Celebrating Black History Month: Eight Funding and Business Assistance Resources for Black Entrepreneurs
Finding funding and business assistance can be challenging and Small Business Majority’s Voice of Main Street survey found that 61% of Black small business owners reported difficulty accessing financing, identifying it as a major financial challenge. With these systemic barriers that Black entrepreneurs face, we’ve put together a list of eight funding and business assistance resources to explore during this Black History Month.
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Verizon’s Small Business Digital Ready program offers mentorship, networking, grants and more to support your small business needs. Access their free courses today to build your skills and confidently launch and scale your business.
VSBDR Amplify Your Brand Promotion
Accepting applications until 03-18-2026
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready has partnered with Next Street and The LemonAd Stand to help five small businesses take their brands to the next level. Those selected for the Amplify Your Brand Promotion will receive a content package valued at $17,000, including a custom video, content plan and digital assets to help put Digital Ready learnings into practice and support business growth. Complete three courses or virtual events in the online marketing, branding or website design topic categories on the Digital Ready platform to be eligible.
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.
Empower to Grow Program
Sponsored by the Small Business Administration, the Empower to Grow program helps prepare businesses for federal, state and local government contracts. The program provides eligible U.S.-based small businesses with free business courses, tailored training and one-on-one consulting to support operations, hiring, regulatory compliance and government contracting competitiveness.
Pay It Forward Grant
Accepting applications until 12-31-2026
The Spectrum Reach Pay It Forward Grant program supplies small business owners with marketing resources and tools to expand their brand and connect with new audiences. Grant recipients will receive a complimentary advertising schedule and a free 30-second commercial, as well as support from local media experts, on-demand educational resources, opportunities to network with like-minded entrepreneurs and more.
Chase for Business
Explore resources designed to help you run and grow your small business with Chase for Business financial courses and tools. Gain practical insights into managing cash flow strategically and understanding the basics of lending, including how to establish and strengthen your credit. You can also apply what you learn using interactive tools, such as pricing calculators and competitive analysis, to support real-world decision-making.
Economic Development & Growth for Entrepreneurs (E.D.G.E) Program
Accepting applications until 02-18-2026
The E.D.G.E program is designed to help small business owners strengthen their personal and business financial health through ongoing coaching with financial experts from The Acceleration Project. Accepted business owners will receive eight months of financial coaching, peer learning opportunities and the chance to win a cash award from a $10,000 prize pool, among other benefits. To be eligible, you must be based in New York City or Westchester County.
Restaurant Business Development Grant Program
Accepting applications until 04-15-2026
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 six months of consultations with experts and a financial stipend determined by the needs of their business.