Black History Month: Funding and business assistance opportunities for Black entrepreneurs

Small business owners know that one of the greatest barriers to success is a lack of access to capital. For Black business owners, this challenge is heightened, with large banks approving just 29% of loans sought by Black-owned small businesses compared to 60% of loans sought by white-owned small businesses. This is why it is critical that Black-owned small businesses are supported in order to build an equitable economy. In honor of Black History Month, we have compiled a list of funding and business assistance opportunities geared toward Black entrepreneurs. 

Boss Impact Fund

Accepting applications through February 24 

The BOSS Network is partnering with Sage to support Black women entrepreneurs through funding and mentorship. This three-year program will help Black women achieve their goals and successfully start their new business. 

Learn more >> 

SoGal’s Black Founder Startup Grant

Accepting applications on a rolling basis

SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, and other sponsors to make a small step towards progress by providing several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs. Awardees will also receive tactical help navigating the fundraising environment at large so that they will have a more equitable opportunity at scaling the next billion dollar idea. They will also receive lifetime “ask-me-anything” access to the SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams.

Apply now >>

Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator

Accepting applications on a rolling basis

Amazon's Black Business Accelerator is a grant program aimed to address historical, manifest imbalances by growing and advancing equity for Black-owned businesses. The program offers financial assistance, business education & mentorship, and marketing & promotional support.

Apply now >>

Fedex Small Business Grant Contest

Accepting applications through February 21

By entering the 2023 FedEx Small Business Grant Contest, you have a chance to do even more and set your sights on even bigger goals. Fedex is awarding 10 grand prizes and support for you to discover what’s next for your business.

Learn more >>

USBC/Grubhub Restaurant Grant Program 

Accepting applications beginning February 6; available in select cities 

The U.S. Black Chambers and Grubhub are partnering to offer grants to Black-owned restaurants and culinary-based businesses so they can seize business opportunities and address current challenges. 

Learn more >>

Tech for Black Founders 

Accepting applications through February 19 

Braze is partnering with Amplitude, Branch, mParticle and Radar to help Black founders accelerate growth and build sustainable businesses. Grant awardees will receive free access to Braze’s customer engagement platform.  

Learn more >>

Southern Smoke Foundation 

Accepting applications on a rolling basis

Southern Smoke is a nonprofit organization working to put dollars into the pockets of food and beverage workers. Funding is available to those employed by or owning a restaurant or bar and facing unforeseen circumstances that can’t be covered by insurance. 

Learn more >>

Fast Break for Small Business 

Accepting applications through February 17

Legal Zoom has teamed up with the NBA, WNBA and NBA G league to assist communities by helping small business owners. $10k grants and free Legal Zoom products are available to Black-owned small businesses. 

Learn more >>

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