Grants for Black Women Entrepreneurs

By Michelle Loredo

The percentage of women in the business field has grown by four percent according to the Small Business Trends Alliance and Guidant Financial. From the women surveyed, 16 percent were Black business owners. 

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is affecting business owners across the nation, but the Washington Post found that around 40 percent of Black businesses have become inactive. As businesses need funding in order to remain in operation, here are seven grants that are aimed to help Black women business owners.

National Association for Self-Employment
The National Association for the self-employed offers a grant of up to $4,000 to small business owners. In order to be able to apply for the grant, you must become a member. Full details on their website.

Amber Grant for Women
The Amber Grant offers different opportunities throughout the year. If you get the Amber grant, you may be eligible for an extra $25,000. Full details on the website.

Small Business Innovation Research Grants
The National Institutes of Health gives grants for technology-based business or researched-based projects. Each year, they accept applications three times: January 5, April 5 and September 5. Full details and submission on their website.

National Black MBA Association
The National Black MBA Association mission is to “help create and support wealth-building opportunities for its members.” This year, the grants will be won by a pitch competition and they will be three winners. The prices range from $1,000 to $50,000. Full details on website.

Grants for Women
Grants for Women is a website that offers compiled lists of grants created by the Center for Women’s Business Research. The grants are alphabetized and constantly updated. Full details of grants and information on their website.

The Halstead Grant
The Halstead Grant is open for “emerging silver artists.” This grant is aimed to help the winners kick-start their business with $7,500. The deadline is on August 1 of this year. Visit their website for full details.

Open Meadows Foundation
The Open Meadows Foundation application cycle will open July 1 and close on August 15, 2020. The Foundation gives grants based on projects that promote gender, racial and economic wellbeing of women and girls in their communities. Contact the foundation at openmeadowsfdn@gmail.com or visit their website for full details.