Black professionals in the work space have always been subject to fighting for basic rights like equal pay. Not until the recent deaths of innocent Black Americans such as Breonna Taylor, George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Elijah McClain did the world pause to hear the concerns from the Black Lives Matter –concerns that have always been here and another reminder that our community faces injustices daily. 

The result looks like it could be the beginning of an economic change for an otherwise generally disadvantaged demographic. When companies chimed in on the Black Lives Matter conversation, claiming solidarity and support, initiatives like Sharon Chuter’s Pull Up or Shut Up campaign rose to hold them to their word, encouraging population parity among corporate and leadership roles. The #MyBlackReceipt movement encouraged $15 million spent with Black-owned businesses in just 16 days. Small, Black-owned businesses, particularly in the fashion industry, are seeing unprecedented amounts of visibility on social media, among other efforts moving the needle forward. 

In addition to these traumatic events, studies have confirmed that Black-owned businesses were financially hit harder than others by the coronavirus pandemic, leading some brands and organizations to announce initiatives that would help fund Black-owned businesses. While some were dedicated to fashion and arts, others were non-industry specific. Some of these opportunities have come and gone, and the funding companies have awarded or are preparing to award winners, but there are still financial opportunities available for Black entrepreneurs in fashion and other small businesses. 

Ahead, here’s 10 grants small businesses can apply to today for financial support. 

Hello Alice’s Business for All Grant pledged $250,000 to small businesses. 15 business owners will be chosen, with the highest grant winner receiving $50,000. Hello Alice awarded $10,000 each to 65 Black business owners, recognizing that Black businesses have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19. The organization continues to take applications for both general Business for All grants, and COVID-19 Business for All grants.  View this post on Instagram

Black-owned businesses have faced immense challenges in the wake of COVID-19. From our latest round of Emergency Grant awardees, Andrea Cosey, @docbatesmd, and Robert Woods are here to tell you about how their businesses are shifting during this time. Click the link in our bio to read the stories of the 65 grant recipients that have been awarded $10k. #BlackOwnedBusiness #BusinessForAll

A post shared by Hello Alice (@helloalice_com) on Jun 18, 2020 at 7:25pm PDT

General grant application deadline: September 25

COVID-19 grant application deadline: TBD

Apply here

Harlem’s Fashion Row held a virtual event, ICON 360, to raise funds for financial relief for designers of color, dedicating 100% ticket sales to the initiative. Additionally, Vogue and the Council Fashion Designers of America’s A Common Thread donated $1 million to the cause. Harlem’s Fashion Row is continuing to take donations to support the cause.  View this post on Instagram

“What are you wearing front row next Saturday? – We’re celebrating the launch of our new non-profit #HFRICON360 that benefits designers of color in fashion. – Fashion and retail are suffering, so we are coming together to support our designers. We won’t get left behind. – 100% of profit from tickets will go to back to designers of color! – Post and add #sittingfrontrow to show us your front row >A post shared by HFR (@harlemsfashionrow) on May 23, 2020 at 10:23am PDT

Application deadline: August 3

Apply here

In March, Kerby Jean-Raymond announced Pyer Moss’ initiative to help Black-owned businesses financially affected by COVID-19. Initially pledging $50,000, the brand was able to increase these efforts to $100,000 in collaboration with Away’s Jennifer Rubio. The brand has already initiated distributions, including awarding at least seven fashion brands. As Jean-Raymond is looking to transition this initiative into something “more permanent,” applications remain open.  View this post on Instagram

Imperfect Solutions — Part 2

A post shared by Kerby Jean-Raymond (@kerbito) on Mar 18, 2020 at 8:23am PDT

Application deadline: TBD 

Apply here

Lingerie brand, Thirdlove, announced their efforts to support the minority community as The TL Effect, an ongoing initiative that will focus on a new consumer-focused woman and POC-led company quarterly. Support for the early-stage start up company will be provided in the form of raising brand awareness, dedicating space in their San Francisco headquarters to the company’s needs, grants and mentoring.  View this post on Instagram

@theikonickay showing off our favorite summer set – the 24/7 Lace Balconette Bra and Lace Back Cheeky in Marigold.

A post shared by ThirdLove (@thirdlove) on Jul 10, 2020 at 2:24pm PDT

Application deadline: July 31

Apply here 

The SBA 8(a) Business Development program is targeted to small-businesses that are at least 51% opened by U.S. citizens who are “economically and socially disadvantaged.” Program benefits include management and marketing assistance, the opportunity to firm joint ventures with established businesses, the opportunity to compete for federal contracting, and more.  View this post on Instagram

Are you thinking of starting, growing or expanding a small business? The SBA can help! For instance, Labriah “Bree” Holt founded @sweetrootshair for women with textured hair, using only plant-based, nontoxic products, and socially conscious brands. After securing an SBA-backed loan, she was able to buy and renovate a historic Atlanta building. She employs five workers and regularly brings on local interns and apprentices to learn from her small business success. In 2019, Holt was named Georgia Young Entrepreneur of the Year. . . . During #BlackHistoryMonth, we’re highlighting #smallbusiness owners like Bree Holt who are making a big impact. . . . #bhm #entrepreneur #entrepreneurship#georgia#WomenInBusiness

A post shared by Small Business Administration (@sbagov) on Feb 24, 2020 at 2:07pm PST

Application deadline: Indefinitely

Apply here

In partnership with IFundWomen, Visa is providing support to Black, women-owned businesses pledging $100,000 in grants. $10,000 will be awarded to 10 recipients, along with a 1-year coaching membership.  View this post on Instagram

Small businesses are the bedrock of our communities. They provide much needed goods and services and it’s never been more important to support them. Visa and @ifundwomen have partnered to support female entrepreneurs making positive change. Click the link in bio to learn how these four female entrepreneurs are making a big impact.

A post shared by Visa (@visa_us) on May 5, 2020 at 12:36pm PDT

Application deadline: July 31

Apply here 

WomensNet’s Amber Grant awards new female entrepreneurs with $4,000 monthly. In November, users get to vote for one of the year’s monthly winners to then win an additional $25,000. 

Application deadline: Indefinitely

Apply here

In partnership with Global Giving and The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation, Spanx created The Red Backpack Fund, pledging to award at least 1,000 grants of $5,000 to woman-owned businesses amid the pandemic.  View this post on Instagram

@Sarablakely said it best: When you help a woman ful alt=”✨” class=”wp-smiley”/>Today, we’re calling all female entrepreneurs because applications for the Red Backpack Fund open on the 6th! If you didn’t hear, Sara and The Spanx by Sara Blakely Foundation are donating $5 million directly to female entrepreneurs to help their businesses, families and employees through The Red Backpack Fund! While we always aim to be a bright source in your feed, we also want to acknowledge that we know these are uncertain times for many. Which is why The Red Backpack Fund provides 1,000 female business owners with $5,000! We have teamed up with @globalgiving to manage the fund and application process – and applications are re-opening up on July 6th So, what are you waiting for? If you’re a small business owner, set a calendar reminder for 7/6 to apply on @globalgiving’s website at www.globalgiving.org/redbackpackfund #Spanx #GivingBack #WomenSupportingWomen #RedBackpackFund

A post shared by SPANX by @SaraBlakely (@spanx) on Jul 2, 2020 at 7:00am PDT

Application deadline: July 13

Apply here 

FedEx’s Small Business Grant selects at least 10 winners yearly, awarding up to $25,000 each. This year, the initiative awarded more than $250,000 across 12 businesses.  View this post on Instagram

The conversation about treating people with respect, dignity, and acceptance is one that is necessary and one we must keep going. And now, more than ever, it is a priority.

A post shared by FedEx (@fedex) on Jun 12, 2020 at 12:20pm PDT

Next contest date: TBA in early 2021

Sign up for updates here 

Government Grants.us offers business grants specific to African Americans, along with training workshops, counseling and management and technical assistance. 

Application deadline: Indefinitely

Apply here 

The post 10Financial Grants Black Fashion Entrepreneurs Should Apply To appeared first on Essence.