Small business loans for black women are extremely important. Unfortunately, this demography has always faced persistent barriers to accessing financing.

Some many lenders and programs offer loan programs designed to support black-owned small businesses.

In this article, we list financing options and provide guidance on navigating the process of securing funding. We also explain the challenges they face and potential solutions to help bridge the gap in access to funding.

Best Small Business Loans Options For Black Women

Camino Financial

Camino Financial is an excellent alternative if you’re a Black female entrepreneur looking for fast financing.

We provide small business loans for underlooked and underbanked communities, including black-owned businesses. Our loans range from $5,000 to $35,000. 

Our flexible repayment terms range from 24 to 60 months. This allows means that we choose monthly payments according to your financial capacity.

Apply for a business loan today

National Association Of Women Business Owners (NAWBO)

This program helps women entrepreneurs in the United States by providing:

• access to affordable capital
• business development resources

Its mission is to promote economic growth and create opportunities for women-owned businesses.

NAWBO’s loans range from $5,000 to $25,000, and small businesses use loans for various purposes.

Eligibility essentials for the program include:

• being a member of the NAWBO ness plan
• having a good credit history
• willingness to participate in business development resources

Accion

This non-profit organization provides microloans and financial education resources to:

• underserved communities
• minority-owned businesses
• low-to-moderate-income entrepreneurs

Accion’s loans are smaller than traditional bank loans, ranging from $300 to $250.000.

Businesses should meet criteria like:

• writing a business plan
• good credit history
• willingness to participate in financial education programs

Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)

The Minority Business Development Agency offers funding for minority-owned businesses in the US. This includes Black-owned businesses.

The agency offers various funding options for women entrepreneurs, including:

• initial seed money
• working capital

Coalition To Black Businesses

The Coalition to Black Businesses is a funding program founded by the US Chamber of Commerce Foundation to run over the next four years.

To empower and support black female entrepreneurs, the program provides:

• financial assistance
• resources
• training

The foundation aims to award a total of $14 million in business grants to women on a rolling basis. Awardees can get $5,000 or $25,000 in small business loans.

The Covid-19 pandemic must have affected your business and your ability to qualify in an economically vulnerable community.

Kiva

Kiva is a non-profit organization that offers microloans of up to $15,000 to small businesses.

A network of lenders crowdfunds the loans.

The organization has a focus on providing funding to underrepresented groups. This includes women and people of color.

Small Business Administration (SBA)

SBA is a branch of the federal government. They offer numerous small business loans to help entrepreneurs fund their businesses.

They aim to level the business playing field for individuals historically lacking access to opportunities and resources. This includes black business owners.

Some of SBA’s national loan programs include the 7(a) Loan, Express, and Economic Injury Program.

How To Apply For Small Business Loans

1. Research and compare different business loans, like SBA, short-term or long-term, to find the right one for your small business.
2. Determine how much you want to borrow, how much you can repay monthly, and how long it will take you to pay back your loan.
3. Ensure you’re eligible and meet the specific requirements for qualification to increase your chances of receiving funding.
4. Speak to a financial adviser to get insight and advice on the different loan options available for your small business.
5. Put together a detailed business plan and proposal outlining your company’s goal, financial situation, and plan to use the awarded funding.
6. Prepare your documents, including your tax returns, financial records, and business license.
7. Complete an application by providing personal, business, and financial information.
8. Wait for a credit decision.

You can start an application here:

First Name *

Please enter a valid first name

Last Name *

Please enter a valid last name

Phone Number *

Please enter your phone number

Your phone number must be 10 digits

Email Address *

Please enter your email address

Please enter a valid email address

Loan Type * Loan TypeBusiness loanPersonal loan

Loan Type

Business loan Personal loan

Please select a loan type

Time in BusinessUnder 9 monthsMore than 9 months

Time in Business *

Time in Business

Under 9 months More than 9 months

Please select an option

By providing my phone number & email and clicking the button below, I consent, acknowledge, and agree to Camino Financial's Terms & Conditions, Privacy Policy, and Electronic Communication Agreements.

Please select the box above

Apply Now

Business Grants For Black Women

Power Forward Small Business Grants

The Power Forward Small Business Grant program offers small business loans for female minorities across New England.

The program offers $1 million in funding to black female entrepreneurs. It is a joint partnership between:

• the Boston Celtics
• Vistaprint

This grant is available to black-owned businesses in:

• New Hampshire
• Maine
• Massachusetts
• Rhode Island

To qualify, you must have over 25 employees and showcase your small business’s impact on the community.

SoGal’s Black Founder Startup Grant

SoGal’s Black Founder Startup Grant is a global platform aiming to close the diversity gap in venture capital and entrepreneurship.

They award loans to Black women, helping them achieve their dreams of starting their own ventures.

To award $5,000 and $10,000 grants to women entrepreneurs, the foundation has partnered with various organizations, including:

• twelveNYC
• Twilio

Awardees also get access to various resources, such as how to scale their businesses.

Black Girl Ventures

Shelly Bell founded Black Girl Ventures in 2016 by Shelly Bell to help Black women access capital to grow their businesses.

The program offers funding, support, and virtual resources to women of color to ensure they succeed. To date, the foundation has funded 264 black female entrepreneurs.

Sage Invest In Progress Grant

The Sage Invest in Progress Grant annually awards $10,000 to Black women-owned businesses.

Recipients also get access to an online program. It equips them with the knowledge and resources to successfully start and grow a small business.

This foundation is a 3-year grant program aiming to award $15 billion in funding to Black female entrepreneurs.

To qualify, you must be a Black woman who runs a for-profit small business and is willing to participate in an online mentoring program.

Capital One Business Grant Program

Capital One Business Grant Program aims to support Black entrepreneurs with $10,000 worth of funding.

The program helps Black-owned businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

In addition to funding, recipients get access to various resources. This includes networking opportunities through the foundation’s business hub.

Fearless Strivers Grant Initiative

The Fearless Strivers Grant Initiative funds female entrepreneurs in various cities, including:

• New York
• Los Angeles
• Atlanta
• St Louis
• Birmingham
• Ohio
• Dayton
• Alabama

The program offers $10,000 in funding, access to digital tools, and face-to-face mentorship.

The Amber Grant

Established in 1998 in honor of Amber Wigdhal, a teen who dreamed of starting her own business, passed away before realizing her dreams.

The grant helps other women achieve their business dreams by providing at least $30,000 in grant money.

The Amber Grant offers business funding on a rolling basis, and the application process is simple and painless.

All you have to do is share your business dream and background and meet the grant’s eligibility requirements.

The program offers different kinds of grants, including:

• The Marketing Grant
• Business Category Grants
• The Non-profit Grant
• Mini-Grants

Other Resources For Black Women Entrepreneurs

IFund Women

IFund Women gives female entrepreneurs access to:

• capital
• networking opportunities
• grant programs
• other resources they need to grow their small businesses

They have grants specifically reserved for black women. One is the Visa She’s Next Grant Program for Black Women-Owned Businesses.

Grants.gov

Grants.gov is an online portal where federal agencies share funding and grant program information.

On the portal, Black women can find grants that fit specific criteria, such as their industry and the sponsoring federal agency.

Federal Grants

Every year, the federal government awards businesses across the US with business loans.

Their application process may be complex but worthwhile as you access adequate funding for your small business.

You can find plenty of resources on Youtube to use as a guide for your application.

National Black MBA Association

The National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA) has the goal of advancing African American business:

• professional development
• business opportunities

For black female entrepreneurs specifically, NBMBAA is an invaluable resource.

The NBMBAA truly bridges access to skills and resources necessary for business growth through exclusive membership benefits such as:

• mentorship programs that pair experienced professionals with promising up-and-comers
• networking events connecting entrepreneurs with potential partners
• conferences offering educational seminars on various topics,

Alternative Funding For Black Female Entrepreneurs

Crowdfunding

Crowdfunding is the process of raising money from a large number of individuals. They can be friends, customers, or supporters online.

People can either donate money or get rewards such as equity in your organization.

Just conduct a simple search of crowdfunding organizations and websites.

Business Credit Cards

Business credit cards allow small business owners to get working capital to keep operations up and running.

They work like personal credit cards, allowing you to improve your credit profile and future borrowing terms.

Finance Your Business Today

Are you ready to secure financing for your business?

When considering a small business lender, be sure to evaluate all of your financing options carefully. And don’t forget to include Camino Financial in your comparison.

Our dedicated team is available to assist you in determining the best financing solution for your business.

Contact us today with any questions you may have about our products.

We provide access to capital to help you invest in your small business and succeed.

Let us help you grow your business. We have flexible terms and competitive rates.

Apply for a business loan today