Top Grants and Funding Opportunities for Minority-Owned Small Businesses

Sponsored by Google and administered through Howard University and MIT, this program provides non-dilutive funding to Black and Latinx founders. It aims to build the pipeline of minority founders by offering cash awards and mentorship to early-stage startups.

Launched by the Asian Americans Advancing Justice AAAJC, these grants provide up to $50,000 to AAPI-owned small businesses impacted by rising hate crimes and economic downturns. The program focuses on immediate cash assistance to help businesses survive and recover.

A competitive grant program that helps small businesses meet federal research and development goals with funding and contracts. Minority-owned businesses can leverage set-asides and mentorship provisions within federal agencies to secure non-dilutive R&D capital.

Provided by WOMEN.org, this grant awards $10,000 to women-owned businesses every month, plus an additional $10,000 in December. It is open to businesses of any stage, providing accessible funding for entrepreneurs who identify as women of color.

Recognizing veterans of color who own small businesses, this program offers cash prizes and business resources to support those who have served. It highlights the unique challenges faced by minority veterans and provides direct financial assistance to help launch or grow ventures.

Presented by The Other Side Ventures, this annual award provides $25,000 in equity-free funding to five BIPOC-founded companies. The program focuses on recognizing and accelerating the growth of diverse founders in the technology and entrepreneurial sectors.

NASE offers up to $4,000 in growth grants to its members to support business expansion. While open to all, it is particularly beneficial for minority entrepreneurs seeking low-barrier access to capital for specific business needs like marketing or equipment.

This program connects small businesses with state-level innovation initiatives to access federal R&D funding. Minority-owned businesses can utilize state-specific resources to navigate the complex federal SBIR/STTR application process and secure competitive grants.

Supported by major corporations, this initiative provides cash awards and corporate partnerships to HBCU alumni-owned businesses. It bridges the gap between higher education and entrepreneurship, offering significant financial support to minority founders who are HBCU graduates.

This fund provides $10,000 in cash and technical credits to Black founders with viable startups. It is designed to remove barriers to entry by offering both capital and access to Google’s cloud infrastructure and expert networks to accelerate growth.

While focused on women in science, this fund often intersects with minority groups in STEM. It provides small grants to support the publication of open-access research and professional development, benefiting minority women scientists building their businesses or careers.

An initiative by the U.S. Department of Commerce that connects MBDA-certified businesses with capital providers. It does not provide direct grants but facilitates access to loans and equity funding, serving as a critical gateway for minority entrepreneurs seeking investment.

LiftFund offers microloans and grant opportunities specifically tailored for underrepresented entrepreneurs. Their programs often include low-interest loans and technical assistance, helping minority-owned businesses build credit history and establish financial stability.

In addition to general awards, specific campaigns under the Amber Grant umbrella provide targeted funding for women of color. These grants recognize the dual challenges of gender and racial bias, offering accessible financial support for business operations.

Various chapters of Startup Grind host diversity-focused funding challenges offering cash prizes to minority founders. These events provide networking opportunities alongside capital, helping entrepreneurs gain visibility and attract investors from a diverse ecosystem.

While primarily an investment firm, The Black Venture Fund participates in ecosystem building and often sponsors grant-like competitions or awards. They provide capital and operational support to Black-led startups, focusing on high-growth potential ventures in underserved markets.

This grant program offers up to $100,000 to diverse small businesses to help them thrive on and off Amazon. It includes no-strings-attached cash grants and digital advertising credits, specifically targeting women, Black, Hispanic, and LGBTQ+ business owners.

Techstars runs various accelerator programs with dedicated tracks for underrepresented founders, including non-dilutive seed funding. Participants receive investment, mentorship, and access to a global network, providing a structured path to scaling a minority-owned tech startup.

Regional foundations often host awards for minority entrepreneurs, such as the Cleveland Foundation’s community innovation grants. These programs provide seed funding to local businesses solving community problems, offering accessible capital for minority-owned enterprises in specific areas.

The National Urban League facilitates access to capital through its annual Minority Business Conference, featuring pitch competitions and direct grant awards. Attendees can win funding and connect with corporate partners committed to diversity in business procurement and investment.