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Blogs can be personal or professional, and can cover a wide range of topics, such as fashion, technology, politics, business, or lifestyle. For example, a personal blog could be like a digital diary, while a professional blog could focus on a specific area. Blogs can be used as a platform for individuals or organizations to share their ideas, thoughts, and information with a wider audience. They can also be interactive, with sections at the bottom of posts where readers can leave comments.
Blogs can be hosted on websites, but they are distinct from websites, which are groups of connected web pages that contain more information about a business or organization.
A lack of accountability means that mismanaged institutions repeatedly get bailed out.
The federal government shovels hundreds of millions of dollars per year to America’s 100 historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs), with minimal accountability. Congress is poised to keep the shovel going full steam, and presidential candidates Bernie Sanders (Vt.) and Cory Booker (N.J.) want America to give these institutions as much as $100 billion more. While some HBCUs have modernized their operations and are succeeding, many others that are failing are lobbying for handouts — and Congress has already rewarded the worst performers with loan deferment and forgiveness. Congress should stop giving out so much free money, let failing colleges fail, and showcase the ones that successfully compete.
Knoxville College has asked the city for 30 days to secure part of McKee Hall, the unoccupied and decaying old administrative building on campus.
City of Knoxville spokesman Eric Vreeland told WBIR on Wednesday the college wants to put in place "a more permanent barrier that will secure the McKee Building, related to the west side of the building, where the upper wall is failing."
The city agreed to grant that request. It was due Wednesday to conduct a follow-up inspection of McKee after issuing notice last month that the college needed to quickly fix parts of the back of the building.
Let’s look at the biggest number first. Senator Booker hopes to throw $100 billion at HBCUs and minority-serving institutions (MSIs) in general. Under his plan, he would transform HBCUs into social-activist organizations in “the fight against climate change,” though it remains unclear why being historically black makes them particularly well qualified for this task.
This plan eclipses the spending idea of Senator Sanders, who wants to throw only $15 billion at HBCUs, forgive another billion or two of debt, and double current funding under the Strengthening HBCUs program of Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965.
The city of Knoxville is warning Knoxville College if it doesn't act this month to secure McKee that the city will move to secure the building by doing things such as having a fence erected around it and boarding up the problem areas.
Costs incurred by the city are the responsibility of the college, according to the city.
"If payment is not received within 60 days, a lien will be filed with the Knox County Register of Deeds and placed on the city tax rolls against the property," the Feb. 26 warning letter states.
Last year the city sent a $400,000 invoice for work to secure the nine buildings on campus. Because of non-payment, Vreeland said a lien is now in force for that cost.
The college switched some years ago to offering online classes only. Leaders have said they retain their goal of regaining accreditation, something the college hasn't had since the late 1990s. A lack of money has made it harder for the college to make progress.
This year marks the 150th anniversary of Knoxville College's creation.
Here’s what we’re already spending on HBCUs under Title III. In 2019 Congress gave these 101 institutions $282 million, plus $79 million in “mandatory” money (for which the institutions need to do little but fill out a form), plus $73 million for Historically Black Graduate Institutions (including law and medical schools), plus $9 million for master’s-degree programs. Doubling this amount gives them $443 million more, or an extra $4.43 billion over ten years.
In 2019, Congress also offered $40 million in loan subsidies that are uniquely available to HBCUs. This number represents another entirely undeserved windfall. This loan program, the HBCU Capital Financing Program, had been required by Congress in 2018 to forgive or defer hundreds of millions in loans to HBCUs, including those that had the full ability to pay. Here’s how it went: In 2013, four HBCUs were still paying off debt in this program due to loans given in the aftermath of the 2005 hurricanes Katrina and Rita, so they got five-year deferments, with the resumed payments based on ability to pay. No matter; in 2018 Congress offered what came to $322 million to fully forgive the loans.
The only bright spot is the HBCU Capital Financing Program’s work to ensure, prior to closing a loan, that an HBCU is financially sound enough to pay back its loan. It is true that the program did not predict the mismanagement by some of the HBCUs, but it calculates such risks in the same way that a regular bank would. Anyway, if Sanders gets his way, all of this debt will just be canceled.
Mismanagement on the part of the worst-performing HBCUs, however, should be considered alongside the high quality of those that have successfully reinvented themselves or maintained sound financial footing. In Texas, for example, Paul Quinn College has done so well in preparing graduates for the workforce that its model earned a $1 million private-sector grant from Strada Education Network in 2018 to expand. While other colleges sought handouts for being badly run, Paul Quinn earned respect and money by being great.
Furthermore, now that the $79 million in “mandatory” money has expired after a decade, the HBCU lobby is clamoring for that allocation to be made permanent. In fact, these millions are just part of $255 million in mandatory funding to MSIs under the same law. The U.S. Senate has voted to keep the free cash flowing, but there is still time to stop it in the House.
According to the Alliance for Entrepreneurial Equity, only 2.5% of American businesses are Black-owned. Its State of Black Business report also found that Black-owned businesses earn less revenue and hold more debt than businesses owned by other demographics. Systemic issues like unequal access to financial support perpetuate these inequities, as they make it difficult for Black-owned businesses to both get started and expand.
Grants for Black-owned businesses can help level that playing field. A number of nonprofit organizations and for-profit companies offer small business grants for Black-owned businesses operating in the United States. Many grant programs even include business development resources to help set up Black-owned businesses for success.
As you seek out grants, keep in mind that they are not always well publicized, may have short application windows, and might not always be available year after year. You can learn about more opportunities by networking with fellow small business owners and tapping resources from organizations like the NAACP, Hello Alice, America’s Small Business Development Center Network, and National Minority Supplier Development Council.
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9 grants for Black-owned businesses
1 Million Black Businesses Initiative (1MBB)
Wish Local Empowerment Program
HerRise MicroGrant
Galaxy Microgrants
Kinetic Business Black Business Support Fund
National Black Business Pitch (NBBP)
Sephora Beauty Grant
BlackGirl Ventures Pitch Program
Lenovo Evolve Grant
Applying for small business grants is a rigorous process. Grant applications involve steps like gathering documentation (e.g., tax returns, bank statements, revenue records), polishing your business plan, and making sure you’ve read and followed each grant program’s eligibility requirements. The good news is, once you’ve assembled one grant application, it becomes easier to revise as needed whenever you apply for other grant opportunities.
Let’s take a look at several upcoming grant funding opportunities for Black-owned businesses that could benefit your own business in 2025.
Since its launch in 2020, the 1 Million Black Businesses initiative (1MBB) has helped more than 459,000 Black-owned small businesses to launch and grow.
Participants in this Black businesses grant program get:
Access to an eight-week small business development workshop
Connection to mentors from Shopify, Intuit, and Aprio
Assistance with securing capital for their businesses
Any Black business owner can enroll and immediately gain access to 1MBB’s vast library of business development courses. The initiative is run by nonprofit Operation HOPE with partner Shopify, which made a 10-year pledge valued at around $130 million. The partnership aims to help start and grow one million Black-owned businesses by 2030.
2. Wish Local Empowerment Program
Ecommerce platform Wish Local created a $2 million fund to issue $500 to $2,000 Wish Local Empowerment grants to Black-owned brick-and-mortar small businesses. To qualify, you’ll need to be a Black business owner with fewer than 20 employees, a brick-and-mortar storefront, and an average annual revenue under $1 million.
You can use the funds however you’d like, but you’ll need to become a Wish Local vendor in exchange for receiving the grant. Becoming a Wish Local vendor means your store will become a pick-up location for orders placed via Wish.
Like all good partnerships, this agreement is likely to benefit both businesses: Wish Local can attract more customers in your area with a new pickup location, and using your shop for order pickup will bring more foot traffic to your store, which could boost sales as well as brand recognition.
3. HerRise MicroGrant
Every month, the women-led professional development organization HerSuite distributes a $1,000 HerRise MicroGrant to a company owned by a woman of color. To be eligible, you must submit your application by the end of the day on the last day of the month.
If you’re a Black woman with a small business that earns less than $1 million in annual revenue each year, you may qualify for this microgrant. The application will request basic business details like your annual revenue and industry, then ask questions about what problems your business solves and how you plan to use the grant money.
4. Galaxy Microgrants
Galaxy of Stars and the nonprofit Hidden Star, both supporters of women and minority small business owners, are distributing a Galaxy grant giveaway of $2,750 in 2025.
In order to apply for the microgrant, Galaxy of Stars requires you to join its platform as a member. The application process is brief: Simply fill out basic information like contact details, ethnicity, and whether you are a current or future business owner.
5. Kinetic Business Black Business Support Fund
Through its Black Business Support Fund, internet provider Kinetic Business offers grants of up to $2,500 to Black-owned small businesses.
To qualify for a grant, your business must operate in their service area, which covers a wide swath of the Midwest and Northeast. You’ll need to employ fewer than 25 staff members and be a for-profit company. There are also a few restrictions on eligible industries—for example, liquor stores and gun shops can’t apply for this grant.
6. National Black Business Pitch
The National Black Business Pitch (NBBP) competition aims to connect winners with corporations who want to expand their supply chain or product offerings. Each year, three NBBP winners earn $10,000 in cash.
Black business owners must complete an application and film a three-minute video about their business. Both parts of their submission are reviewed by judges from corporate supplier backgrounds. Applicants that pass this first round then present their pitch in front of a virtual audience for the chance to be chosen as one of the three winners.
Applications for the 2025 competition open in February and close in June.
7. Sephora Beauty Grant
Black-owned beauty businesses are eligible to apply for a whopping $100,000 grant sponsored by Sephora and the Fifteen Percent Pledge.
To qualify for the Sephora Beauty Grant, your beauty business must have been operating for more than a year, earning $100,000 in annual revenue. The application window is typically four weeks long and opens annually in October.
8. Black Girl Ventures Pitch Program
Black Girl Ventures aims to help women founders from underrepresented backgrounds grow their businesses.
The organization’s annual pitch program is a unique competition that melds traditional pitching with crowdfunding: Applicants develop a three-minute pitch, receive coaching to fine-tune their pitch, then present their pitch at a livestreamed event. Competition results are decided by audience votes.
You must be a Black woman with a business currently valued at less than $1 million to be eligible for this competition. Winners receive cash prizes as well as networking opportunities. Application deadlines vary by city.
9. Lenovo Evolve Grant
The Lenovo Evolve Grant rewards minority-owned businesses, disabled-owned businesses, and women-owned businesses. Grant winners receive $25,000, access to mentorship programs, and technical assistance to improve and grow their companies. For the 2025 edition of the prize, Lenovo will also help small businesses owners incorporate AI into their companies.
This grant has distributed $3.6 million over the past four years. Applications have yet to open, but you can sign up to receive a notification when they do.
5 types of small business grants
Unrestricted grant
Grants for specific use
Grants as a workshop or incubator
Pitching competitions
Grants through services
Grants can take many forms. Beyond cash prizes, some grants offer business development assistance as well.
Get to know some of the most common types of small business grants below.
1. Unrestricted grants
Businesses that earn unrestricted grants can use their prize money any way they wish—no strings attached. For example, a company might opt to use their prize money to hire new employees, while another might use it to develop a new product.
2. Grants for specific use
Businesses must invest specific use grants into an aspect of their business determined by the grant-giving body. For example, a company might win $15,000 with the expectation that they’ll use that money to reduce their carbon footprint or complete a social impact project within an agreed-upon timeframe.
3. Grants as a workshop or incubator
Many foundations and agencies distribute grants alongside opportunities for networking or mentorship. For example, you might win a place in a small business cohort or earn a spot in a series of business development programs.
4. Pitching competitions
Pitching competitions are a great way to get your business off the ground. Prize money is awarded to entrepreneurs who present savvy business pitches to public or private audiences. These grants might be in the form of cash, capital investment, or both.
5. Grants through services
Grants can take the form of free services received, such as $5,000 worth of marketing assistance, technology expansion, or legal services. For example, a for-profit technology company might provide their services for free to grant winners.
Other funding opportunities for Black businesses
In addition to applying for small business grants, Black business owners can find funding opportunities in the form of loans from a variety of sources.
💸Remember: Loans are not the same as grants. With loans, you agree to a repayment schedule that typically includes interest costs. Meanwhile, grants are considered a gift you’re not required to repay.
Here are a couple of those small business loan options to consider.
Government funding
Black business owners can utilize resources from federal government agencies like the Minority Business Development Agency and the Small Business Administration. For example, the Minority Business Development Agency can provide you with financial assistance and coaching to start and grow your business. The Small Business Administration can offer those services as well. Their Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer arm offers a seed fund that can help you turn innovative scientific ideas into commercial enterprises.
Many state agencies also provide resources to minority business owners, so it helps to check out your state’s website for financing options in your area. Just keep in mind that government assistance will be in the form of loans, not grants. State and federal grants are available only to organizations like nonprofits, not for-profit companies.
Shopify Capital
Looking to start or scale your ecommerce business? Shopify can help.
Since 2016, Shopify Capital has distributed more than $5 billion in business financing that’s supported the growth of thousands of ecommerce businesses on the platform. Whether you need to invest more in marketing, operations, inventory, or something else, Shopify Capital makes both the funding and repayment processes more accessible.
Learn more: 8 Ways Shopify Capital Can Help Grow Your Small Business
Grants for Black-owned businesses FAQ
Are there grants for Black sole proprietors?
The National Association for the Self-Employed (NASE) offers $4,000 grants on a rolling basis for self-employed individuals of all races. Membership in NASE is required to apply.
What are several of the largest Black-owned businesses in the US?
Successful Black-owned businesses span multiple sectors. Some of the largest include the IT services company World Wide Technology, the food services company Thompson Hospitality, and the multimedia company Urban One.
Are there VC funds that invest in early stage Black-founded startups?
There is a growing number of venture capital (VC) firms that specifically invest in Black founders. Others invest in the broader group of minority-owned businesses.
Here are some examples of VC firms who invest in Black-owned businesses:
Health Equity Ventures and Jumpstart Nova invest in Black-owned healthcare startups.
Impact America Fund and Collab Capital invest in various Black-founded startups.
Fearless Fund invests in startups founded by women of color.
Gener8tor is an accelerator geared toward Black founders
The accelerator BK-XL is aimed at BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and people of color) founders.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s website shows that it has suspended a scholarship program for students who enroll at Tennessee State University and other land-grant historically Black colleges.
It’s not clear when the suspension of the 1890 National Scholars Program took effect, but word began to spread this week once people noticed the website said the scholarship “has been suspended pending further review.”
The program has provided full-ride scholarships to students accepted into one of the 19 land-grant HBCUs around the country.
According to the website, the scholarship has been around since 1992 and benefits students from rural and underserved communities.
Students who qualified had at least a 3.0 GPA, a minimum ACT score of 21, or a SAT score of 1080, and planned to study agriculture or science-related fields at one of these universities.
You can find the rest of the qualifications by visitingtheir website.
The scholarship was awarded to 94 students in 2024, worth more than $19 million.
Congresswoman Alma S. Adams of North Carolina, a senior member of the Committee on Agriculture and Founding Chairwoman of the HBCU Caucus, called the suspension “infuriating,”
“This is a clear attack on an invaluable program that makes higher education accessible for everybody, and provides opportunities for students to work at USDA, especially in the critical fields of food safety, agriculture, and natural resources that Americans rely on every single day.”
President Donald Trump’s administration has said they want to put an end to programs using federal money to promote diversity through scholarships because they believe this creates an unfair advantage for minority students.
Nowhere in this scholarship, however, does it say it’s only limited to students of a certain race, gender, or ethnicity.
“This program is a correction to a long history of racial discrimination within the land-grant system, not an example of it,” Adams said.
The latest move from the USDA is a drastic shift in policy compared to what we saw under former President Joe Biden’s administration.
That’s when the USDA sent multiple letters to governors about the money these land grant HBCUs had been underfunded by their respective states over the past 30 years.
That included a letter to Gov. Bill Lee where they claimed that TSU had been underfunded $2.1 billion.
The University of Tennessee-Knoxville and TSU are land grant colleges, meaning they have an elevated funding status when it comes to dollars from the state. The two were established before desegregation and Tennessee higher education institutions wouldn't accept Black students.
We reached out to the USDA and asked about students who already have these scholarships and are currently enrolled at one of these institutions.
A spokesperson for the USDA said, “To be clear, every scholar — over 300 — regardless of matriculation date, was retained to finish their studies and complete their work with the Department. In line with President Trump’s directive, USDA is optimizing operations and strengthening its ability to serve farmers, ranchers, and the agriculture community. Like other programs within the Department, Secretary Rollins will continue to review the 1890 National Scholars Program, its mission, and its metrics to ensure the most efficient use of taxpayer resources.”
Meanwhile, representatives for TSU meanwhile said that while TSU is not prepared to comment at this time, “we will continue to closely monitor the rapid changes in Washington and respond with our students best interests guiding our way forward.”
Earlier this week, TSU announcedplans to cut scholarships for incoming freshman classes by as much as $18 million.
It’s not clear yet what kind of impact losing the USDA scholarship will have on enrollment moving forward considering the deadline to apply was set for March 1.
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