Grants for minority-owned businesses
Grant programs, MBDA centers, certification and CDFI lending for Black, Hispanic, Asian American, Native American and other minority business owners.
Updated September 2026. Details vary by lender and change often; confirm terms with the provider.
Recurring grant programs
| Program | Award | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Comcast RISE | monetary, tech and marketing grants | annual, selected metros, historically prioritized diverse owners |
| Galaxy Grants (Hidden Star) | small cash awards | quarterly |
| Fast Break for Small Business (LegalZoom / NBA) | $10,000 plus legal services | annual |
| Backing Small Businesses (American Express / Main Street America) | $10,000+ | annual, historically for under-resourced communities |
| Coalition to Back Black Businesses | $5,000, plus $25,000 enhancement grants | annual (Black-owned) |
| Hello Alice and partner funds | $5k – $25k | rolling rounds, many aimed at underrepresented owners |
| Local foundation and community grants | $1k – $10k | check community foundations in your metro |
Free help that moves the needle
- MBDA Business Centers (mbda.gov): free consulting, access to capital, and help winning contracts.
- SBA 8(a) Business Development: a 9-year program for socially and economically disadvantaged owners that unlocks sole-source federal contracts. Contracting can be worth far more than grants.
- NMSDC certification: supplier-diversity access to corporate buyers.
Capital
CDFIs (community development financial institutions) exist to lend where banks do not. Rates are reasonable and underwriting is human. Find one via the CDFI Fund locator. For faster options once you have 6+ months of revenue, the 60-second match will show what applies.
Frequently asked questions
What counts as a minority-owned business?
For most programs: at least 51% owned, operated and controlled by individuals who are Black or African American, Hispanic or Latino, Asian American, Native American, Alaska Native, Native Hawaiian or Pacific Islander. Individual programs define eligibility; read each one.
Are federal minority grants available directly to businesses?
Mostly no. The Minority Business Development Agency funds business centers that provide free consulting, contract matching and capital access help. The money to businesses comes through private programs, CDFIs and contracting.