc.org/covid-19/small-business-assistance/rural-relief-small-business-grants/

35. Fast Break for Small Business Grants >>> https://www.fastbreak.nba.com

36. SheaMoisture Community Commerce Fund >>> https://www.sheamoisturefund.com

37. New Voices Foundation Fund >>> https://newvoicesfoundation.org

38. Kauffman FastTrac >>> https://fasttrac.org

39. Black Girl Ventures Pitch Competition >>> https://www.blackgirlventures.org

peace + love.