Starting or growing a business is never cheap, but there’s free money and resources out there if you know where to look. We put in the time so you don’t have to. Here’s a rundown of grants and freebies designed with Black-owned businesses in mind—from cash injections to free services that keep more money in your pocket.
🏆 NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant
- What it is: $25,000 grant aimed at empowering Black entrepreneurs with funding plus resources.
- Deadline: November 1, 2025
- Eligibility: Rising or established Black-owned businesses.
- Apply: naacp.org/grants
- Contact: NAACP HQ • (877) 622-2798
💄 Amazon Black Business Accelerator (BBA)
- What it is: Mentorship, free imaging for 50 products, $500 startup credit, and up to $3,000 in ad spend.
- Deadline: Rolling.
- Apply: sell.amazon.com
💪 Coalition to Back Black Business (CBBB)
- What it is: $5,000 grants with mentorship and networking.
- Eligibility: Black-owned businesses with 3–20 employees.
- Next round: Opens Fall 2025.
- Apply: uschamberfoundation.org
🎨 Wish Local Empowerment Program
- What it is: Microgrants ($500–$2,000) for Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses.
- Eligibility: Shops with fewer than 20 employees + under $1M annual revenue.
- Apply: wish.com
📚 Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses
- What it is: Free 12‑week growth training program + access to advisors/investors.
- Next cohort: January–April 2026.
- Apply: 10ksbapply.com
🌱 Feed the Soul Foundation Restaurant Grant
- What it is: Restaurant grants + six months of consulting/training.
- Deadline: Feb–Apr 2025.
- Apply: See listing on Forbes.
✍🏾 ZenBusiness Free LLC Formation for Moms
- What it is: Covers all LLC registration costs, expense tracking, and startup resources.
- Deadline: Ongoing.
- Apply: zenbusiness.com
📌 Final Word
Applying for grants can feel like a full-time hustle, but the payoff is worth it. Don’t let deadlines sneak up—set reminders on your phone and knock out applications in batches. Remember, some of these opportunities include mentorship, training, and national exposure—assets that can last long after the money runs out.
If you’ve been waiting for the sign to level up your business… this is it. 💡
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