Minority/Women Owned

National Black MBA Association® launched the Scale-Up Pitch Challenge in 2017 which works to satisfy the mission of the Association to help create and support wealth-building opportunities for its members, with previous winners experiencing great success with investors due to exposure and funding provided through this challenge. Scale-Up Pitch Challenge is a pitch competition designed to “Make Big Ideas Bigger” by encouraging our members to create startups that are scalable. We provide startups the unique opportunity to connect with early-stage investors and venture capitalists who are ready to invest. The 3 finalists will compete at NBMBAA annual conference in Pennsylvania to…

Hivers and Strivers is an angel investment group that invests exclusively in businesses owned and operated by veteran entrepreneurs. You can receive from $250,000 to $1 million in funding from this group — but you’ll have to be willing to give up some equity in your company. This type of funding is well-suited for early-stage startups that anticipate significant growth. 100% invested in veteran-led ventures. Since 2009 we have invested in 14 veteran-lead ventures. Our blended IRR is 61%. Our portfolio has gained the attention of a growing pool of investors because our entrepreneurs consistently outperform their peers. We stay…

Rebuildtheblock is an organization that serves as a community liaison that bridges Black entrepreneurs with reputable resources to infiltrate generational wealth and capital in the Black community. Rebuildtheblock directly addresses the need for accessible, financial, and social capital to improve the conditions of Black entrepreneurship and by extension, the communities that they impact. Research, advocacy, and service are at the forefront of our mission. Our organization is committed to the investment in the development and expansion of Black business ownership and entrepreneurship through mission-driven programming and access to financial gains. The Bridge the Gap Fund is a grant that provides…

As small businesses continue to feel the impact of the pandemic, many still need support to keep their doors open. To back underrepresented small business owners as they navigate the pandemic and plan for long-term success and resilience, American Express has partnered Main Street America on a $2.05M grant program called Inclusive Backing. This program builds on American Express’ ongoing Backing Small initiative to provide economically vulnerable small businesses with financial support and other resources to address their critical needs and challengesMore than 300 grants of $5,000 each will be awarded in four cycles over 12 months to small businesses located in…

HOW THE PROGRAM WORKS: Operation HOPE’s team of dedicated Small Business Coaches are here to help you identify and address the issues you may face in starting or growing your business and can assist you in developing a plan to help you achieve your business goals.   Our dedicated team of coaches can help entrepreneurs and new or existing small business owners identify their key needs and then provide the education, coaching and connections needed to improve their businesses.  By offering small business group education sessions, small group coaching, and individual/personalized coaching, we can help you master business basics, create and maintain…

Each year, First Peoples Fund honors and celebrates exceptional Native artists and culture bearers across the country through the Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Awards. These artists embody their People's cultural assets in their creations and their way of life. The Jennifer Easton Community Spirit Award recognizes artists who: Demonstrate an artistic practice that passes on the traditions and the lifeways of the people.Show a commitment to building the strength of Native communities by sharing their skills and talents with others in their respective communities;Are deeply rooted and maintain direct ties to their tribal community.  Bringing spirit to the community is…

Based on available resources at any given time, Warrior Rising strives to accept and assist veterans at any point in the process of starting their own business, whether it is only a concept or if they have actual operations.  Please take note:  If you are considering forming a non-profit, be aware that while they may offer assistance in the nature of training and mentoring, there may be limitations placed on us providing financial assistance in order to avoid conflicts or other concerns with donors having funds directed towards another non-profit.  In addition, passive investments (ex. flipping houses, stock speculating) are not considered by us to be an…

Their regional and thematic awards recognize and fund talented impact entrepreneurs from around the world who are leveraging business as a force for good. They are constantly looking for ways to extend opportunities to more impact entrepreneurs worldwide. For the 2023 edition, we have added two new Regional Award categories: Francophone Sub-Saharan Africa and Oceania. In this section, you will find everything you need to know about the application and the selection process of the Science & Technology Pioneer Award, a thematic award that we launched in 2021. More than ever, we need to fuel innovation by women. This award…

Through this one-of-a-kind funding program, qualified entrepreneurs will have the opportunity to win a $100,000 equity investment, access to premium educational resources, and cash grants! PROGRAM CRITERIA Business must be owned & operated in the United StatesMust have been in business on or before March 8, 2021Must be solving a compelling problem in an innovative wayMust have a strong pitch and story of entrepreneurshipMust have a strong digital presence and visual mediaMust demonstrate meaningful impact, product-market fit and business growthMust be willing to pitch your business in front of an audience as part of the IFWEOY22 program and selection process.…

WomensNet founded the “Amber Grant” in 1998. The grant was set up with one goal in mind: to honor the memory of a very special young woman, Amber Wigdahl, who died at just 19 years old — before realizing her business dreams. Today, WomensNet carries on that tradition, proudly giving away at least $30,000 every month in Amber Grant money. In recognition of the diversity of businesses owned by women, we’ve also expanded our grant-giving to include “Marketing Grants,” “Business Category Grants,” as well as two “$25,000 Year End Grants.” Monthly Amber Grant $10,000 winner each month Each month, our…