Minority-owned business grants

Grants for Minority-Owned Businesses

This shortlist starts with official-source programs that explicitly mention minority business owners, then adds broad founder and small-business grants that may be useful alternatives.

This page is curated from official source pages. GrantTrek does not guarantee eligibility, deadlines, or awards. Verify every opportunity with the funder before applying.

Quick facts

Last updated2026-06-27
AudienceMinority-owned businesses and underrepresented founders
Verified grants6
Source ruleOfficial funder pages only

Selected grants

1
active Main Street General Business

Galaxy Grants for Women and Minority Business Owners

Galaxy Grants is a small-business grant program from Hidden Star, a 501(c)(3), for women and minority business owners. The official page lists a current $4,250 grant, free application, and July 31, 2026 deadline.

Best for Women and minority business owners seeking a current small grant.
Why it fits The official Galaxy Grants page explicitly names women and minority business owners.
Watch out The award is modest, so it should be part of a broader funding plan.
2
active Main Street General Business

Founders First CDC Pride Fund National Grant

Founders First CDC's Pride Fund is a national grant for LGBTQIA+ small businesses. The official page lists 20 grant packages totaling $20,000, with $1,000 micro-grants plus program access for eligible LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs.

Best for LGBTQIA+ small business owners who match Founders First CDC criteria.
Why it fits It is a founder-group-specific microgrant program with a public official application path.
Watch out Confirm the current deadline and employee/revenue criteria before applying.
3
active Main Street General Business

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready 2026 Grants

Verizon Small Business Digital Ready offers free small-business courses, coaching, networking, and 2026 grant opportunities. The official page says applications for 2026 $10,000 grants are open and asks businesses to register to learn more.

Best for Minority-owned businesses seeking a broad corporate grant path.
Why it fits It is not minority-only, but it has a practical small-business path and current 2026 grant signals.
Watch out Users may need to register and complete platform steps before accessing the current grant application.
4
active Main Street General Business

IFundWomen Universal Grant Application

IFundWomen by Honeycomb Credit presents an official grant application page for startups, small businesses, founders, and entrepreneurs to apply for grants and be matched with funding opportunities.

Best for Founders who want matched opportunities from a broader grant platform.
Why it fits The universal application can route founders to multiple grant opportunities when matches exist.
Watch out Matched opportunities vary, so eligibility is not guaranteed by submitting the universal form.
5
active Main Street General Business

Freed Fellowship Monthly Small Business Grant

Freed Fellowship runs a monthly small-business grant program for US micro and small business owners. Each selected Freed Fellow receives a $500 no-strings-attached grant and is considered for a $2,500 year-end grant.

6
active Main Street General Business

NASE Growth Grants

The National Association for the Self-Employed offers Growth Grants worth up to $4,000 for NASE members' small business needs such as marketing, hiring, facilities, equipment, and training. Applications are accepted year-round and reviewed quarterly, but applicants must meet NASE membership requirements.

How we selected these grants

  • Explicit minority or underrepresented-founder programs are prioritized.
  • Broad alternatives must have an official small-business applicant path.
  • The page avoids implying demographic eligibility when the source does not state it.

Important caveats

  • Some grants use broad underrepresented-founder language while others name specific groups.
  • Certification, business age, revenue, location, or employee-count rules may apply.
  • Use official source pages to confirm current status before applying.

FAQ

Do I need a minority business certification?

Some programs may ask for certification, but many private grants rely on owner profile and business information instead. Check the official rules for each grant.

Are broad grants worth applying to?

Yes, if the business fits the rules. Minority-specific grants are limited, so broad corporate and foundation grants can be important alternatives.

Are the grants on Grants for Minority-Owned Businesses guaranteed?

No. A grant listing is not a guarantee of eligibility, funding, or approval. GrantTrek uses official-source evidence to curate options, but the funder controls the current rules and award decisions.

Why does GrantTrek include recurring or forecasted grants?

Some useful small-business programs open in cycles. GrantTrek includes recurring or forecasted opportunities only when the official source gives enough evidence to explain the status and caveats.

What should I verify before applying?

Verify the current deadline, applicant type, location rules, eligible expenses, award amount, application steps, reporting requirements, and whether registration or membership is required.

What if a grant on this list is closed?

Treat closed or forecasted programs as planning signals, not open applications. Check the official page for the next cycle and compare active alternatives before spending time on an application.