Finding the right funding for your minority-owned business or organization can transform your growth trajectory and impact. Grants designed specifically for minority entrepreneurs provide crucial financial support without the burden of repayment, helping to address historical barriers to capital access.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore 12+ grant opportunities specifically designed for minority business owners, entrepreneurs, and organizations. You’ll discover:
Detailed information on each grant, including eligibility requirements, award amounts, and application deadlines
Practical strategies to strengthen your applications and increase your chances of success
P.S., Grantboost’s AI-powered platform can help minority applicants complete grant applications more efficiently by analyzing grant opportunities and generating customized proposal drafts based on your inputs and industry best practices.
For individuals and teams looking to secure more funding with less effort. Streamline your grant-writing process, stay organized, and achieve better results with proven templates and AI-driven proposals.
| Grant Name | Award Amount | Eligibility | Application Deadline | Program Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Santander Bank Cultivate Small Business Grant | $2,500 - $13,000 | Minority, women, or immigrant-owned food businesses | Spring: Nov-Jan, Fall: Mar-June | Education program, mentorship, networking |
| MUSE Accelerator by Ulta Beauty | $50,000 | Minority-owned beauty brands with market traction | June annually | $50,000 funding, workshops, mentorship, retail opportunities |
| Wish Local Empowerment Program | $500 - $2,000 | Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses | Rolling, available year-round | Recognition, marketing visibility, community resources |
| HerRise Microgrant | $1,000/month | Women of color entrepreneurs under $1M revenue | Monthly (submit by last day) | $1,000 funding, recognition, community networking |
| The Freed Fellowship Grant | $500/month, $2,500 year-end | Underrepresented entrepreneurs (people of color, women) | Rolling, submit by the last day of each month | $500/month, mentorship, strategy session, podcast feature |
| Feed the Soul’s Restaurant Business Development Grant | $10,000 | Minority-owned food businesses with growth potential | Apr 15 (closed for this year) | $10,000, six months consulting, training, marketing support |
| National Black Business Pitch | $1,250 - $10,000 | Black-owned small businesses with 51% ownership | Feb - June 9, live pitch in August | Pitch competition, funding, visibility |
| The Black Ambition Prize | $20,000 - $1,000,000 | Black or Hispanic/Latinx for-profit ventures | Closed May 9 (check for next year) | Mentorship, workshops, networking, marketing opportunities |
| AAPIStrong Restaurant Fund | $5,000 - $25,000 | AAPI-owned restaurants in the US | May 1 - June 22 (or 5,000 apps) | Grants, growth support, recognition of community impact |
| Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program | $5,000 + 0% loans | Women entrepreneurs with at least $75,000 revenue | Announced (check website) | $5,000 grant, mentorship, networking, community events |
| Gold House Ventures Founder Fellowship | Up to $250,000 | Diverse-led tech startups, originally for Asian Pacific founders | Bi-annual, Spring details not published yet | Masterclasses, mentorship, Demo Day, networking |
| Breakthrough Program by DigitalUndivided | Up to $5,000 | Black or Latina women entrepreneurs with at least $50,000 revenue | Annually (check website) | $5,000 grant, mentorship, business development support |
| National Black MBA Association Scale-Up Pitch Challenge | $1,250 - $50,000 | Black entrepreneurs with a Black founder and MBA member | Application open Feb, live pitch in August | Pitch competition, investor networking, visibility |
| Galaxy Grants by Hidden Star | $3,500 | Women and minority business owners across industries | June 30, 2025 | Accessible application, quick funding decisions |
| eBay Up and Running Grant | $10,000 | Small business owners with active eBay accounts | June 6, 2025 | Business expansion, marketing resources, inventory support |
| FedEx Small Business Grant Contest | $1,000 - $50,000 | Small businesses with fewer than 100 employees | Annually (dates not listed for this year) | Funding, services, community of entrepreneurs |
Several grant programs are available in 2025 to support minorities, offering financial assistance to foster growth in education, business, and social equality.
The Cultivate Small Business program offers grants ranging from $2,500 to $13,000 for qualifying food businesses. This initiative specifically targets minority-owned, women-owned, and immigrant-owned enterprises in the food industry.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this grant, businesses must meet these requirements:
At least one year in operation
Annual gross revenue between $25,000 and $1 million in the previous calendar year
Food-related business (restaurants, catering, food production, etc.)
Minority, woman, or immigrant ownership
Located in eligible geographic areas
Application Process
The program accepts applications twice yearly for different geographic cohorts:
Fall cohort: Runs from September through November with applications accepted from March through June.
Spring cohort: Runs from March through June with applications accepted from November through January.
Program Benefits
Beyond the financial grant, recipients gain access to:
A 12-week virtual education program focused on food business curriculum
Networking opportunities with industry professionals
Mentorship from established food entrepreneurs
Resources for sustainable business growth
The MUSE Accelerator by Ulta Beauty provides $50,000 in grant funding to selected minority-owned beauty brands, along with comprehensive business development resources.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the MUSE Accelerator, businesses must:
Be minority-owned beauty brands
Have established products with market traction
Demonstrate potential for growth and scalability
Be ready to participate in educational programs
Application Process
Applications typically open in June annually, with a competitive selection process that evaluates:
Brand uniqueness and market positioning
Product quality and innovation
Business model sustainability
Growth potential and scalability
Program Benefits
Selected participants receive:
$50,000 in non-dilutive funding
Educational workshops focused on beauty industry growth
Mentorship from industry experts
Potential retail opportunities with Ulta Beauty
Networking with investors and industry leaders
The Wish Local Empowerment Program provides targeted financial support for Black-owned brick-and-mortar businesses facing unique challenges in today’s retail landscape.
This program offers grants ranging from $500 to $2,000 to eligible Black-owned businesses with physical retail locations.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for this grant, retail businesses must:
Be at least 51% Black-owned
Have 20 or fewer employees
Generate less than $1 million in annual revenue
Operate a brick-and-mortar location in the United States
Be at least 18 years old
Application Process
The Wish Local Empowerment Program accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year, making it accessible for businesses at different stages of development. The application process is straightforward and managed directly through Wish’s website.
Program Benefits
Beyond the financial grant, recipients gain:
Recognition as a Wish Local Empowerment Program recipient
Potential visibility through Wish’s marketing channels
Access to a community of fellow grant recipients
Resources for sustainable business growth
The HerRise Microgrant provides consistent monthly support for women of color entrepreneurs, offering both funding and community resources to help overcome barriers to business growth.
This program awards $1,000 monthly microgrants to women of color business owners, with a focus on supporting innovative solutions that benefit communities.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for the HerRise Microgrant, businesses must:
Be at least 51% owned by women of color
Be registered in the United States
Generate less than $1 million in annual revenue
Not be a franchise, direct seller, authorized reseller, or independent consultant
Application Process
Applications must be submitted by the last day of each month, with a $15 administrative fee required. Winners are announced at the HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer in the following month.
Program Benefits
Recipients receive:
$1,000 in unrestricted grant funding
Recognition at the monthly HerSuiteSpot First Friday Mixer
Visibility through HerSuiteSpot’s platforms
Connection to a community of women entrepreneurs
Sponsors
The HerRise Microgrant is supported by:
The Yva Jourdan Foundation (the non-profit arm of HerSuiteSpot)
HerSuiteSpot’s network of Friends and Family Funders
The Freed Fellowship Grant provides ongoing support for underrepresented entrepreneurs through both immediate funding and long-term business development resources.
This program awards $500 monthly microgrants to selected business owners, with additional opportunities for year-end funding of $2,500.
Eligibility Criteria
While open to all micro and small business owners in the US, the Freed Fellowship Grant especially encourages applications from:
People of color
Women business owners
Other underrepresented or overlooked entrepreneurs
Application Process
Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with a $19 application fee required. To be considered each month, submissions must be received by midnight Eastern US time on the last day of the month.
Program Benefits
Recipients receive:
$500 no-strings-attached grant funding
Two months of free business mentorship
A complimentary 60-minute strategy session with business experts (valued at $1,000)
Invitation to share your business story on the Freed Stories Podcast
Free two-month trial membership in the Freed Studio online mentorship community
Automatic eligibility for a $2,500 year-end grant
Feed the Soul’s Restaurant Business Development Grant provides comprehensive support for minority-owned food businesses, combining financial assistance with crucial business development resources.
This program offers a $10,000 grant plus six months of consulting services and training specifically designed for food industry businesses.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, food businesses must be:
At least 51% owned by Black, Indigenous, Latinx, LGBTQ+, military veterans, persons with disabilities, or formerly incarcerated individuals
Operational with demonstrated potential for growth
Committed to participating in the consulting and training components
Application Process
It’s an annual program, and the applications for this year closed on April 15. Be sure to check the website for next year’s details.
Program Benefits
Selected recipients receive:
$10,000 in grant funding
Six months of specialized consulting services
Educational training focused on restaurant operations
Menu consultation
Customer service improvement strategies
Human resources guidance
Merchandising assistance
Marketing support
Looking to apply for specialized grants like Feed the Soul’s program? Grantboost’s AI assistant can help food business owners create tailored grant proposals that highlight their unique vision , essential elements for standing out in competitive grant applications.
The National Black Business Pitch offers Black business owners a platform to showcase their businesses while competing for substantial funding and visibility opportunities.
This annual pitch competition awards prizes ranging from $1,250 to $10,000 to winning Black-owned businesses, with additional benefits beyond the financial awards.
Eligibility Criteria
To participate, black owned small businesses must:
Have at least one Black founder who owns at least 51% of the business
Have at least one National Black MBA Association member on the pitch team
Be an existing, operational business (not a future endeavor)
Be represented by the owner or operator holding majority ownership
Application Process
The application timeline includes:
Applications open in February
June 9 application deadline
Selection of thirty finalists who advance to Phase Two
Live pitch competition in August
Competition Format
The competition follows this structure:
Three-minute maximum pitch presentation
Brief Q&A session with judges immediately following the pitch
Judging by corporate representatives from sponsor organizations
Public audience viewing with opportunity to invite your network
Prize Structure
Winners receive:
First Place: $5,000 - $10,000 (amounts vary by year)
Second Place: $2,500
Third Place: $1,250
The Black Ambition Prize offers transformative funding and support for Black and Hispanic/Latinx entrepreneurs building innovative early-stage ventures.
This prestigious competition awards substantial prizes ranging from $20,000 to $1 million, with the grand prize winner receiving $1 million and additional prizes between $15,000 and $250,000.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, ventures must:
Be for-profit businesses in Consumer Products and Services, Healthcare, Media & Entertainment, Technology, or AI
Have at least one founding team member who identifies as Black or Hispanic/Latinx
Include a minimum of two team members
Have a minimum viable product and/or existing customer base
Have raised less than $1M in dilutive funding
Be based in the United States with the venture lead being a U.S. resident
Application Timeline
It’s an annual program, and the applications for this year closed on May 9th. Be sure to check the website for next year’s details.
Additional Benefits
Beyond funding, selected participants receive:
3-month cohort-based Black Ambitionist Mentorship Program
Pitch, wellness, and leadership workshops
Community events and networking opportunities
Training and professional development
Graphic design support
Marketing opportunities
Specialized coaching
For individuals and teams looking to secure more funding with less effort. Streamline your grant-writing process, stay organized, and achieve better results with proven templates and AI-driven support.
The AAPIStrong Restaurant Fund provides targeted support for Asian American, Pacific Islander, and Native Hawaiian-owned restaurants facing unique challenges in the competitive food service industry.
170 grants will be given to small business owners, ranging from $5,000 to $25,000.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, restaurants must:
Be Asian American, Pacific Islander, or Native Hawaiian majority-owned (at least 51%)
Be based in the United States and currently operational
Operate as a for-profit business
Show proof of primary licensed activity as “the preparation and serving of food”
Operate in a single location (not a franchise)
Demonstrate both financial need and community impact
Application Process
It’s an annual program, and the application deadlines for this year have not been announced yet. The application period typically runs from May 1 through June 22 (or until 5,000 applications are received). The review process occurs from June through July, with notifications sent in August.
Program Details
The fund emphasizes:
Supporting growth and expansion of AAPI-owned restaurants
Recognizing community impact and cultural contributions
Prioritizing first-time grant applicants
Providing resources beyond financial support
The Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program offers a comprehensive year-long experience for women entrepreneurs, combining funding with education and mentorship opportunities.
Selected fellows receive a $5,000 business education grant plus access to 0% interest loans through Kiva that can provide thousands in flexible funding.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, applicants must:
Be women-identifying entrepreneurs
Be legal U.S. residents
Own an equal or largest stake in a majority women-owned, for-profit business
Have a business that’s between 1-5 years old
Have generated at least $75,000 in revenue over the past year
Application Timeline
It’s an annual program, and the application deadlines for this year have not been announced yet.
Program Details
Each year, 50 women are selected for this prestigious fellowship, which includes:
Hands-on learning through workshops and working groups
Curated educational content
A special presentation (Fellows Lab) for feedback from industry experts
A three-day immersive event at Tory Burch Headquarters
Additional Benefits
Fellows also receive:
Mentorship from industry experts connected to the Tory Burch Foundation network
Access to a supportive network of peers
Lifelong membership in a vibrant community of women entrepreneurs
Opportunities to expand networks through exclusive program events
The Gold House Ventures Founder Fellowship provides substantial support for diverse tech founders, with a historical focus on Asian Pacific entrepreneurs that has now expanded to include other underrepresented groups.
Participants can receive up to $250,000 in funding upon successful completion of this 14-week immersive program designed for diverse-led tech startups.
It’s a bi-annual program, with cohorts in the spring and fall. The details for the fall cohort haven’t been published yet, so be sure to check the website for updates.
Eligibility Criteria
The fellowship targets:
Diverse-led tech startups (originally focused on Asian Pacific founders)
NYC-based companies (For Spring)
Underrepresented founders from all communities
Program Details
The fellowship offers:
Weekly masterclasses to enhance brand equity, refine product-market fit, and bolster human capital
1:1 advising from successful founders and operators
Curated investor introductions
A public Demo Day to boost fundraising efforts
Strategic networking opportunities with Gold House’s network
Focus Areas
The program emphasizes:
Scaling tech startups
Strengthening brand strategy
Refining product-market fit
Providing fundraising support
Expanding entrepreneurial networks in underrepresented ecosystems
Additional Benefits
Participants also receive:
Benefits with partner brands like Panda and Din Tai Fung
Access to in-person co-working spaces
Invitation to the exclusive Gold Gala Party
Looking to apply for multiple grants but feeling overwhelmed? Grantboost can help! Simply paste or input grant opportunity details, and the AI will extract and analyze the information to craft effective, tailored responses—saving you time and ensuring your proposals align with each grant’s specific requirements.
The Breakthrough Program by DigitalUndivided provides targeted support for Black and Latina female entrepreneurs, combining funding with comprehensive business development resources.
Selected participants receive grants up to $5,000 plus extensive mentorship and business development support. It’s an annual program, and the application deadlines for this year have not been announced yet.
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, businesses must be:
Owned by women who identify as Black or Latina (or both)
Majority-owned (51%+) by the Black or Latina founder
Registered and operational for at least one year
Generating at least $50,000 in annual revenue
Incorporating a technology component
Program Benefits
Beyond the grant funding, participants receive:
Mentorship from industry leaders
Access to a supportive community of fellow entrepreneurs
Advisory services focused on business growth
Tools and resources for scaling operations
Business development workshops and training
The National Black MBA Association Scale-Up Pitch Challenge offers Black entrepreneurs substantial funding and visibility opportunities through a competitive pitch competition.
This annual competition offers significant prizes:
Grand Prize: $50,000
Second-Place Prize: $10,000
Third-Place Prize: $7,500
People’s Choice Award: $1,000
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, participants must:
Be U.S. residents over the age of 18
Have a startup with a founder who is Black (of African descent) and holds at least an equal stake in the business
Include at least one team member who is an active member of the National Black MBA Association
Application Process
The deadline for this year’s application isn’t listed on the website yet.
The process involves:
Initial application submission
Preliminary judging round
Selection of finalists to compete live in Atlanta
Live pitch competition
Program Details
Launched in 2017, the challenge focuses on:
Connecting startups with early-stage investors and venture capitalists
Providing visibility for promising Black-owned businesses
Supporting the scaling of innovative business concepts
Building a pipeline of investment-ready Black-owned companies
The Galaxy Grants by Hidden Star provides accessible funding opportunities for women and minority business owners through a streamlined application process.
This program offers $3,500 grants to selected women and minority business owners across the United States.
Eligibility Criteria
The grants target:
Women business owners
Minority business owners
Small businesses across various industries
Entrepreneurs at different stages of business development
Application Process
The deadline for the grant is June 30th, 2025.
The program features:
A straightforward application with minimal questions
Rolling application acceptance throughout the year
Multiple grant awards distributed periodically
Program Details
Hidden Star focuses on:
Reducing barriers to accessing capital
Supporting underrepresented entrepreneurs
Providing quick funding decisions
Offering flexible use of grant funds
The eBay Up and Running Grant provides financial support specifically for small businesses selling on the eBay platform, with opportunities for minority business owners to access additional resources.
This program offers $10,000 grants to selected small business owners with active eBay seller accounts.
Eligibility Criteria
While specific eligibility details for the 2025 program haven’t been announced, previous cycles required:
An active eBay seller account
Demonstrated need for business growth funding
Compelling business story and growth potential
Status as a small business (typically under 100 employees)
Program Details
The deadline for the program is June 6, 2025.
The grant project focuses on:
Supporting small businesses selling on the eBay platform
Helping sellers expand their online presence
Providing resources for inventory expansion
Enabling marketing and operational improvements
The FedEx Small Business Grant Contest offers substantial funding opportunities for small businesses, including minority-owned enterprises, through a competitive application and voting process.
This annual competition features impressive prizes:
Grand Prize: $50,000 plus $7,500 in FedEx Office printing services
Second Place: $30,000 plus $5,000 in FedEx Office printing services
Third Place: 10 winners receive $15,000 each plus $1,000 in FedEx Office printing services
Eligibility Criteria
To qualify, businesses must:
Have been in operation for at least six months
Have no more than 99 employees
Have a valid FedEx business account that’s been active for six months or more
Demonstrate shipping needs relevant to their business model
Note that certain types of businesses are excluded, including nonprofit organizations, franchisees, and multilevel marketing companies.
Application Process
It’s an annual program, and the application deadlines for this year have not been announced yet.
Applicants must submit a short business profile that explains:
Why you started the business
What your company does
How you differentiate from competitors
Any social causes the business supports
How you would use the winnings to improve your business
An optional one-minute YouTube video can be added to further showcase your company and mission.
Program Details
The contest emphasizes:
Supporting small business growth and innovation
Recognizing diverse business models and industries
Providing both financial support and business services
Building a community of FedEx-supported entrepreneurs
Beyond the specific grant opportunities listed above, numerous resources are available to help minority entrepreneurs find and secure funding. Here’s where to look for additional support.
Federal, state, and local governments offer various programs specifically designed to support minority business owners:
Grants.gov – This comprehensive database contains all federal grant opportunities, with search filters to find minority-specific funding
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) – Provides business consulting, access to capital, and contract opportunities specifically for minority business enterprises
Small Business Administration (SBA) – Offers specialized programs for minority-owned businesses, including the 8(a) Business Development Program
National Institutes of Health (NIH) – Provides health research grants for minority researchers and communities focused on addressing health disparities
Many state and local governments also offer minority business enterprise (MBE) certification programs that can provide access to government contracts and specialized funding opportunities.
Numerous private organizations focus on supporting minority entrepreneurs:
Ford Foundation – Supports initiatives addressing inequality with grants for minority-led organizations
W.K. Kellogg Foundation – Focuses on racial equity and community engagement through various grant programs
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation – Funds health equity initiatives, including those led by minority entrepreneurs
National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP) – Offers various support programs and funding opportunities
National Minority Supplier Development Council – Connects certified minority-owned businesses with corporate members for contracting opportunities
These organizations often provide not just funding but also mentorship, networking, and business development resources.
Several federal programs are specifically designed to support minority business enterprises:
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program – Provides business development assistance, training programs, and technical guidance for socially or economically disadvantaged small business owners
USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program – Supports small businesses in rural areas, with special consideration for minority-owned enterprises
Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program – Funds early-stage small businesses commercializing innovative research, with initiatives to increase participation from underrepresented groups
Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) Business Centers – Offer management and technical assistance to minority-owned businesses
These programs often combine funding opportunities with technical assistance, mentorship, and business development support.
BTW, federal grant applications often have complex requirements. Grantboost can help you navigate these requirements efficiently, ensuring your applications are complete, compliant, and compelling. The attention to the details typically increases your chances of securing federal funding.
Read Next: Top Types of Grants: A Comprehensive Guide to Funding Opportunities
Securing minority grants requires more than just finding the right opportunities—you need a strategic approach to the application process. Here’s how to maximize your chances of success.
Before applying for any minority grant, gather these critical documents:
Proof of minority status - Requirements vary by program but may include:
Birth certificate
Tribal enrollment documentation
Certificate of naturalization
Self-certification statements
Business documentation
Business license and registration
EIN documentation
Articles of incorporation
Operating agreements
Business plan
Financial records
Tax returns (business and sometimes personal)
Profit and loss statements
Balance sheets
Cash flow projections
Current financial statements
Additional supporting materials
Resumes of key team members
Letters of recommendation
Testimonials from clients/customers
Examples of previous work
Evidence of community involvement
Organizing these documents in advance allows you to quickly respond to grant opportunities as they arise, rather than scrambling to collect information at the last minute.
Read Next:
The Art of the Ask | Writing the Letter of Inquiry for a Grant
Writing a Letter of Support for Grants: Examples and Frameworks
A successful grant proposal goes beyond just meeting the basic requirements. It tells a compelling story about your organization and its potential impact.
Your executive summary should concisely explain:
Who you are and what your business does
The specific need or problem you’re addressing
How your business provides a unique solution
Why you’re qualified to execute your plan
The specific impact the grant funding will enable
Develop a strong business case by:
Demonstrating market opportunity - Use data to show the size and growth potential of your market
Highlighting your unique value proposition - Explain what sets your business apart from competitors
Showcasing traction - Include metrics like revenue growth, customer acquisition, or partnerships
Presenting a clear growth strategy - Outline how you’ll scale your business with grant funding
Your budget should:
Be realistic and well-researched
Align directly with your stated goals
Include specific line items with justifications
Demonstrate efficient use of resources
Show how grant funds will be leveraged for maximum impact
As a minority business owner, your personal journey is often relevant to your application:
Share challenges you’ve overcome
Explain your connection to the community you serve
Describe how your background informs your business approach
Articulate how funding will help you break through barriers
BTW, crafting compelling narratives for grant applications can be challenging. Grantboost’s AI assistant can help you develop persuasive proposals that highlight your unique story and value proposition while ensuring all grant requirements are addressed effectively.
Read Next: Where to Find Examples of Grant Proposals
Even strong candidates can be disqualified by making these common errors:
Missing application deadlines - Create a calendar of grant deadlines and set reminders well in advance
Submitting incomplete documentation - Use a checklist to verify all required materials are included
Ignoring specific formatting guidelines - Follow instructions precisely regarding word counts, file formats, and submission methods
Submitting generic proposals - Tailor each application to the specific grant’s focus and requirements
Creating unrealistic budget projections - Be honest and realistic about your financial needs and projections
Overlooking eligibility requirements - Carefully review all criteria before investing time in an application
Failing to proofread - Spelling and grammatical errors can undermine your professionalism
Applying for multiple grants can quickly become overwhelming without a systematic approach. Here’s how to streamline your process for maximum efficiency and success.
Create a centralized digital repository for all your grant application materials:
Business fundamentals folder - Store your business plan, financial statements, tax returns, and registration documents
Team information folder - Include bios, resumes, and credentials for key team members
Impact evidence folder - Collect testimonials, case studies, and impact metrics
Media assets folder - Store high-quality photos, videos, and brand materials
Previous applications folder - Save past grant applications for reference
This organization allows you to quickly access and update materials as needed rather than recreating documents for each application.
Many grant applications request similar information. Develop templates for:
Executive summary - A concise overview of your business and its impact
Business description - Your mission, vision, products/services, and market position
Team bios - Professional backgrounds and qualifications of key team members
Impact statements - How your business creates positive change in your community
Financial narratives - Explanations of your business model and financial projections
These templates can be customized for each application while maintaining consistency in your messaging.
Stay on top of multiple grant opportunities by:
Creating a master calendar of application deadlines
Setting up automated reminders 2-4 weeks before each deadline
Scheduling specific time blocks for grant writing and submission
Prioritizing grants based on alignment with your business and likelihood of success
Maintain a spreadsheet or use project management software to track:
Grant name and organization
Funding amount
Application deadline
Submission date
Required follow-up actions
Decision timeline
Contact information for grant administrators
This tracking system helps ensure nothing falls through the cracks when managing multiple applications.
Read Next:
With so many grant opportunities available, it’s crucial to identify those that align best with your specific needs and qualifications. Consider these factors when evaluating potential grants:
Look for grants specific to your field:
Food and restaurant grants – Programs like Santander Cultivate Small Business or Feed the Soul
Beauty and consumer products – Opportunities like the MUSE Accelerator by Ulta Beauty
Technology and innovation – Programs like Gold House Ventures Founder Fellowship
Retail and e-commerce – Grants like the Wish Local Empowerment Program or eBay Up and Running
Targeting industry-specific grants increases your chances of success as these programs understand your unique challenges and opportunities.
Many grants are limited to specific regions:
City-specific programs – Like the Santander Bank cohorts for specific metropolitan areas
State-based opportunities – Often available through state economic development agencies
Rural-focused grants – Such as USDA programs for businesses in rural communities
National programs – Like FedEx Small Business Grant Contest with no geographic restrictions
Always verify geographic eligibility before investing time in an application.
Different grants target specific organizational structures:
Individual entrepreneurs – Programs like the Freed Fellowship Grant
Small businesses – Most of the grants listed in this article
Nonprofits – Many foundation grants require 501(c)(3) status
Educational institutions – Grants specifically for minority-serving institutions
Ensure your organizational structure aligns with the grant’s requirements.
Consider whether the grant provides sufficient funding for your needs:
Microgrants ($500-$5,000) – Good for specific projects or immediate needs
Mid-size grants ($5,000-$50,000) – Can fund significant business expansion
Large grants ($50,000+) – Support major growth initiatives or capital investments
Be realistic about your funding needs and target grants accordingly.
Many grants offer valuable resources beyond funding:
Mentorship – Programs like the Tory Burch Foundation Fellows Program
Training – Educational components like Feed the Soul’s consulting services
Networking – Access to investor networks through pitch competitions
Media exposure – Visibility opportunities through grant announcements
These non-financial benefits can sometimes be as valuable as the grant itself.
Securing a grant is just the beginning. To maximize the impact of grant funding and position yourself for future opportunities, follow these best practices:
Once you receive grant funding:
Set up separate accounting for grant funds to track expenditures
Follow any specific spending guidelines provided by the grantor
Keep detailed records of all grant-related expenses
Schedule regular financial reviews to ensure funds are being used effectively
Consider working with an accountant familiar with grant management
Proper financial management not only ensures compliance with grant requirements but also helps you demonstrate the impact of the funding.
Grantors want to see the impact of their investment:
Establish clear metrics to measure progress toward your stated goals
Take “before and after” photos of physical improvements or expansions
Collect testimonials from customers or community members benefiting from your work
Track relevant business metrics like revenue growth, job creation, or market expansion
Create case studies showcasing specific successes enabled by the grant
This documentation serves both reporting requirements and building your case for future funding.
Build relationships with your funders:
Follow all required reporting schedules and formats
Share good news and successes beyond required reports
Invite funders to relevant events or milestones
Ask for feedback on your progress and implementation
Express gratitude for their support
Strong relationships with current funders can lead to renewed support or introductions to other funding sources.
Use your grant success to attract additional investment:
Highlight grant awards in pitches to potential investors
Use grant funds to build infrastructure that supports growth
Demonstrate how initial funding has validated your business model
Create case studies showing return on investment from grant funding
Leverage the credibility that comes with competitive grant awards
A successful grant implementation can serve as proof of concept for larger investments.
Finding and securing grants for minority-owned businesses requires significant time, research, and writing skills. But as you’ve seen, the opportunities are substantial for those who approach the process strategically.
The good news? You don’t have to navigate this complex landscape alone. Grantboost’s AI-powered grant writing platform is specifically designed to help individuals and organizations create compelling grant applications in a fraction of the time.
Minority grants provide crucial non-repayable funding that can transform your business growth trajectory
Documentation and preparation are essential for successful grant applications
Telling your authentic story significantly increases your chances of selection
Diversifying your funding sources beyond traditional grants creates financial resilience
AI tools like Grantboost can transform your application process, saving time while improving quality
Ready to transform your approach to minority grant applications? Grantboost’s AI assistant can help you create compelling, compliant proposals that stand out to reviewers. Start your free trial today and see how much time you can save on your next grant application!
For individuals and teams looking to secure more funding with less effort. Streamline your grant-writing process, stay organized, and achieve better results with proven templates and AI-driven support.
