If you’re a woman-founder or minority-owned small business owner tired of waiting on loan approvals, drowning in interest rates, or watching others get the capital they need, it’s time to explore grant opportunities, grant you don’t pay back that can supercharge your growth without debt hanging over your head.
Here are four powerful, equity-free grants (i.e., no giving up ownership) available in 2025 for women and minority-entrepreneurs, with direct links to apply. Let’s dive in.
- Amber Grant: Up to $10,000 for Women-Owned Businesses
If you’re 51%+ a women-owned business (U.S. or Canada), this is a standout grant. The Amber Grant is simple to apply for and well suited for small business owners at many growth stages.
Award: Typically a monthly $10,000 grant, plus eligibility for a year-end $25,000 bonus.
Why it’s great: No massive pitch deck needed just your story and how you’d use the funds.
Apply here: https://ambergrantsforwomen.com/get-an-amber-grant/apply-now/
Deadline Reminder: Monthly. Applications are due on the last day of each month (e.g., January 31, 2025) at 11:59:59 PM ET to be considered for that month’s award.
Tip: Craft a clear, concise answer to “What will I do with this $10k?” whether it’s inventory, marketing, hiring, or launching a new product. - IFundWomen Universal Grant Application Up to $10,000+ for Women & Minority Entrepreneurs
IFundWomen functions like a grant-match marketplace for women and minority business owners.
How it works: You fill out their Universal Grant Application; when enterprise partners (e.g., Visa, adidas, American Express) launch a grant, they match qualified applicants in the database. This acts as your entry point for many different opportunities.
Award size: Varies, often in the $5,000 to $10,000 or more range.
Apply here: https://www.ifundwomen.com/
Deadline Reminder: Rolling/Ongoing. The application is universal and open year-round; your profile is matched to various corporate grant deadlines as they are launched. Apply now to ensure you’re in the database!
Tip: Opt-in to their universal application so you don’t need to fill out separate ones for each grant, they’ll match you when new opportunities arise. - SoGal Foundation & Fearless Fund Grants $5,000-$20,000 for Minority Women Business Owners
If you’re a woman of color and a business owner, these programmes are especially relevant.
SoGal Foundation offers startup grants in the range of $5,000–$10,000 for women of color and non-binary founders. They typically seek scalable, high-impact businesses.
Fearless Fund’s “Fearless Strivers Grant Contest” has partnered with companies like Mastercard to award $10,000 to $20,000 grants, plus digital tools and mentorship, specifically to Black women-owned businesses in the U.S.
Tip: Have a visible web presence (website + social media), clean bookkeeping, and a one-page summary of your impact those strengthen your application. - Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) & Small Business Administration (SBA) Resource-Driven Grants, Free Funds & Support for Women/Minority-Owned Businesses
Beyond the flashy prize-grants, there are federal/agency programs offering grants plus wrap-around support for women- and minority-owned small businesses.
The MBDA and its network of centers (MBDA Business Centers, Advanced Manufacturing Centers, etc.) offer grants to organizations that, in turn, provide direct business development services and capital access assistance to minority-owned firms. While the grants are typically to the centers, the resources and referrals for capital/grants they provide are invaluable.
The SBA also directs funding through its resource partners (like Women’s Business Centers and SBDCs) which provide training and access to capital for women and minorities.
Apply/see resources here: MBDA Financial Resources Grants. http//www.mbda.gov
Deadline Reminder: Varies. Federal grant opportunities are published on Grants.gov. Look for programs funded by the MBDA or SBA that support eligible resource partners. Individuals should focus on accessing the centers funded by these agencies for direct support.
Tip: These programs may have stricter compliance or certification requirements (e.g., being a certified Minority Business Enterprise). Use them alongside other grants for best results.
Pro Tips to Boost Your Chances
Tell your story: Why does your business matter? What impact do you make in your community?
Show traction: Even if you’re small, show revenue, growth, customers, or something you’ve built.
Get financials in order: Profit & loss, balance sheet, or even a simple spreadsheet — grant reviewers want to see you can handle money.
Apply to multiple grants: Don’t rely on one. The more you apply, the better your odds.
Tailor each application: Avoid copy-pasting. Read the grant’s mission and craft your answer to match what they care about.
Keep a tracking spreadsheet: Application deadlines, eligibility criteria, attachments needed. It saves you time and prevents mistakes.
Final Word
Don’t wait for a loan approval process, interest rates, or giving up equity to get your business to the next level. With these equity-free grant options, you can access a fund-injection without strings attached and reclaim control.
Pick one (or more) of these four grants, apply today, and get your business growing. Your business deserves to grow and the capital should not be the barrier.