Black women entrepreneurs can improve their chances of securing funding by exploring specialized opportunities and niche markets that align with their qualifications.
Despite increasing opposition to DEI initiatives, Black women business owners who meet specific eligibility criteria can still access grants and funding opportunities.
According to Forbes, if you’re a first-time business owner, engaged in a community initiative, or operating within a specialized industry, identifying the niche markets your business fits into can enhance your funding prospects. Given the current political and economic climate, which has made it more challenging for Black women to obtain grants designed for them, refining your search to target specific funding categories can serve as a strategic way to secure financial support.
Below are 10 business grants that Black women may be eligible to apply for:
1. HerRise Micro Grant
The HerRise Micro Grant program offers financial assistance to women entrepreneurs facing barriers to funding for their community-focused small businesses. With a rolling application process, selected recipients receive a $1,000 grant each month.
This grant is open to underrepresented women entrepreneurs, including women of color, across various industries. To qualify, businesses must be at least 51% women-owned, registered in the U.S., and generating under $1 million in gross revenue. Apply here.
2. Amber Grant
Since 1998, WomensNet has awarded Amber Grants, providing $2,000 in monthly funding to women-led businesses in honor of Amber Wigdahl, a young entrepreneur who passed away before realizing her business dreams.
Each month, WomensNet distributes a minimum of $30,000 through its Amber Grant program, which includes Startup Grants, Business Category Grants, and three $25,000 Year-End Grants. Applications are due on the 23rd of each month. Interested applicants can apply here.
3. Cartier Women’s Initiative Award
The Cartier Women’s Initiative is a global program that empowers women-led businesses focused on social or environmental impact. Established in 2006, it provides mentorship, funding, and ongoing support.
For the 2025 program, applications will be accepted from April 18 to June 24. Selected recipients receive $200,000 in funding. Apply here.
4. Nikon x Black Women Photographers Grant Fund
Founded in 2020 by Polly Irungu, Black Women Photographers (BWP) launched with a $14,500 COVID-19 relief fund to support Black women photographers. Since then, it has awarded over $185,000 in financial grants and provided Nikon mirrorless gear to recipients.
Now in its fourth year, the BWP x Nikon Inc. initiative offers $50,000 in grants and $20,000 in camera equipment to selected winners. Grants range from $10,000 for completing a visual project to $3,000 for business expenses. Applications for the 2025 cycle close on March 28. Apply here.
5. Women’s Empire Grant
Established in 2015, the Women’s Empire is a nonprofit that supports women entrepreneurs in underserved communities through the EmpowerHer Fund. This initiative provides $1,000 grants to women-led businesses in New York City engaged in community development or initiatives benefiting women and girls.
Applicants must submit a grant proposal detailing their project, budget, and timeline. Deadlines for 2025 are June 1, September 1, and December 1. Apply here.
6. Boundless Futures Foundation Grants
The Boundless Futures Foundation offers two types of grants:
- EmpowerHer Grants: Up to $25,000 for U.S.-based female entrepreneurs aged 22+ whose businesses create positive social impact. Funds are reimbursed upon proof of business-related expenses.
- Her Village Grants: Supports U.S.-based nonprofit organizations empowering female business founders.
Applications open at the beginning of each quarter for 4–6 weeks. More details can be found here.
7. Texas Woman’s University Veteran Woman Grant
Designed to boost economic growth in Texas, this program awards five grants of $5,000 each to veteran women entrepreneurs launching new projects. Winners for 2025 will be announced on March 11. More information is available here.
8. Olga’s Kitchen Grant for Michigan Women Entrepreneurs
Inspired by Olga Loizon, the founder of Olga’s Kitchen, this grant supports Michigan-based women entrepreneurs. Applicants must submit a business plan and a personal statement demonstrating financial need.
Grants of up to $10,000 are awarded on a rolling basis. Apply here.
9. The Mama Ladder International Grant
Since 2018, The Mama Ladder has provided grants to support mother-owned businesses. Applicants must complete an online form (which takes 30–60 minutes) and share their “High Five Why” on social media using #highfivegrant.
Applications are currently closed but will be opened again from September 1–30. Apply here.
10. Women’s Giving Circle of Harford County Grant
The Women’s Giving Circle of Harford County (WGC) provides one-year grants of up to $5,000 to nonprofit programs that serve women, children, and families in Harford County, Maryland.
Since its launch, WGC has awarded 178 grants totaling over $644,000. The application deadline is March 14. Apply here.
Despite increasing restrictions on DEI-related grants, funding opportunities for Black women entrepreneurs remain available. If direct funding is scarce, alternative strategies such as advocacy, networking, and data collection can also be effective in securing financial support.
