Business Development and Entrepreneurship Grants

The Indianapolis African American Quality of Life Initiative (IAAQLI), led by the Indianapolis Urban League (IUL) in partnership with the National Urban League (NUL), the African American Coalition of Indianapolis (AACI), and other public and private partners, is a strategic effort to improve the lives of African Americans in Indianapolis and Marion County. The initiative is funded through a $100 million grant from the Lilly Endowment to the NUL. The IAAQLI seeks to foster racial equity and economic empowerment across six priority areas, including business development and entrepreneurship. Round 4 of this Request for Proposals (RFP) focuses on strengthening the Black business ecosystem in Indianapolis by addressing systemic barriers to capital, mentorship, infrastructure, and long-term business sustainability. The purpose of this RFP is to provide up to $2.5 million in total funding for projects that support the development of African American-owned businesses in Indianapolis. Applicants can request up to $300,000 for a grant period of two years. Proposals must support either start-ups or mature Black-owned businesses and align with one of two investment strategies: microloans or grants of up to $5,000 for start-ups with potential to generate $100,000 in annual revenue, or loans up to $50,000 and grant-based support for mature businesses with at least $250,000 in annual revenue and three or more years of operation. Funds may be used for activities including scaling operations, upgrading technology, expanding infrastructure, marketing, and improving financial health. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) public charities such as nonprofit organizations, educational institutions, workforce development agencies, healthcare providers, and community-based organizations. Preference is given to African American-led organizations with a strong local presence in Marion County. Applicants must have at least three years of operational history and a minimum of $250,000 in annual revenue. Prior recipients of IAAQLI funding are preferred, particularly those who have demonstrated successful management of prior programs. Applications are submitted through the Smarter Select online portal. Required submission materials include proof of nonprofit status, IRS 990 filings, a Certificate of Insurance naming NUL as an additional insured, and a detailed budget using the IAAQLI template. Collaborative applications must include letters of support or Memoranda of Understanding from partner organizations, outlining roles and responsibilities. The application process also emphasizes program sustainability, measurable outcomes, and collaborative project design. Applications will be evaluated based on eligibility, strategic alignment, capacity, sustainability, innovation, impact, and the clarity of metrics and evaluation plans. IAAQLI requires quarterly reporting and progress reviews. Additional grant summary and final reports are required throughout and at the conclusion of the grant period. Technical assistance and mentorship provisions will also be factored into evaluation. The RFP was issued on July 7, 2025. Questions were due by July 14, 2025, and answers were posted on July 21, 2025. The application deadline was August 11, 2025, and award announcements are anticipated by October 10, 2025. Questions regarding the RFP must be sent in writing to info@iaaqli.org. Only official responses posted on the Smarter Select platform will be considered valid. Awards will be distributed upon execution of a subgrant agreement and setup of the recipient’s profile in the Build Back Better Portal.

Prioritize clear metrics, sustainability, and collaboration.