Black History Month: Highlighting Grant Opportunities for Black-Owned Businesses
February is Black History Month, and we have some great opportunities to assist small, black-owned businesses and entrepreneurs.
To learn more or apply for any of these opportunities, scroll to the bottom of the page for contact information.
Renaissance: Small Business Express Impact Loan
Renaissance is pleased to announce the launch of our Small Business Express Impact Loan, a new product providing working capital of up to $15,000 with simpler requirements and a faster process. Funds are available in as little as two weeks if approved. See below for more information and click here to fill out an interest form. For more information visit https://renaissance-ny.org/small-business-express-impact-loan/.
Renaissance: Small Business Loan Program
Need capital for business inventory or expansion before the holiday season? Renaissance now offers flexible loans of up to $100,000. Apply now! Whether you are starting a business, expanding your business, or need more inventory for the holidays, there is always a need for capital. Renaissance now offers flexible loans of up to $100,000 for up to 72 months at fixed interest rates of 4% to 6%. Read below for more information and click here to fill out an interest form. For more information visit https://renaissance-ny.org/small-business-loan-program/
The BOSS Network and Sage's Invest in Progress Grant
The BOSS Network is proud to launch the BOSS Impact Fund’s “Invest in Progress” grant in partnership with Sage, the global market leader for technology that provides small and medium businesses with the visibility, flexibility and efficiency to manage finances, operations and people.
As a part of a three-year investment fund to impact and knock down barriers for Black female entrepreneurs.
For our inaugural program, Sage will invest $10,000 grants for 25 Black female business owners. In addition, The BOSS Network and Sage will provide 1-year of monthly mentorship through the BOSS Business University, marketing for each business, and guidance to help Black women achieve their goals with everything that’s needed to successfully start and grow a business.
Applications are open now through February 25, 2022 at 6PM ET.
SoGal Foundation Black Founder Startup Grant
SoGal Foundation has teamed up with Winky Lux, bluemercury, twelveNYC, and other sponsors to provide several $10K and $5K cash grants to Black women or nonbinary entrepreneurs.
Awardees will also receive tactical help navigating the fundraising environment at large. They will also receive lifetime “ask-me-anything” access to the SoGal Foundation and SoGal Ventures teams.
Eligibility Criteria:
self-identify as a Black woman or Black nonbinary entrepreneur (inclusive of multiracial Black women and multiracial Black nonbinary folks)
have a legally registered business
plan to seek investor financing in order to scale, now or in the future
have a scalable, high-impact solution or idea with the ambition to be the next billion dollar business
MWBE Certification
The City of New York Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprises (M/WBE) Program expands opportunities for minority and women entrepreneurs to access government contracts and grow their businesses. When eligible businesses are certified with the City they become more visible to prospective buyers, including City agencies and private contractors seeking to purchase goods and services.
Black Entrepreneurs NYC (BE NYC)
BE NYC an initiative of the NYC Department of Small Business Services (SBS), is a groundbreaking model for a major American city to help create equality of opportunity by advancing Black entrepreneurship.
BE NYC Mentors is New York City's inaugural mentorship program for Black entrepreneurs seeking to increase the number of Black-owned businesses in high-growth industries, with a programmatic focus on pre-startup and newly-formed businesses.
The program includes: 1) Mastermind Group Mentor Sessions, and 2) 1-on-1 Intensive Mentor Sessions.
BE NYC Upcoming Events:
Deep Dive into your Business Finances:
Get Your Business Finances In Check: Three part Series Starts February 8th
Business Credit
More Money, More Problems
Tools to Manage Finances
Digital Office Hours
Digital Office Hours is a pilot program launched by Women.NYC. This virtual networking hub connects women with industry experts for free, 1:1 career insight conversations. The pilot is running through the end of February 2022.
Sessions are structured as a 30-minute Zoom conversation with a volunteer advisor who’s committed to helping you succeed. Whether applying for your first job, planning a career pivot, or just looking for guidance on your next step, we have an advisor who can help you work through it!
Want to Learn More? Need Help Applying?
Contact Michelle McClymont, Small Business Specialist, at mcclymontmichelle@sichamber.com.