Celebrating Black History Month: 10 Funding and Business Assistance Resources for Black Entrepreneurs
Securing capital and finding business assistance remains challenging for many small businesses today. For Black business owners, the pathway to entrepreneurship and sustaining their business can be even more difficult due to racial and systemic barriers. To celebrate Black History Month and to support Black entrepreneurs at a time when equity initiatives are under attack, we’ve compiled a list of 10 funding and business assistance resources to help grow your small business.
Business Assistance Resources
1 Million Black Businesses Initiative
The 1 Million Black Businesses initiative provides aspiring Black business owners with a successful path to wealth creation through sustainable and profitable business ownership. Participants will receive coaching and educational services, access to expert volunteers, and more.
Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready Program
Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program aims to provide free courses, mentorship, networking and grants to meet your small business needs. Access their free courses today to launch and grow your business.
Hello Alice x NAACP Black-Owned Business Resource Center
Powered by Hello Alice and the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, the Black-Owned Business Resource Center offers funding opportunities to help you launch and grow your small business. Additionally, the center serves as a virtual form to find community and guidance from other Black entrepreneurs.
Google for Small Business
Google for Small Business offers resources and tools to help Black businesses stand out on Google platforms. Additionally, they provide graphic templates to help showcase your products, garner more customers and promote your business on social media.
Amazon Black Business Accelerator
Amazon’s Black Business Accelerator provides Black-owned businesses with a range of resources to help them sell on Amazon. Since 2021, the program has provided thousands of Black entrepreneurs with education resources, financial support and mentorship opportunities that have helped them connect with more customers and build their brands.
Grant Opportunities
Pathway to Opportunities Competition
Accepting applications until 06-09-2025
The Pathway to Opportunities Competition aims to connect small businesses with corporations seeking to expand their supply chain with innovative products and services. Winners will receive cash prizes of up to $5,000.
Restaurant Business Development Grant Program
Accepting applications until 04-15-2025
Powered by Feed My Soul Foundation, the Restaurant Business Development Grant Program provides restaurant owners with the marketing, financial and operational resources needed to take their business to the next level. Cohort members will receive 6 months of consultations with experts and a financial stipend determined by the needs of their business.
Boundless Futures Foundation EmpowerHer Grant
Accepting applications until 02-15-2025
EmpowerHer Grants provides financial support and leadership resources to aspiring female entrepreneurs building businesses to solve today's social issues. Eligible owners will have businesses focused on poverty and hunger, sustainability and the environment, or strong communities through their product or business model.
Power Forward Small Business Grant
Accepting applications on a rolling basis
The Power Forward Small Business Grant program aims to create a lasting impact on Black-owned small businesses across New England through $25,000 grants. Grant recipients will receive custom marketing and design resources and have opportunities to be featured on Boston Celtics United, VistaPrint, and NAACP national platforms.
Wish Local Empowerment Program
Accepting applications on a rolling basis
Wish Local Empowerment Program offers up to $2,000 in grants to Black-owned businesses to promote equality and diversity in entrepreneurship. Selected recipients will also join Wish Local, a series of programs that allows small businesses to partner with Wish and sell their inventory on the platform.
Looking for more funding opportunities? Access our grants portal to find national, state and local small business grants. New funding resources are added as information becomes available.