What federal programs support minority-owned businesses?

The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) provides grants and business development services. The SBA offers the 8(a) Business Development program for disadvantaged small businesses. The Commerce Department, USDA, and DOT all have programs targeting minority-owned enterprises. Many federal contracts include set-asides for minority-owned businesses.

Are there grants specifically for Black-owned businesses?

Yes. Beyond general minority business grants, specific programs target Black entrepreneurs — including the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Program, Hello Alice grants, the Black Founder Startup Grant, Backstage Capital, and various corporate initiatives from companies like Google, Target, and JPMorgan Chase.

How do I prove minority-owned business status for grants?

Most grants require self-certification or third-party certification. The SBA 8(a) program has its own certification process. The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) offers widely recognized MBE certification. State and local agencies also have certification programs that can strengthen your applications.

Grants for Minority Owned Businesses

Grants for minority-owned businesses help close the wealth gap and increase representation in entrepreneurship. Federal programs through the Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA), SBA, and Commerce Department, along with foundations and corporate programs, provide funding specifically for BIPOC entrepreneurs and diverse business owners.

207 grants

Foundation

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Washington State Organic & Sustainable Farming Fund

Varies by year; 2025: total $550,000+ distributed to 70 recipients

TILTH ALLIANCE · Rolling / Open · Annual Foundation

Washington State Organic & Sustainable Farming Fund Overview: Tilth Alliance administers grants providing critical financial assistance to farmers in Washington State supporting projects that enhance…

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Wells Fargo Diverse Community Capital Program

$175,000,000

OPPORTUNITY FINANCE NETWORK · Rolling / Open · One-time Foundation

Wells Fargo Diverse Community Capital Program Status: Past initiative (2016-2020) Funder: Wells Fargo Program Name: Wells Fargo Works for Small Business: Diverse Community Capital (DCC) Overview:…

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WEPOWER Capital Fund

$1.5 million (total fund size; individual investment amounts vary)

WEPOWER · Rolling / Open Foundation

WEPOWER Capital Fund Status: Active investment fund launched August 2021 Geographic Scope: North St. Louis City (with regional focus) Focus Areas: - Black and Latinx entrepreneur support - Community…

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West Side Corridor Revitalization Fund

Up to $20,000

CORNERSTONE WEST COMMUNITY DEV CORP · Rolling / Open Foundation

West Side Corridor Revitalization Fund Funder: Cornerstone West CDC and True Access Capital, with City of Wilmington ARPA funding Status: Active as part of "Building From Within" program Geographic…

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West Side Innovation Fund

$1,000 - $10,000

CORNERSTONE WEST COMMUNITY DEV CORP · Rolling / Open Foundation

West Side Innovation Fund Funder: City of Wilmington via American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, administered by Cornerstone West CDC with partners True Access Capital and Wilmington Alliance Status:…

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Wilmington Strong Fund

$1,000

CORNERSTONE WEST COMMUNITY DEV CORP · Rolling / Open · Rolling (Quarterly) Foundation

Wilmington Strong Fund Funder: Partnership between West Side Grows Together, Wilmington Alliance, with support from Comenity Bank, Barclays US Consumer Bank, Mayor's Office of Economic Development,…

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Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program Grant

Up to US $15,000

New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development · Rolling / Open Foundation

Women and Minorities in Construction Trades Program Grant Status: ACTIVE Funder: New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development Amount: Up to US $15,000 Last Updated: January 26, 2026…

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Frequently Asked Questions

What federal programs support minority-owned businesses?: The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) provides grants and business development services. The SBA offers the 8(a) Business Development program for disadvantaged small businesses. The Commerce Department, USDA, and DOT all have programs targeting minority-owned enterprises. Many federal contracts include set-asides for minority-owned businesses.
Are there grants specifically for Black-owned businesses?: Yes. Beyond general minority business grants, specific programs target Black entrepreneurs — including the NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Program, Hello Alice grants, the Black Founder Startup Grant, Backstage Capital, and various corporate initiatives from companies like Google, Target, and JPMorgan Chase.
How do I prove minority-owned business status for grants?: Most grants require self-certification or third-party certification. The SBA 8(a) program has its own certification process. The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) offers widely recognized MBE certification. State and local agencies also have certification programs that can strengthen your applications.

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