Empower Growth Micro-Grant for Small Businesses

Black & Brown Founders, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, is offering the Empower Growth Micro-Grant, a targeted funding opportunity to uplift underrepresented entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated measurable business success. The organization focuses on providing resources and support to Black and Brown entrepreneurs, helping them to build sustainable and thriving businesses. This micro-grant program is specifically designed to help small businesses scale, stabilize, or systematize operations by offering financial support to cover essential growth-related expenses. The Empower Growth Micro-Grant awards $5,000 each to two selected recipients. Eligible applicants must operate a legally registered business in the United States, have been in business for at least 18 months, and have generated revenue in the past 12 months. Applicants must also identify as small businesses and submit a clear, actionable plan for how the grant funds will be used to grow or streamline their business operations. Acceptable uses for grant funds include marketing and customer acquisition, technology upgrades such as CRM or automation tools, website improvements or e-commerce enhancements, hiring consultants or fractional professionals, and scaling production or service delivery capacity. The application process requires a completed application form, proof of revenue through acceptable documentation such as profit and loss statements, bank statements, or a tax return summary, and a 250-word mini-essay addressing the question: “How will this micro-grant help you scale or systematize your business?” Applicants may also choose to submit an optional one-minute video pitch to strengthen their submission. The evaluation panel, composed of business leaders and community stakeholders, will review applications based on the potential impact of the proposed use of funds, the clarity and feasibility of the applicant’s goals and plans, and demonstrated business traction and contribution to the community. There is no indication that the application is restricted to specific states beyond the requirement of U.S. business registration, which suggests nationwide eligibility. The grant appears to be currently open and accepting applications, as indicated by the program announcement and promotion of application materials. While a specific closing date is not listed, the opportunity is actively promoted as open. The recurrence of the program is not explicitly stated, but the framing of the program as part of ongoing support for underrepresented entrepreneurs suggests possible future rounds, which would require confirmation with the funder. Black & Brown Founders can be contacted via their website for further inquiries. While no specific contact email or phone number is listed in the grant announcement, general organizational contact points are available through their online presence. Applicants are encouraged to follow the organization on Instagram and Twitter at @bbfounders for updates, events, and other opportunities relevant to small business growth and community empowerment.