Small Business Grants for Minorities in 2025

Last updated July 11, 2025

If you’re struggling to get business financing, then

are a solid funding source to turn your attention to. Grants can be competitive and often require lengthy application processes, but the payoff is free funding that you don’t have to repay.

Here are eight free grants for small minority-owned businesses.

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8 Small Business Grants for Minorities

1. First Nations Grant Program

First Nations

has been issuing grants to Native American tribes, nonprofits, and community organizations since 1993. They have several grant opportunities available, but each is quite narrowly focused. Some opportunities offer education, networking, and professional development only, while others offer monetary grants. First Nations also provides a number of resources to guide grantseekers through the application process.

2. Galaxy Grant

Nonprofit organization Hidden Star offers quarterly

Galaxy Grants

, worth $2,950, to minority- and women-owned businesses. This quarter’s application is due by September 30 and only involves answering a handful of basic information questions. This opportunity is open to both startups and established businesses.

3. HerRise Microgrant

This microgrant worth $1,000 is awarded monthly, so you have plenty of chances to try for it. It’s designed for women entrepreneurs and frequently recognizes women of color. The application for

HerRise Microgrant

is a bit more involved: You’ll need to include your business pitch and a headshot as part of the application, along with $15 to cover administrative costs.

4. MUSE Accelerator

Ulta Beauty sponsors this annual accelerator program designed to uplift early-stage beauty brands, particularly those from underrepresented communities.

MUSE Accelerator

offers $50,000 to each participant plus an additional $10,000 to one lucky participant. A 10-week training course and mentorship program round out this impressive grant opportunity.

5. Pathway to Opportunity Competition

Previously called the National Black Business Pitch, this competition offers a cash prize of $5,000 in addition to a valuable opportunity to pitch your business live to an audience of corporate professionals looking to acquire new goods and services.

Pathway to Opportunity

requires a three-minute pitch video as part of your application.

6. Restaurant Business Development Program

If you’re in the restaurant industry, take a look at the

Restaurant Business Development Program

from Feed the Soul Foundation. This opportunity doesn’t offer a cash grant but rather education, support, and consulting services (considered to be worth up to $15,000) to help your business grow and thrive. You’ll get training and support in all areas of your business, including accounting, marketing, human resources, and more.

7. Transform Business Grant

Another $1,000 microgrant, the

Transform Business Grant

is open to business owners from traditionally marginalized communities who are committed to positive social impact. In addition to the cash award, recipients of the grant also enjoy a year of mentorship. You’ll need to be able to prove financial need for the grant as well as demonstrate that your business is committed to antiracism and doing good in society.

8. Wish Local Empowerment Program

Wish Local is an e-commerce business with several programs geared toward promoting small businesses. The

Empower Program

is open specifically to Black-owned small businesses and offers grants between $500 and $2,000. You can use the funds just about any way you need to, but you are required to join Wish Local if you receive a grant.

Where to Search for More Minority Business Grant Opportunities

The small business grants for minorities that we’ve listed above are considered private or corporate sources for grant funding. You’ll find many additional grant opportunities available through the federal government as well as at the local and state level.

Government grants: Search for opportunities at grants.gov, a searchable database of more than 1,000 grants offered by numerous federal agencies.
State and local grants : Start your search with your state’s Small Business Development Center (SBDC). Then expand to a general internet search along the lines of, “[Your State] business grants for minorities.” Check in with your local chamber of commerce, as well, for grant opportunities within your local community as well as resources to help your business thrive.