Black professionals in the work space have always been subject to fighting for basic rights like equal pay. Not until the recent deaths of innocent Black Americans such as Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Elijah McClain did the world pause to hear the concerns from the Black Lives Matter – concerns that have always been here and another reminder that our community faces injustices daily.
The result looks like it could be the beginning of an economic change for an otherwise generally disadvantaged demographic. When companies chimed in on the Black Lives Matter conversation, claiming solidarity and support, initiatives like Sharon Chuter’s Pull Up or Shut Up campaign rose to hold them to their word, encouraging population parity among corporate and leadership roles. The #MyBlackReceipt movement encouraged $15 million spent with Black-owned businesses in just 16 days. Small, Black-owned businesses, particularly in the fashion industry, are seeing unprecedented amounts of visibility on social media, among other efforts moving the needle forward.
In addition to these traumatic events, studies have confirmed that Black-owned businesses were financially hit harder than others by the coronavirus pandemic, leading some brands and organizations to announce initiatives that would help fund Black-owned businesses. While some were dedicated to fashion and arts, others were non-industry specific. Some of these opportunities have come and gone, and the funding companies have awarded or are preparing to award winners, but there are still financial opportunities available for Black entrepreneurs in fashion and other small businesses.
Ahead, here’s 10 grants small businesses can apply to today for financial support.
- Hello Alice’s Business for All Grant pledged $250,000 to small businesses. 15 business owners will be chosen, with the highest grant winner receiving $50,000. Hello Alice awarded $10,000 each to 65 Black business owners, recognizing that Black businesses have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The organization continues to take applications for both general Business for All grants, and COVID-19 Business for All grants.
General grant application deadline: September 25
COVID-19 grant application deadline: 7/14
Apply here
- Harlem’s Fashion Row held a virtual event, ICON 360, to raise funds for financial relief for designers of color, dedicating 100% ticket sales to the initiative. Additionally, Vogue and the Council Fashion Designers of America’s A Common Thread donated $1 million to the cause. Harlem’s Fashion Row is continuing to take donations to support the cause.
Application deadline: August 3
Apply here
- In March, Kerby Jean-Raymond announced Pyer Moss’ initiative to help Black-owned businesses financially affected by COVID-19. Initially pledging $50,000, the brand was able to increase these efforts to $100,000 in collaboration with Away’s Jennifer Rubio. The brand has already initiated distributions, including awarding at least seven fashion brands. As Jean-Raymond is looking to transition this initiative into something “more permanent,” applications remain open.
Application deadline: TBD
Apply here
- Lingerie brand, Thirdlove, announced their efforts to support the minority community as The TL Effect, an ongoing initiative that will focus on a new consumer-focused woman and POC-led company quarterly. Support for the early-stage start up company will be provided in the form of raising brand awareness, dedicating space in their San Francisco headquarters to the company’s needs, grants and mentoring.
Application deadline: July 31
Apply here
- The SBA 8(a) Business Development program is targeted to small-businesses that are at least 51% opened by U.S. citizens who are “economically and socially disadvantaged.” Program benefits include management and marketing assistance, the opportunity to firm joint ventures with established businesses, the opportunity to compete for federal contracting, and more.
Application deadline: Indefinitely
Apply here
- In partnership with IFundWomen, Visa is providing support to Black, women-owned businesses pledging $100,000 in grants. $10,000 will be awarded to 10 recipients, along with a 1-year coaching membership.
Application deadline: July 31
Apply here
- WomensNet’s Amber Grant awards new female entrepreneurs with $4,000 monthly. In November, users get to vote for one of the year’s monthly winners to then win an additional $25,000.
Application deadline: Indefinitely
Apply here
- In partnership with Global Giving and The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, Spanx created The Red Backpack Fund, pledging to award at least 1,000 grants of $5,000 to woman-owned businesses amid the pandemic.
Application deadline: July 13
Apply here
- FedEx’s Small Business Grant selects at least 10 winners yearly, awarding up to $25,000 each. This year, the initiative awarded more than $250,000 across 12 businesses.
Next contest date: TBA in early 2021
Sign up for updates here
- Government Grants.us offers business grants specific to African Americans, along with training workshops, counseling and management and technical assistance.
Application deadline: Indefinitely
Apply here