Grants for Minority-Owned Businesses in 2026: Federal, State & Private

Minority-owned businesses contribute significantly to the U.S. economy, yet historically face greater challenges accessing capital. This guide covers the best funding opportunities available in 2026.

Federal Programs

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

The only federal agency dedicated to minority business development:

Services:

• Business consulting
• Access to capital programs
• Contract opportunities
• Export assistance

MBDA Business Centers operate in 40+ cities providing:

• Free or low-cost consulting
• Loan packaging assistance
• Contract procurement support

Website: mbda.gov

SBA 8(a) Business Development Program

Powerful program for socially and economically disadvantaged businesses:

Benefits:

• Sole-source federal contracts up to $4M (goods) / $7M (services)
• Set-aside contract competition
• Business development assistance
• Mentorship through mentor-protégé program

Duration: 9-year program Requirements:

• 51%+ owned by socially disadvantaged individuals
• Personal net worth under $850,000
• Business operational for 2+ years
• Demonstrates potential for success

HUBZone Program

For businesses in Historically Underutilized Business Zones:

Benefits:

• 10% price evaluation preference
• Set-aside contracts
• Sole-source contracts up to $4M/$7M

Many HUBZones overlap with minority communities — check if your location qualifies at maps.certify.sba.gov

Private Foundation Grants

National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC)

Connects minority businesses with corporate buyers:

Services:

• MBE Certification (recognized by Fortune 500)
• Corporate matchmaking
• Business development programs

Certification Benefits:

• Access to $400B+ in corporate procurement
• Business opportunity fairs
• Corporate introductions

Hello Alice Grants

Multiple grant programs for diverse founders:

• Various amounts: $5,000 - $50,000
• Categories: Black-owned, Hispanic-owned, AAPI-owned, Veteran-owned
• Regular application cycles
• Website: helloalice.com

FedEx Entrepreneur Fund

$250 million commitment supporting diverse entrepreneurs:

• Grants from $5,000 to $50,000
• Black, Hispanic, AAPI, Native American, disabled, LGBTQ+, women, veterans
• Training and resources included

Fearless Fund

Venture capital + grants for women of color:

• Strivers Grant: $20,000 for Black women-owned businesses
• Growth-stage investments also available
• Focus on scalable businesses

National Urban League

Programs supporting African American entrepreneurs:

• Entrepreneurship centers in 90+ cities
• Training and mentorship
• Access to capital programs

Certification Programs

MBE (Minority Business Enterprise)

Through NMSDC:

• Recognized by major corporations
• Fee: ~$350-$595
• Requires ethnic minority ownership (51%+)

Benefits:

• Access to corporate supplier diversity programs
• Networking events
• Business development resources

DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise)

For transportation/infrastructure contracts:

• Certified through state DOT
• Required for federally-funded transportation projects
• Personal net worth limit: $1.32 million

SBA Certifications

Certification	Focus	Benefits
8(a)	Disadvantaged businesses	Federal contracts, mentorship
HUBZone	Geographic	Price preference, set-asides

Industry-Specific Programs

Construction & Infrastructure

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act includes:

• DBE goals on all federally-funded projects
• Buy America requirements = opportunities for domestic suppliers
• $550B in new spending over 5 years

Technology

Minority tech founders can access:

• Google for Startups Black Founders Fund ($100K, non-dilutive)
• Microsoft's M12 Ventures (minority focus funds)
• SoftBank Opportunity Fund ($100M for minority founders)

Agriculture

USDA programs:

• 2501 Outreach and Assistance for Socially Disadvantaged Farmers
• Minority and Veteran Farmers and Ranchers Programs
• Beginning Farmer and Rancher Loans

State-Specific Programs

Many states have additional minority business programs:

State	Program	Focus
California	CalOSBA	Various certifications and grants
New York	MWBE Program	State contract set-asides
Texas	HUB Program	State procurement
Illinois	BEP Program	Business Enterprise Program
Georgia	GMSDC	Corporate matchmaking

Success Tips

1. Stack Certifications

Get multiple certifications to maximize opportunities:

• Federal (8(a), HUBZone)
• State (DBE, MBE)
• Private (NMSDC, WBENC)

2. Register Everywhere

• SAM.gov (required for federal contracts)
• State procurement portals
• Corporate supplier portals

3. Build Relationships

• Attend supplier diversity events
• Connect with prime contractors
• Join minority business associations

4. Start Small

• Subcontracting builds experience
• Small contracts build past performance
• Growth comes from track record

How to Apply

Step 1: Determine Eligibility

Take our Eligibility Quiz to see which programs match your business.

Step 2: Gather Documentation

Common requirements:

• Business formation documents
• Tax returns (3 years)
• Personal financial statements
• Proof of minority status
• Resume/bio of owners

Step 3: Apply for Certifications

Start with federal (free) then pursue private certifications.

Step 4: Search for Opportunities

• Search our database
• Set up alerts for new opportunities
• Monitor SAM.gov for contracts

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Ready to find funding? Start your search or check eligibility.