Grants for Minority Owned Businesses
Minority-owned businesses can access federal grants, SBA programs, state funding, and capital access initiatives designed to address historical barriers to business ownership. These programs support Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and other socially or economically disadvantaged entrepreneurs through technical assistance, contracts, loans, and direct grants. Below are 1247 verified funding opportunities.
Types of Minority Business Grants & Programs
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
The Small Business Administration's flagship program providing a 9-year developmental journey for certified disadvantaged small businesses. Participants receive sole-source and set-aside federal contracting opportunities, business mentoring, and management/technical assistance.
- Contracting Access: Compete for $100M+ in federal contracts reserved for 8(a) firms
- Eligibility: 51%+ owned by socially/economically disadvantaged individuals; business in operation 2+ years
- Benefits: Sole-source contracts up to $7M (goods/services) or $15M (manufacturing), set-aside contracts, mentorship
- Duration: 9-year program with developmental (first 4 years) and transitional (last 5 years) stages
MBDA Business Centers
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) operates business centers nationwide providing consulting, access to capital, contract facilitation, and strategic business planning for minority entrepreneurs. Services help secure $10B+ in contracts and financing annually.
- Free Services: Business consulting, financial planning, market research, access to capital assistance
- Capital Access: Connect with lenders, investors, and financing programs; over $1B facilitated annually
- Contracting Support: Bid preparation, proposal writing, certification assistance, supplier diversity connections
- Locations: 50+ centers nationwide serving Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American business owners
State & Local Business Grants
State economic development agencies and city governments offer targeted grants for minority entrepreneurs, often focusing on underserved communities, business districts, and industry sectors experiencing growth. Awards range from $5K-$250K.
- Community Development Block Grants (CDBG): Federal funds distributed to states/cities for local business development
- State Programs: California GO-Biz, New York ESD, Illinois DCEO offer minority business grants $10K-$100K
- City Initiatives: Local economic development offices provide microenterprise grants $5K-$50K
- Industry-Specific: Tech startups, manufacturing, green energy, healthcare, food service targeted programs
Corporate & Private Foundation Grants
Major corporations (Google, Amazon, JPMorgan Chase) and private foundations offer grants and investments in minority-owned businesses as part of supplier diversity, racial equity, and community reinvestment initiatives. Awards typically $10K-$1M.
- Equity Initiatives: Many launched after 2020 focusing on Black-owned, Indigenous-owned businesses
- Supplier Diversity: Corporate grants to develop minority suppliers for supply chain inclusion
- Community Banks: CDFIs (Community Development Financial Institutions) offer grants + low-interest loans
- Examples: Black Business Fund, National Black Business Association, Asian Business Development Center
Major Federal Programs
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Contract Access: Compete for federal contracts set aside for disadvantaged businesses; $100M+ awarded annually
Eligibility: 51%+ owned/controlled by socially/economically disadvantaged individual; 2+ years in business; personal net worth under $850K
Benefits: Sole-source contracts (no competitive bidding for contracts up to $7M), business mentoring, management training
Apply: SBA 8(a) Program
MBDA Business Centers
Services: Free business consulting, strategic planning, access to capital, contract procurement assistance
Eligibility: Minority-owned businesses (51%+ ownership by Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander entrepreneurs)
Impact: Facilitated $10B+ in contracts and $1B+ in capital access in recent years
Find Centers: MBDA Business Centers
Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs)
Funding: Grants and low-interest loans for businesses in underserved communities; typical loan $5K-$500K
Eligibility: Businesses in low-income communities or owned by disadvantaged entrepreneurs; flexible credit requirements
Focus: Mission-driven lenders prioritizing economic opportunity over traditional credit metrics
Search CDFIs: CDFI Locator
State Minority Business Development Programs
Awards: State grants typically $10K-$100K for business expansion, equipment, working capital, hiring
Eligibility: Certified minority business enterprise (MBE); varies by state (often 51%+ minority ownership)
Examples: California GO-Biz Small Business Grant, New York ESD Minority/Women Business Enterprise Grant
Find Programs: Contact your state's Economic Development Agency or Small Business Development Center (SBDC)
Eligibility Requirements
Minority business grants have varying eligibility criteria depending on the funding source. Common requirements include:
Business Ownership & Control
- Ownership Threshold: 51% or more owned by minority individuals (Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander)
- Operational Control: Minority owners must control day-to-day operations and strategic decisions
- Certification: Many programs require MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) or DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) certification
- Business Structure: LLC, S-corp, C-corp, sole proprietorship, or partnership eligible
Business Stage & Financials
- Years in Operation: Some programs require 1-2+ years in business; others accept startups
- Revenue Requirements: Annual revenue thresholds vary: SBA 8(a) caps at $850K net worth for owners
- Tax Compliance: Current on federal/state taxes; no outstanding tax liens or judgments
- Good Standing: Business registered and in good standing with state; no major legal violations
Business Location & Size
- Physical Location: Must operate in the U.S. or territories; some state grants require in-state operations
- Small Business Standards: Meet SBA size standards (typically under 500 employees for most industries)
- Underserved Communities: Some grants prioritize businesses in low-income census tracts, Opportunity Zones
Owner Citizenship & Identity
- Citizenship: Owner must be U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident (SBA 8(a) requires citizenship)
- Social Disadvantage: Member of designated group experiencing racial/ethnic prejudice (Black, Hispanic, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander)
- Economic Disadvantage: Personal net worth under $850K (excluding primary residence and business equity)
- Documentation: Birth certificate, passport, or naturalization papers to verify identity and citizenship
Business Plan & Use of Funds
- Business Plan: Detailed plan showing how grant funds will be used for growth, hiring, equipment, marketing
- Financial Projections: Revenue forecasts, cash flow statements, break-even analysis
- Permitted Uses: Working capital, equipment purchase, inventory, marketing, hiring, facility improvements, technology
- Prohibited Uses: Most grants prohibit using funds for debt repayment, owner salaries, real estate speculation
Frequently Asked Questions
Do minority business grants have to be repaid?
True grants do NOT require repayment—they are free capital. However, many "grant programs" for minority businesses are actually low-interest loans or forgivable loans that convert to grants if conditions are met (e.g., maintaining jobs for 2 years, staying in business 3 years). Always read terms carefully: grants labeled as "forgivable loans" may require repayment if you don't meet conditions. CDFIs, microloans, and SBA loans always require repayment. Only true grants from government agencies, foundations, and corporations are non-repayable.
How do I prove I'm a minority-owned business?
To qualify for minority business grants, you typically need MBE (Minority Business Enterprise) certification from a recognized certifying agency. Certification requires proving: (1) 51%+ ownership by minority individual(s), (2) operational control by minority owners, (3) U.S. citizenship or permanent residency. Apply through the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), your state's Department of Commerce, or the SBA 8(a) program. Certification requires documentation: business formation documents, tax returns, personal ID (birth certificate, passport), proof of ownership percentage. Certification typically takes 60-120 days and costs $100-$500 depending on certifying body.
Can I apply for multiple minority business grants at the same time?
Yes! You can and should apply for multiple grants simultaneously. There are no restrictions on applying to multiple programs—in fact, diversifying your funding sources reduces risk. However, some grants prohibit "double-dipping" (using the same expenses for multiple grants). For example, if Grant A pays for new equipment, you can't claim that same equipment purchase on Grant B's application. Always disclose other funding sources when asked on applications. Most funders want to see you're resourceful and pursuing multiple revenue streams. Apply broadly but ensure each application is tailored to that specific grant's priorities and eligibility.
How competitive are minority business grants?
Competition varies widely. SBA 8(a) acceptance rate is about 40%—competitive but achievable if you meet eligibility criteria. State and local grants are often less competitive (20-40 applicants per award) because they're geographically limited. Corporate grants from major companies (Google, Amazon, JPMorgan) are highly competitive (under 5% acceptance) due to large award amounts ($50K-$1M). Improve your odds by: (1) applying to local/regional grants first, (2) ensuring you meet ALL eligibility requirements before applying, (3) demonstrating strong business fundamentals (revenue growth, customer base, market need), (4) showing community impact or job creation, (5) getting professional help with application (SBDC, SCORE, MBDA centers offer free support).
What's the difference between SBA 8(a) and MBDA programs?
SBA 8(a) focuses on federal contracting opportunities—helping disadvantaged businesses compete for government contracts. Benefits: sole-source contracts (no bidding), set-asides, business training. Eligibility: strict (2+ years in business, net worth under $850K, economically disadvantaged). Duration: 9-year program. MBDA Business Centers provide business consulting and capital access—connecting minority firms with lenders, investors, and private-sector contracts. Benefits: free consulting, strategic planning, financing connections. Eligibility: broader (51% minority ownership, any stage). Duration: ongoing services. Use both: Join 8(a) for federal contracts, use MBDA centers for financing and consulting. They complement each other.
Are there grants specifically for Black-owned or Hispanic-owned businesses?
Yes! Many recent initiatives target specific minority groups. Black-owned business grants: National Black Chamber of Commerce grants, Fearless Fund, Black Business Fund, JPMorgan Chase Advancing Black Pathways ($30B commitment), Google for Startups Black Founders Fund. Hispanic/Latino business grants: U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce programs, Latino Business Action Network, Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund. Asian-owned business grants: Asian/Pacific Islander American Chamber of Commerce, National Asian American Coalition. Native American business grants: Bureau of Indian Affairs, Native American Business Development Institute. These programs often have less competition than general minority grants because they serve more focused populations. Check national organizations specific to your ethnic group for the most relevant opportunities.
How to Find & Apply for Minority Business Grants
- Get MBE Certification First:
Before applying to most minority business grants, obtain Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification from a recognized certifying agency. Apply through the National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC), your state's Department of Commerce, or the SBA 8(a) program. Prepare documentation: business formation documents (articles of incorporation, operating agreement), 3 years of tax returns, personal ID (birth certificate, passport), ownership structure (cap table, stock certificates), resumes of owners. Certification costs $100-$500 and takes 60-120 days. This certification opens doors to corporate supplier diversity programs, government set-asides, and most grant programs.
- Register Your Business (SAM.gov, State Registrations):
Register at SAM.gov (System for Award Management) if pursuing federal grants or contracts. SAM.gov registration is required for all federal funding, including SBA 8(a), MBDA programs, and government contracts. Registration is free and takes 2-4 weeks. You'll need: DUNS number (now UEI), EIN (Employer Identification Number), banking information for direct deposit, NAICS codes (industry classification). Also register with your state's business portal and obtain necessary business licenses. Many state and local grants require proof of business registration in good standing.
- Connect with Local MBDA Business Center or SBDC:
Visit your nearest MBDA Business Center or Small Business Development Center (SBDC) for free, personalized grant search assistance. MBDA centers specialize in minority businesses and can identify grants matching your industry, location, and business stage. SBDCs offer free consulting on business plans, financial projections, and grant applications. Schedule an appointment to review your business, discuss funding needs, and get a customized list of grant opportunities. Many centers also offer grant writing workshops and one-on-one application review. These services are 100% free and dramatically increase your success rate.
- Develop a Strong Business Plan & Financial Projections:
Nearly all grant applications require a detailed business plan (10-30 pages) and financial projections (3-5 years). Your business plan should include: executive summary, market analysis, competitive landscape, marketing/sales strategy, operations plan, management team bios, and financial statements (P&L, balance sheet, cash flow). Financial projections must be realistic and defensible—show how grant funds will increase revenue, hire employees, or expand operations. If you don't have a formal business plan, work with an SBDC counselor (free) or hire a business consultant ($1K-$5K). A strong business plan is your most important tool—it's required for 95% of grant applications.
- Apply to Federal Programs (SBA 8(a), MBDA):
Start with SBA 8(a) Business Development Program if you meet eligibility: 2+ years in business, 51%+ minority ownership, personal net worth under $850K, economically disadvantaged status. Apply online through certify.sba.gov. Application requires extensive documentation (personal financial statements, tax returns, business financials, narrative of economic disadvantage). Approval takes 90-120 days. Once accepted, you gain access to federal contracting opportunities, business mentoring, and training. Also connect with your regional MBDA Business Center for capital access assistance and consulting services. MBDA doesn't provide direct grants but connects you with lenders, investors, and grant opportunities.
- Search State & Local Grant Programs:
Contact your state's Economic Development Agency or Department of Commerce to inquire about minority business grants. Most states offer annual grant competitions ($10K-$100K awards) for certified minority businesses. Examples: California GO-Biz Small Business Grant, New York ESD Minority/Women Business Enterprise Grant, Illinois DCEO Minority Business Development Program. Also check city-level programs—many cities allocate Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to minority-owned businesses in underserved neighborhoods. Visit your city's Economic Development Office or chamber of commerce to learn about local opportunities. State/local grants are less competitive than national grants due to geographic restrictions.
- Apply to Corporate & Private Foundation Grants:
Research corporate grants from major companies with supplier diversity or racial equity commitments: Google for Startups Black Founders Fund, Amazon Small Business Academy, JPMorgan Chase Advancing Black Pathways, Wells Fargo Open for Business Fund. Also explore private foundations: Fearless Fund, National Black Chamber of Commerce, U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce. Corporate grants often require online applications, video pitches, and interviews. Focus on demonstrating: (1) strong business growth potential, (2) scalability, (3) community impact, (4) alignment with corporate values (e.g., sustainability, diversity, innovation). These grants are highly competitive but offer large awards ($25K-$1M).
- Follow Up & Report Results:
If awarded a grant, comply with ALL reporting requirements to maintain good standing. Most grants require quarterly or annual reports showing: (1) how funds were spent (receipts, invoices, financial statements), (2) outcomes achieved (revenue growth, jobs created, customers served), (3) photos/testimonials demonstrating impact. Failure to report can disqualify you from future funding. Use grant funds ONLY for approved purposes outlined in your application—improper use can require repayment. Many funders offer additional funding rounds to grantees who successfully complete initial grants—treat your first grant as an audition for future support.
Essential Resources
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Nine-year program providing federal contracting opportunities, business mentoring, and management assistance for certified socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses.
SBA 8(a) Program →MBDA Business Centers
50+ centers nationwide offering free consulting, strategic planning, access to capital, and contract procurement assistance for minority-owned businesses.
Find MBDA Centers →National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)
Leading MBE certification body connecting minority-owned businesses with corporate procurement opportunities. Provides certification, networking, and access to Fortune 500 buyers.
NMSDC Certification →Grants.gov - Minority Business Search
Federal government's official grant database. Search "minority business," "small business," "disadvantaged business" to find current federal grant opportunities.
Search Grants.gov →Available Minority Business Grants (1247)
Application Instructions for the Indian Community Development Block Grant (ICDBG) Imminent Threat (IT) Program
Department of Housing and Urban Development
Louis Stokes Alliances for Minority Participation
U.S. National Science Foundation
Field Initiated Projects Program: Minority-Serving Institutions (MSI) - Development
Administration for Community Living
Made in California Program
Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development
The purpose of this announcement is to solicit applications from eligible organizations to apply to provide marketing and engagement services to support the awareness and use of the Made in California label and promotional services by California’s manufacturing businesses. “Made in California” is California’s manufacturing promotion and product labeling program (herein defined as “Program”). The Program is designed to develop and promote the Made in California label, to encourage consumer product awareness, and to foster purchases of high-quality products in this state. The Program is administered by the California Office of the Small Business Advocate (herein referred to as “CalOSBA”) within the Governor's Office of Business & Economic Development (herein referred to as GO-Biz). The...
Paid Family Leave Small Business Grant 4 (PFL SB 4 Grant)
Employment Training Panel
The PFL SB Grant will provide to California small businesses (within the grant) equal to or between 100–51 employees a payment of $1,000 and a payment of $2,000 to small businesses less than or equal to 50 for each employee who is utilizing the PFL program, to help offset the costs involved with training other employees to cover the duties of this individual on PFL leave. The Employment Training Panel (ETP) and Labor and Workforce Development Agency (LWDA),announce the availability of up to $920,000 in California State General Fund dollars, for Multiple Employer organizations to outreach to California’s small businesses impacted by the Paid Family Leave (PFL) program, to help offset the costs incurred when training employees to cover the duties of the individual utilizing PFL. PFL is part...
Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development 3 (SEED 3)
Employment Training Panel
SEED supports the entrepreneurship of immigrants and limited English proficient (LEP) individuals who face significant employment barriers. The SEED Initiative will provide micro-grants, entrepreneurial training, and technical assistance to support them in starting or maintaining a small business in California aimed at addressing a social problem or meeting a community need. In June 2020, the California Legislature approved Assembly Bill 82 (Chapter 14, Stats. 2020), which established the Social Entrepreneurs for Economic Development (SEED) Initiative (See California Unemployment Insurance Code, sections 14106 to 14110). The Employment Training Panel (ETP), within the Labor and Workforce Development Agency (Agency), is administering this round of SEED funding on behalf of the California...
2025 CDBG NOFA
Department of Housing and Community Development
Under the 2025 NOFA, approximately $27 million in federal funds for Community Development Block Grant will be made available to develop viable communities provisioning decent affordable housing, expanding economic opportunities, and developing suitable infrastructure principally for the benefit of Low- and Moderate-Income (LMI) persons, families, households, and neighborhoods. Under this NOFA, CDBG funds are provided as grants to Non-Entitlement Units of Local Government for projects and programs that will reduce disparities in their communities. All CDBG activities must meet the National Objective of benefiting low- and moderate-income persons. The objectives of the CDBG program are to develop viable communities by the provision of decent affordable housing, a suitable living...
2025 Multifamily Finance Super NOFA – Los Angeles
Department of Housing and Community Development
The 2025 Multifamily Finance Super NOFA - Los Angeles Disaster makes funds more accessible to developers enables the funding to further serve the lowest income Californians and increases the range of potential applicants and target populations to achieve better outcomes in health, climate, and household stability. The 2025 Multifamily Finance Super NOFA - Los Angeles Disaster (MFSN-LA Disaster NOFA) provides funding for Los Angeles disaster The California Department of Housing and Community Development (Department or HCD) is pleased to announce the release of this Multifamily Finance Super Notice of Funding Availability for approximately $101 million in funds, which may be augmented based on availability of funds. This NOFA is issued to distribute funds through a combination of...
Recycling Market Development Zone Revolving Loan Program
Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery
The Recycling Market Development Zone (RMDZ) program combines recycling with economic development to fuel new businesses, expand existing ones, create jobs, and divert waste from landfills. The Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery (CalRecycle) administers a Recycling Market Development Zone Loan Program to encourage California-based recycling businesses located within California financing businesses that prevent, reduce, or recycle recovered waste materials through value-added processing or manufacturing. The purpose and importance of the RMDZ Program is set forth in Section 42001 of the California Public Resources Code: “The purpose of this chapter [is] to stimulate the use of postconsumer waste materials and secondary waste materials generated in California as raw materials...
Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks Grant
State Water Resources Control Board
RUST grants may be used to finance up to 100 percent of the costs necessary to upgrade, remove, or replace UST project tanks to comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Code sections 25284.1, 25292.05, 25292.4, 25292.5, or 41954. Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks (RUST) grants are available to assist small business underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators in financing up to 100 percent of the costs necessary to upgrade, remove, or replace project tanks to comply with the requirements of Health and Safety Code section 25284.1, 25292.05, 25292.4, 25292.5, or 41954. Please note that removal-only projects are now eligible for RUST grants. Grants are available for between $3,000 and $70,000 to eligible UST owners/operators. An additional...
Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks Loan
State Water Resources Control Board
RUST loans may be used to finance up to 100 percent of the costs necessary to upgrade, remove or replace project tanks, including corrective actions, to meet applicable local state, or federal standards, including, but not limited to, any design, construction, monitoring, operation, or maintenance requirements adopted pursuant to Health and Safety Code sections 25284.1, 25292.05, 25292.4, or 41954. Replacing, Removing, or Upgrading Underground Storage Tanks (RUST) loans are available to assist small business underground storage tank (UST) owners and operators in financing up to 100 percent of the costs necessary to upgrade, remove, or replace project tanks, including corrective actions, to meet applicable local, state, or federal standards, including, but not limited to, any design...
Underground Storage Tank Cleanup Fund
State Water Resources Control Board
The Underground Storage Tank (UST) Cleanup Fund's mission is to (1) establish a mechanism to meet Financial Responsibility requirements for owners and operators of petroleum USTs, and (2) reimburse eligible corrective action costs incurred in the cleanup of contamination resulting from the unauthorized release of petroleum from USTs. The UST Cleanup Fund provides a means for petroleum UST owners and operators to meet the federal and state requirements of maintaining financial responsibility to pay for damages arising from unauthorized releases from their petroleum USTs. The Fund assists a large number of small businesses and individuals by providing reimbursement for expenses associated with the cleanup of leaking USTs.
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Fresno County Community Development Division
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides grants to neighborhood groups, public service districts and other organizations to construct or improve public neighborhood facilities such as senior centers, parks, playgrounds, community center, and recreation buildings in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities in unincorporated Fresno County.
Public Facilities & Infrastructure Improvements
Fresno County Community Development Division
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides grants to neighborhood groups, public service districts and other organizations to construct or improve public neighborhood facilities such as senior centers, parks, playgrounds, community center, and recreation buildings in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities in unincorporated Fresno County.
Partner Cities Grants
Fresno County Community Development Division
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides grants to neighborhood groups, public service districts and other organizations to construct or improve public neighborhood facilities such as senior centers, parks, playgrounds, community center, and recreation buildings in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities in unincorporated Fresno County.
Public Services Grants
Fresno County Community Development Division
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides grants to neighborhood groups, public service districts and other organizations to construct or improve public neighborhood facilities such as senior centers, parks, playgrounds, community center, and recreation buildings in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and communities in unincorporated Fresno County.
CDBG Program - New York City Office Of Management & Budget
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by New York City Office Of Management & Budget serving New York City Office Of Management & Budget, New York.
CDBG Program - City Of Chicago
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Formula grants to entitled cities and counties for community development activities benefiting low and moderate-income persons. Administered by City Of Chicago serving City Of Chicago, Illinois.
Important: Always verify grant details, deadlines, and eligibility requirements on the official agency website before applying. Grant information is updated regularly, but terms may change. This is a free directory—we do not charge application fees.