Empowering Minority Women Entrepreneurs: 5 Business Grants to Apply for in May 2025

Starting or expanding a business requires capital, and for minority women entrepreneurs, securing funding can be particularly challenging. Fortunately, several grants are specifically designed to support and uplift minority women in business. Here are five grants you should consider applying for this May:

1. Amber Grant by WomensNet

• Award: $10,000 monthly; annual $25,000 grant to one of the monthly winners.
• Eligibility: Open to women entrepreneurs in the U.S. and Canada, including startups.
• Application Deadline: May 31, 2025.
• Application Fee: $15.
• Details: The Amber Grant honors the memory of Amber Wigdahl, a young woman who passed away before realizing her business dreams. Each month, WomensNet awards $10,000 to a woman-owned business, with an additional $25,000 annual grant awarded to one of the monthly recipients.  

2. HerRise MicroGrant

• Award: $1,000 monthly.
• Eligibility: Businesses must be at least 51% woman-owned, with less than $1 million in gross revenue.
• Application Deadline: Rolling; applications accepted monthly.
• Details: Offered by the Yva Jourdan Foundation, the HerRise MicroGrant supports under-resourced women entrepreneurs, particularly women of color. The grant aims to provide financial assistance to help grow and sustain small businesses.  

3. Galaxy Grants

• Award: $3,500.
• Eligibility: Open to women and minority entrepreneurs in the U.S.
• Application Deadline: June 30, 2025.
• Details: Galaxy Grants, sponsored by Hidden Star, offers financial support to women and minority entrepreneurs. The application process is straightforward, taking approximately 30 seconds to complete. Winners are announced shortly after the application deadline.  

4. Fund Her Future by Block Advisors

• Award: One grand prize of $50,000; five additional grants of $10,000 each.
• Eligibility: U.S.-based, majority women-owned businesses.
• Application Deadline: May 30, 2025.
• Details: Block Advisors’ Fund Her Future initiative allocates $100,000 to support female entrepreneurs. In addition to the financial grant, recipients receive a year of complimentary business services, including tax filing, bookkeeping, payroll, and business structure analysis.  

5. Freed Fellowship Grant

• Award: $500 monthly; potential for a $2,500 end-of-year grant.
• Eligibility: Open to U.S.-based micro or small business owners, with special consideration for women, minorities, and other underrepresented entrepreneurs.
• Application Deadline: Rolling; applications accepted monthly.
• Details: The Freed Fellowship selects one business owner each month to receive a $500 grant. All applicants receive feedback through a “Freed score” and two months of free mentoring in their virtual community.  

Tips for Applying:

• Prepare Thoroughly: Gather all necessary documents, including your business plan, financial statements, and any required certifications.
• Tailor Your Application: Customize your application to align with the specific goals and criteria of each grant.
• Highlight Impact: Emphasize how the grant will help your business grow and contribute to your community.
• Meet Deadlines: Mark your calendar with application deadlines and submit your materials on time.

Securing a grant can provide the financial boost needed to take your business to the next level. Take the time to research and apply for these opportunities, and don’t hesitate to seek assistance from local business development centers or mentors. Your entrepreneurial journey is important, and these grants are here to support your success.