Grant & RFP Alerts: New Opportunities for Black Women Entrepreneurs (August Edition)

tamanisha
Jul 30
3 min read

Funding is out there, you just need to know where to look.

Black women entrepreneurs are launching businesses faster than any other group, yet we still face major gaps when it comes to funding. That’s why staying on top of grants and RFPs (Requests for Proposals) is more than just a hustle; it’s a smart business strategy.

This August, several new and recurring opportunities have opened up to support Black women-led ventures. Whether you're scaling your gov con firm, launching a consulting agency, or running a beauty brand, here’s what you need to know and where to apply.

1. SoGal Black Founder Startup Grant

Deadline: Rolling

Amount: $5,000–$10,000

Who It’s For: Black women and nonbinary entrepreneurs with scalable businesses

This grant is specifically focused on addressing the racial funding gap by investing in early-stage founders ready to build the next big thing. Backed by Winky Lux, Bluemercury, Twilio, and others.

2. Caress Dreams Fund in Partnership with IFundWomen

Deadline: August 23, 2025 (subject to update)

Amount: $5,000 + 1:1 coaching

Who It’s For: Black women founders in beauty, wellness, or community-based businesses

This fund is designed to help turn passion projects into real, revenue-generating companies with a mix of funding and personalized support.

3. RFP: City of Atlanta – Black Women-Owned Business Accelerator Program

Deadline: August 31, 2025

Contract Value: Up to $50,000

Who It’s For: Atlanta-based Black women entrepreneurs in construction, health, tech, or consulting

This city-led RFP offers funding + technical assistance to grow capacity for city contracts and supplier diversity programs. A great opportunity for gov con-aligned firms.

4. Fearless Fund Strivers Grant

Deadline: September 9, 2025

Amount: $10,000

Who It’s For: Black women entrepreneurs with a growth-stage business

Backed by Mastercard, this grant is all about giving founders real financial capital and media exposure. It’s open to Black women with a track record and a strong growth vision.

5. Hello Alice x NAACP Black-Owned Business Grant

Deadline: Late August (TBD)

Amount: $5,000

Who It’s For: Black-owned small businesses focused on local community impact

This program supports businesses that drive economic development and equity in underserved areas. Bonus: You get access to Hello Alice’s small business funding tools and guides.

6. Verizon Small Business Digital Ready Grants

Deadline: September 1, 2025

Amount: $10,000

Who It’s For: Black and Brown-owned businesses completing Verizon’s free online business courses

This isn’t just a grant: it’s a funding-for-learning opportunity. Once you complete two learning modules, you're eligible to apply for the grant.

Bonus RFP Tip: Search Your Local City or County Procurement Site

Most city governments publish RFPs for services ranging from marketing to consulting to construction. If you’re certified as a WBE or MBE (Women/Minority Business Enterprise), these contracts can lead to steady cash flow and visibility.

Try searching:

City of Houston Supplier Portal
Dallas Economic Development RFPs
Texas DIR (Department of Information Resources) opportunities

Pro Tips for Winning a Grant or RFP

✔️ Have a clear elevator pitch what you do and why you’re the best at it

✔️ Keep your capability statement or deck updated

✔️ Create a Grant & RFP Tracker to stay organized

✔️ Don’t sleep on follow-up opportunities (many grants repeat annually)

✔️ Partner with other businesses if an RFP is too big to tackle solo

Final Word: Don’t Wait. Apply Now.

Grants and RFPs are one of the most underrated pathways to funding for Black women founders. Unlike loans, you don’t have to pay them back and unlike investors, you don’t give up ownership.

Make August your month to secure the bag. Even if you only apply to one, that one could be the bridge to your next level.