Small Business Grants for Minorities in Colorado (2026)
Minority-owned businesses in Colorado can access a growing portfolio of grants and programs designed to address the persistent funding gap that affects Black, Hispanic, Native American, and other minority entrepreneurs. Studies consistently show that minority business owners receive significantly less capital than their counterparts, making targeted grant programs essential.
Federal support through the SBA 8(a) Business Development Program provides disadvantaged business owners with preferential access to federal contracts worth up to $4.5 million through sole-source awards. The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) operates business centers providing technical assistance and capital access services.
National organizations offer direct grants to minority entrepreneurs. The NAACP runs multiple grant programs including Powershift ($25,000), L'Oreal Beauty grants ($25,000), and Backing the B.A.R. for hospitality businesses. The Fearless Fund and Mastercard award grants to Black women-owned businesses. The NBMBAA Scale-Up Pitch Challenge offers up to $50,000 to Black-owned startups. First Nations Development Institute supports Native American entrepreneurs.
In Colorado, minority entrepreneurs can layer these national grants with state-specific programs, many of which include diversity and inclusion incentives. State SSBCI programs, 8(a) certifications, and local minority business development programs provide additional pathways to capital.
Below you will find all currently active grants available to minority-owned businesses in Colorado.
Available Grants51 Active
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA 8(a) Business Development Program
Award Amount
$10,000 - $245,000
Illinois Small Business Capital & Infrastructure Grant
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP x L'Oreal Beauty Industry Grants
Award Amount
$10,000 - $20,000
Fearless Strivers Grant (Fearless Fund + Mastercard)
Award Amount
$1,500 - $5,000
First Nations Acorn Fund
Award Amount
$10,000 - $40,000
First Nations Native Food Sovereignty Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
NBMBAA Scale-Up Pitch Challenge
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
SoGal Foundation Black Founder Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
DigitalUndivided Breakthrough Program
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
NAACP x BACARDI Backing the B.A.R.
Award Amount
$25,000 - $25,000
NAACP Power Forward Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $15,000
USHCC / Wells Fargo Hispanic Business Grants
Award Amount
$50,000 - $150,000
Colorado Advanced Industries Proof of Concept Grant
Award Amount
$50,000 - $250,000
Colorado Early-Stage Capital & Retention Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $15,000
Colorado Advanced Industries Export Grant
Award Amount
$4,000 - $4,000
NASE Growth Grant
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Amber Grant for Women
Award Amount
$1,000 - $10,000
Skip Monthly Business Grants
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
IFundWomen Universal Grant Application
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Verizon Small Business Digital Ready
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Venmo Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$600,000 - $5,000,000
EDA Public Works Program
Award Amount
$150,000 - $2,500,000
EDA Economic Adjustment Assistance
Award Amount
$75,000 - $150,000
SBA Growth Accelerator Fund Competition
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA HUBZone Program
Award Amount
$50,000 - $4,500,000
SBA Women-Owned Small Business Contracting
Award Amount
$5,000 - $25,000
Hello Alice Small Business Growth Fund
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Allstate Main Street Grants (Hello Alice)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
Fund Her Future Grant (H&R Block)
Award Amount
$1,000 - $15,000
Kiva 0% Interest Microloans
Award Amount
$15,000 - $25,000
Amazon Business Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$20,000 - $20,000
Intuit QuickBooks Small Business Hero
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
Ladies Who Launch Program
Award Amount
$500 - $2,500
Freed Fellowship Grant
Award Amount
$30,000 - $100,000
Cartier Women's Initiative (2027 Cycle)
Award Amount
$10,000 - $50,000
EmpowHer Grant
Award Amount
$7,500 - $7,500
Halstead Grant for Jewelry Designers
Award Amount
$15,000 - $15,000
Girlboss Foundation Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Red Backpack Fund (Spanx Foundation)
Award Amount
$5,000 - $5,000
Tory Burch Foundation Fellows
Award Amount
$10,000 - $10,000
NAWBO / Mastercard Small Business Grants
Award Amount
$2,000 - $5,000
Second Service Foundation Veteran Awards
Award Amount
$10,000 - $25,000
Hiring Our Heroes Small Business Grant
Award Amount
$5,000 - $50,000
PenFed Foundation Veteran Entrepreneur Program
Award Amount
$5,000 - $10,000
NDI Small Business Hub (Disability Entrepreneurs)
Frequently Asked Questions
What grants are available for minority-owned businesses in Colorado?▼
National programs include NAACP grants ($25K), Fearless Fund/Mastercard ($10K-$20K), NBMBAA Scale-Up ($50K), SoGal Foundation ($5K-$10K for Black women), First Nations grants for Native entrepreneurs, and USHCC/Wells Fargo grants for Hispanic businesses. SBA 8(a) certification provides federal contracting advantages.
How do I get certified as a minority-owned business in Colorado?▼
Apply for SBA 8(a) certification at certifications.sba.gov (free). The National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) offers MBE certification for corporate supply chain opportunities. Many states also have their own minority business certification programs through their commerce departments.
Are there grants for Hispanic-owned businesses in Colorado?▼
Yes. The U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and Wells Fargo jointly fund grants through local Hispanic chamber affiliates. Hello Alice runs grants open to all minorities. SBA 8(a) serves Hispanic entrepreneurs who demonstrate social and economic disadvantage. Many state programs also target Hispanic business development.