Access over $8.5 billion in grants specifically designed for minority-owned businesses. Find federal MBDA programs, corporate diversity grants, foundation funding, and ethnic-specific opportunities for underrepresented entrepreneurs in 2025.
Over $8.5 billion in grants specifically for minority-owned businesses through federal MBDA programs, SBA 8(a) certification, corporate diversity initiatives, and ethnic-specific foundations. Major opportunities include MBDA Business Centers ($250,000), Hello Alice grants ($50,000), corporate supplier diversity programs, and state minority business development funds. Success rates are 40% higher for targeted minority programs.
Federal grants through Minority Business Development Agency centers nationwide
Food service industry supplier development and procurement opportunities
State grants for certified minority and women-owned businesses
Technology sector minority supplier development grants
State minority business development and procurement program
Multiple programs for diverse entrepreneurs and underrepresented founders
Federal agencies provide the largest source of minority business grants through specialized programs designed to increase minority participation in the American economy and federal contracting.
National network of Business Centers providing consulting, capital access, and grants to minority entrepreneurs
Agency: Minority Business Development Agency
Nine-year program providing contracting opportunities, mentoring, and access to capital
Agency: Small Business Administration
Supports minority entrepreneurs in rural areas with grants and technical assistance
Agency: US Department of Agriculture
Infrastructure and business development grants for minority business ecosystems
Agency: Department of Commerce
Major corporations have committed billions to minority supplier development and business grants as part of their diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.
Multiple grant programs specifically supporting Black, Latinx, AAPI, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs
Grants and procurement opportunities for minority-owned businesses to become Walmart suppliers
Business development grants for minority suppliers in AT&T's supply chain
Grants and supplier opportunities for minority-owned businesses in food service sector
Education and business development grants for minority tech entrepreneurs
Grants and business services for minority-owned small businesses impacted by COVID-19
Private foundations and nonprofit organizations provide targeted funding for minority entrepreneurs with often less competition and more personalized support services.
0% interest microloans that function as grants for minority entrepreneurs
Grants and business development services for African American entrepreneurs
Grants supporting Hispanic small business development and growth
Community-based grants for AAPI business development
Grants supporting Native American business development on and off reservations
State governments offer minority business development programs to support local economic development and increase diversity in state procurement and contracting.
State grants and procurement opportunities for certified minority businesses
State funding for minority business development and certification
State grants and loan programs for certified minority businesses
State programs supporting minority business growth and procurement
State grants and programs supporting minority business development
Specialized programs target specific ethnic communities with tailored support, culturally competent services, and community-based funding opportunities.
The top minority business grants for 2025 include: 1) MBDA Business Centers grants ($25,000-$250,000), 2) SBA 8(a) Business Development grants, 3) National Minority Supplier Development Council grants ($10,000-$100,000), 4) Corporate diversity grants from Fortune 500 companies, 5) Kiva Microfunds minority entrepreneur loans/grants ($5,000-$15,000), 6) Hello Alice grants for diverse entrepreneurs ($10,000-$50,000), 7) SCORE minority business grants with mentorship, and 8) State-specific minority business development programs. These programs specifically support underrepresented entrepreneurs across all industries.
To qualify for minority business grants, your business must typically be at least 51% owned, controlled, and operated by individuals from underrepresented minority groups including African American, Hispanic/Latino, Asian American, Native American, or Pacific Islander entrepreneurs. Requirements usually include: business registration and licensing, proof of minority ownership and control, comprehensive business plan, financial statements, demonstration of economic disadvantage or need, and specific program eligibility criteria. Some programs require SBA 8(a) certification or other minority business certifications.
The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) is a federal agency within the Department of Commerce that promotes minority business enterprises. MBDA provides grants through Business Centers nationwide ($25,000-$250,000), supports minority entrepreneurs with consulting and capital access, offers specialized programs for different minority groups, and partners with corporations for supplier diversity. MBDA grants focus on business development, job creation, and increasing minority participation in government and corporate contracting. They also provide technical assistance, networking opportunities, and access to capital markets.
Yes, several grants specifically target Hispanic/Latino businesses including: 1) Hispanic Chamber of Commerce grants and loans, 2) UnidosUS (formerly NCLR) business development grants, 3) Latino Economic Development Center funding, 4) SBA programs with Hispanic focus, 5) Corporate diversity programs from companies like Walmart and McDonald's, 6) State Hispanic business development programs, and 7) Foundation grants like those from Hispanic Scholarship Fund. These programs recognize that Hispanic businesses are the fastest-growing minority business segment and offer both funding and business development support.
Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) business grants include: 1) Asian Pacific Fund business development grants, 2) National ACE (Asian Chamber of Commerce and Entrepreneurship) programs, 3) AAPI-focused venture capital and grant programs, 4) SBA programs with AAPI outreach, 5) State and local AAPI business development initiatives, 6) Corporate supplier diversity programs targeting AAPI businesses, and 7) Community development financial institutions (CDFIs) serving AAPI communities. These programs address the unique challenges faced by AAPI entrepreneurs and provide culturally competent business support.
Corporate diversity grants are part of supplier diversity programs where major corporations commit to purchasing from minority-owned businesses and providing grant funding to support their development. These programs typically include: procurement opportunities with the corporation, business development grants ($10,000-$100,000), mentorship and training programs, networking events and matchmaking, certification assistance, and sometimes investment capital. Companies like Walmart, AT&T, IBM, and others have committed billions to minority supplier development as part of their diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The SBA 8(a) Business Development Program is a federal program helping socially and economically disadvantaged small businesses compete in the American economy. Benefits include: sole-source and set-aside federal contracting opportunities, business development assistance and mentoring, access to SBA grants and loan programs, networking opportunities with other 8(a) firms, and eligibility for additional minority business grants. To qualify, businesses must be 51% owned by socially disadvantaged individuals, demonstrate economic disadvantage, show potential for success, and meet size standards. The program lasts up to 9 years with different phases of support.
Immigrant entrepreneurs may qualify for minority business grants depending on their status and the specific program requirements. Legal permanent residents and naturalized citizens from minority backgrounds typically qualify for most programs. Some considerations include: program citizenship requirements vary, refugees and asylees often have specific grant programs available, DACA recipients may qualify for some private foundation grants, state and local programs may have different requirements than federal programs, and some corporate programs focus on immigrant entrepreneurs regardless of race/ethnicity. Private foundations and community organizations often provide grants specifically for immigrant business development.