amika Rooted in Growth x 15 Percent Pledge Grant: $50,000 for Underrepresented Haircare Founders
Blog amika Rooted in Growth x 15 Percent Pledge Grant: $50,000 for Underrepresented Haircare Founders August 5, 2026 No Comments Sarah T $50,000 Haircare Business Grant for Underrepresented Founders The amika Rooted in Growth grant, presented with the 15 Percent Pledge, awards four U.S.-based professional haircare businesses $50,000 each, plus mentorship, networking, and brand visibility. It’s open to founders from historically underserved backgrounds, including Black women entrepreneurs, who sell or plan to sell into professional distribution channels. Applications for the 2026 cycle closed August 21. Capital access remains one of the biggest hurdles for underrepresented entrepreneurs, and the gap is especially wide in beauty. Black women entrepreneurs and other founders from underserved communities routinely raise a fraction of the venture funding their peers do. Corporate grant programs like this one exist to help close that gap. This guide covers everything you need to know about the amika Haircare grants for black women: What Is the amika Rooted in Growth x 15 Percent Pledge Grant? About amika and the 15 Percent Pledge Why This Grant Matters for Underrepresented Beauty Founders Grant Benefits Who Can Apply? Eligible Business Categories How to Apply Why Work With a Professional Grant Writer? Documents Required Application Timeline Selection Criteria Tips to Improve Your Chances Common Mistakes to Avoid Other Grants for Black Women and Minority-Owned Businesses Frequently Asked Questions What Is the amika Rooted in Growth x 15 Percent Pledge Grant? Rooted in Growth is a national grant program presented by amika, a professional haircare brand, in partnership with the 15 Percent Pledge, a racial equity and economic justice nonprofit. Now in its fourth year, the program was built to give underrepresented professional haircare founders real capital paired with real support, not just a check, but mentorship and industry access too. Four businesses are selected each cycle to receive $50,000 in flexible grant funding, founder mentorship, and brand visibility across amika’s and the 15 Percent Pledge’s marketing channels. About amika and the 15 Percent Pledge amika is a salon-grown haircare brand that has run community and equity programs for several years, including stylist scholarships. The 15 Percent Pledge is the nonprofit partner behind this grant, its mission calls on major retailers and corporations to commit at least 15% of shelf space, sales revenue, and annual spend to Black-owned businesses, reflecting the roughly 15% Black population share in the U.S. Together, they use this partnership to fund inclusive entrepreneurship in beauty, with this program’s focus specifically on professional haircare. The 15 Percent Pledge has directed more than $1 million in grants to underserved entrepreneurs since 2020. Why This Grant Matters for Underrepresented Beauty Founders Diversity in the beauty industry has improved, but capital access hasn’t caught up. Black-owned beauty businesses and other minority-owned businesses are frequently underfunded relative to demand, even in categories, like haircare, where they lead product innovation. Programs like this combine three things founders rarely get together: Unrestricted Capital Structured Mentorship Industry Visibility Supporting business growth in a way a single check can’t. Grant Benefits Selected founders receive more than a one-time payout: $50,000 in flexible grant funding, disbursed in two payments Founder-focused mentorship running several months, with strategic business guidance Networking opportunities with industry leaders and past cohort founders Brand visibility across amika and 15 Percent Pledge marketing channels An in-person kickoff event at amika’s New York City headquarters, with travel covered Participation in a major industry trade show, also with travel covered This mix of funding, mentorship, and founder support is designed to accelerate business scaling beyond what capital alone could do. Who Can Apply? This is the part most secondary sources get wrong, so it’s worth being precise. According to the official Terms & Conditions, eligible applicants must: Be U.S.-based with annual revenue under $2.5 million Operate in the hair care category, such as: products, tools, wigs, extensions, or color Currently sell a CPG (consumer packaged good) product Sell to, or have a credible plan to expand into, professional distribution channels (salon distributors, direct-to-stylist, etc.) Be at least 51% owned by one or more founders from an underserved background The term “underserved” refers to individuals or groups who have historically faced limited access to opportunities or resources. This includes, but is not limited to, is defined broadly, Black/African American, AAPI, Hispanic/Latino/Latina/Latinx, and LGBTQIA+ founders, first-generation immigrants, women, and people with earned income below the poverty level. The program’s own rules state that founders from any historically overlooked background may apply regardless of race. Black women business owners are a core part of the intended audience, but not the only founders who qualify. Eligible Business Categories Unlike some beauty industry grants that accept skincare, cosmetics, or fragrance brands broadly, this program is scoped specifically to hair care. Eligible categories include: Haircare products (shampoo, conditioner, styling products) Hair tools and devices Wigs and extensions Hair color Emerging and independent haircare brands expanding into professional/salon channels If your business is a skincare business, cosmetics business, or another beauty category outside hair care, this particular grant isn’t the right fit, see the alternatives table below. How to Apply Follow this step-by-step process to submit a competitive small business grant application: Step 1: Review the Eligibility Requirements Carefully review the program’s eligibility criteria, including the annual revenue cap and the requirement to have products distributed through a professional retail or wholesale channel. Grant research services can help you verify eligibility requirements and stay informed about program updates before you apply. Step 2: Create or Update Your BEC Profile Create or update your profile in the Business Equity Community (BEC) on the 15 Percent Pledge platform before starting your application. Step 3: Gather Your Supporting Documents Collect all required documents, including financial records and any other supporting materials, before completing the application form. Step 4: Complete the Application Answer the written application questions about your founder background, business milestones, growth strategy, and how you plan to use the grant funds. Grant writing services can help you organize your responses and communicate your business story clearly. Step
Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund: Eligibility, $5,000 Small Business Grant, How to Apply, and Funding Guide (2026)
Blog Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund: Eligibility, $5,000 Small Business Grant, How to Apply, and Funding Guide (2026) July 18, 2026 No Comments Sarah T Quick Answer: What Is the Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund? The Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund is a micro-grant program from the nonprofit Black & Brown Founders that awards $5,000 each to four underrepresented entrepreneurs who have already generated revenue in the past year. The $5,000 small business grant helps recipients scale, stabilize, or systematize their operations. Applicants submit an application, proof of revenue, a short essay, and complete a business assessment tool before the deadline. This guide covers everything you need to know about the Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund: What You Need to Know About the Black & Brown Founders Growth Fund? Why B&B Business Grant Matters for Founders Key Benefits of the $5,000 Small Business Grant Eligibility Requirements Who Can Apply? Who Cannot Apply? How to Apply for the Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund How Professional Grant Writing Services Can Help Required Documents Tips to Improve Your Chances Common Application Mistakes Alternative Grants for Diverse Founders Frequently Asked Questions Funding Opportunities for Underrepresented Entrepreneurs Access to capital remains one of the toughest hurdles for Black founders, Brown founders, and other diverse entrepreneurs trying to grow a sustainable business. Traditional lenders and venture capital firms have historically underserved minority-owned businesses, which makes non-dilutive funding opportunities like the Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund especially valuable. This empower growth fund is built specifically for underrepresented entrepreneurs who have moved past the idea stage and are now working to stabilize and expand an already-operating business. What Is the Black & Brown Founders Growth Grant? The Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund (sometimes referenced as the Empower Growth Micro-Grant, or BBF for short) is run by Black & Brown Founders Inc., a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on building a more diverse and inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem in the United States. The organization’s mission centers on equipping underrepresented entrepreneurs with tools, training, and connections to launch and scale tech-enabled businesses. The micro-grant itself is designed to give a financial boost to four selected entrepreneurs who have already demonstrated business success by generating annual revenue in the last 12 months. Rather than funding a brand-new idea, this program supports founders who are ready to scale, stabilize, or systematize what they’ve already built. Why B&B Business Grant Matters for Founders Equitable funding programs like this one matter because access to capital continues to be uneven across communities. Minority founders and diverse business owners are statistically less likely to secure traditional bank financing or venture capital, which makes grant funding, financial inclusion initiatives, and community investment programs a meaningful part of the broader funding ecosystem. Non-dilutive capital (money that doesn’t require giving up equity) allows founders to reinvest in business growth without adding debt or diluting ownership. Programs like this support inclusive entrepreneurship and economic empowerment by putting resources directly into the hands of business owners who are already showing traction. Key Benefits of the $5,000 Small Business Grant Based on the program’s published guidance, the $5,000 micro-business grant can be used toward: Marketing and customer acquisition efforts Technology upgrades, including CRM systems and automation tools Website improvements or e-commerce enhancements Hiring consultants or fractional professionals Scaling production or service delivery Key takeaway: This is working capital meant for operational support and strategic investment, not a loan, and not equity financing. It’s intended to help a business that already has revenue move toward more sustainable, systematized business growth. Eligibility Requirements Based on currently published program information, the fund is aimed at underrepresented entrepreneurs who have already generated annual revenue in the past 12 months. The organization does not publicly list a specific minimum revenue figure, a fixed years-in-business requirement, or a defined business stage cutoff. Because eligibility details can change between grant cycles, always verify the latest eligibility requirements, deadlines, and funding availability on the official Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund website before applying Eligibility Checklist My business has generated revenue within the last 12 months I identify as a Black, Brown, or otherwise underrepresented founder I can verify my revenue through documents such as profit and loss statements, bank records, or a summary of my tax filings I have a clear plan for how I’d use $5,000 to scale, stabilize, or systematize my business I’m prepared to complete the required Bizscoreline business assessment I am prepared to complete the application process, including the written essay and, if chosen, the video pitch requirements Who Can Apply? The fund is built for Black founders, Brown founders, BIPOC founders, and other diverse entrepreneurs and underrepresented business owners operating a revenue-generating business in the United States. This includes sole proprietors, LLCs, and other small business structures, though the organization does not publish a formal list of excluded entity types. Checklist: Black-owned businesses Brown-owned businesses BIPOC-founded startups and small businesses Minority-owned businesses with active revenue Founders from underrepresented communities in tech-enabled or traditional industries Who Cannot Apply? Checklist: Pre-revenue startups with no documented income in the last 12 months Applicants unable to provide proof of revenue Businesses unwilling or unable to complete the required Bizscoreline assessment Applicants outside the program’s eligible geographic or entity scope (confirm current rules on the official site) How to Apply for the Black & Brown Founders Empower Growth Fund Step 1: Confirm Eligibility Confirm eligibility on the official Black & Brown Founders website before you begin. Use grant research services to save time and focus on grant opportunities that align with your qualifications. Step 2: Gather Documents Gather documentation, including proof of revenue such as a P&L statement, bank statements, or a tax return summary. Step 3: Prepare Your Mini-Essay Prepare your mini-essay, a roughly 250-word response explaining how the micro-grant will help you scale or systematize your business. A strong grant proposal writing service can help structure your ideas and ensure your response clearly
PFund Equity Fund (Small Business Grant) 2026: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply
Blog PFund Equity Fund (Small Business Grant) 2026: Eligibility, Deadline & How to Apply July 15, 2026 No Comments Emily Carter What Is PFund Equity Fund? (Quick Answer) The PFund Foundation Equity Fund, also listed as the PFund Small Business Grant, provides $5,000 per year for two years to BIPOC or LGBTQ+ small business owners and entrepreneurs in the Twin Cities metro area. Applicants must have been in operation for at least one year, earn under $250,000 in annual gross revenue, and align with PFund’s mission. The 2026 application window closes July 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Central. This guide covers everything you need to know about the PFund Foundation Equity Fund: What Is the PFund Equity Fund Grant? Why This Grant Matters Grant Amount and Program Structure Who Is Eligible Who Is Not Eligible How to Apply for the PFund Small Business Grant PFund Small Business Grant Timeline Tips to Strengthen Your Application Common Mistakes to Avoid Frequently Asked Questions Understanding PFund Equity Fund For BIPOC entrepreneurs who also identify as LGBTQ+, finding business funding that recognizes the full picture of who they are can be difficult. Small business grants built for one underrepresented group rarely account for the compounding barriers faced by people who sit at the intersection of race and queer identity. That gap is exactly why community-rooted, equity-focused funding matters, it channels community investment toward business owners who are too often overlooked by conventional lenders and mainstream grant programs. The PFund Foundation Equity Fund, sometimes referred to informally as a BIPOC business grant, was built for that intersection. It’s a small business grant program that pairs direct grant funding with education and community, aimed at helping BIPOC-owned businesses in the Upper Midwest grow with more stability. Below is a practical breakdown of what the grant actually offers, who qualifies, and how to put together a stronger application. What Is the PFund Equity Fund Grant? PFund Foundation is a community-led foundation that has served the LGBTQ+ community since 1987. Its Small Business Grants program (branded as the Equity Fund) is one part of a broader business grant program that also includes event sponsorships and, starting in 2027. The Equity Fund exists to support BIPOC-owned businesses whose owners also identify as LGBTQ+, giving them working capital, business coaching, and a peer network through PFund’s small business cohort. Because eligibility and award details can shift from one grant cycle to the next, always verify the latest information on the official PFund Foundation website before applying. Key takeaway: This is a dual-identity grant, BIPOC ownership alone does not meet eligibility criteria; LGBTQ+ identity is also required. Why This Grant Matters Grant funding aimed at underserved communities plays a real role in economic equity. For small business owners who face bias from traditional lenders, non-dilutive funding ( money that doesn’t require giving up equity or taking on debt) can be the difference between stalling out and reaching the next stage of business growth. Programs like this one contribute to racial equity and broader economic empowerment by directing community investment specifically toward Black-owned businesses, Indigenous-owned businesses, and other People of Color entrepreneurs who also identify as LGBTQ+. Beyond the dollar amount, the grant’s cohort structure supports business sustainability by building relationships among business owners tackling similar challenges, which matters as much as the check itself for long-term business success. Grant Amount and Program Structure Element Detail (per current listing) Funding $5,000 per year for two years Additional support Business membership to Quorum (LGBTQ+ chamber of commerce) Cohort PFund Small Business Cohort, six monthly learning sessions, January–June 2027 Application deadline July 20, 2026, 5:00 p.m. Central Review process Community review process Award distribution September 2026 Key takeaway: This is a two-year grant commitment, not a one-time award, plan your business goals accordingly. Confirm all figures on PFund’s official site, as funding amounts and schedules can change between cycles. Eligibility Requirements To apply for the PFund Small Business Grant, a business must: Align with PFund Foundation’s mission and vision Have an owner who identifies as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Be located in the Twin Cities Metro area Have operated for at least one year Report annual gross revenue under $250,000 for the most recently completed fiscal year Have 20 or fewer full-time employees Eligibility Checklist Business owner identifies as BIPOC and LGBTQ+ Business is physically located in the Twin Cities Metro area Business has operated for 12+ months Annual gross revenue is under $250,000 Fewer than 20 full-time employees Business mission aligns with PFund’s values Who Is Likely Not Eligible Based on the confirmed criteria, businesses generally do not qualify if they: Are located outside the Twin Cities Metro area (note: PFund’s broader Upper Midwest work spans Minnesota, Iowa, Wisconsin, North Dakota, and South Dakota, but the Small Business Grant itself is Twin Cities–specific) Have an owner who identifies as BIPOC but not LGBTQ+, or LGBTQ+ but not BIPOC Have been operating for less than one year Exceed $250,000 in annual gross revenue Have 20 or more full-time employees How to Apply for the PFund Small Business Grant Step 1: Review Eligibility Confirm your business meets every criterion before investing time in the application. Grant finding services can help identify eligibility requirements, funding priorities, and application deadlines before you begin. Step 2: Watch the Info Session PFund publishes a Small Business Grant info session that walks through program expectations. Step 3: Gather Business Details Have revenue figures, formation date, and a clear description of your business ready. Step 4: Complete the Application Complete the official application through PFund’s application portal, do not use third-party listings to submit. Step 5: Review the Application PFund publishes so your narrative addresses what reviewers evaluate. Many applicants use grant proposal writing services to strengthen clarity, organization, and alignment with the funding criteria. Step 6: Follow Up For the current cycle, that’s 5:00 p.m. Central on July 20, 2026. Grant submission support helps ensure required forms, attachments, and certifications are complete before the deadline. Step 7: Track your
Galaxy Grant 2026: Unlock Free Funding for Women & Minority Entrepreneurs
Blog Galaxy Grant 2026: Unlock Free Funding for Women & Minority Entrepreneurs April 7, 2026 No Comments Emily Carter Galaxy Grants 2026: How It Works The Galaxy Grant is a small business funding program designed to help women entrepreneurs, minority business owners, and underserved founders access capital to grow their businesses. It offers no-strings-attached financial support to eligible US-based applicants, with a straightforward application process that makes business funding more accessible to those who need it most. Overview of the Galaxy Grant Program Access to capital remains one of the biggest barriers for entrepreneurs in the United States. While large corporations can tap into lines of credit, institutional investors, and venture capital, small business owners — especially those from underrepresented communities — are often left navigating a complex, frustrating funding landscape on their own. For women and minority entrepreneurs, this challenge is even more acute. Studies consistently show that women and minority business owners receive a disproportionately small share of available business funding, even when their ventures are just as viable and well-managed as their counterparts. That’s exactly where programs like Galaxy Grant come in. By offering meaningful support to those who face the steepest climb, Galaxy Grants provide an opportunity for entrepreneurs to access real capital without taking on debt or giving up equity. Whether you’re launching a new venture or trying to stabilize an existing one, understanding how Galaxy Grants work, and whether they’re right for you. This guide breaks everything down: What Is the Galaxy Grant? Eligibility Criteria Application Process Deadline for 2026 Is Galaxy Grant legit? What Is the Galaxy Grant? The Galaxy Grant is a business funding initiative specifically created to support small business owners who face systemic disadvantages in accessing traditional financing. Rather than requiring repayment or equity stakes, it functions as a true grant — meaning recipients keep the money and use it to invest directly in their business. What sets galaxy grants apart from many other funding opportunities is their intentional focus on demographics that are historically underfunded. The program is designed to remove barriers that often prevent early-stage entrepreneurs from accessing capital and to help founders who might otherwise fall through the cracks of conventional lending or investment pipelines. The galaxy grant program typically awards funding on a competitive basis, evaluating applicants on factors like: Business Viability Community impact Alignment with the grant’s mission Depending on the cycle, awards can vary in size, making it relevant for businesses at multiple stages of growth — from early-stage startups to established enterprises looking to expand. The program has gained popularity due to its ease of entry and recurring funding cycles. It is not a one-time opportunity; instead, it offers multiple grant rounds throughout the year, allowing applicants to reapply and improve their chances over time. Galaxy Grant for Women & Minority Entrepreneurs One of the most important things to understand about galaxy grant for women is that it wasn’t created as an afterthought. Supporting women-owned businesses is central to the program’s mission. Women entrepreneurs face a persistent funding gap. Despite launching businesses at record rates, women-owned businesses receive only a fraction of available small business funding compared to male-owned counterparts. Galaxy grant for women addresses this directly by prioritizing applicants who identify as women founders and can demonstrate how the funding would advance their business goals. Similarly, the program has a strong track record of supporting minority-owned businesses and minority-owned small businesses. For a minority entrepreneur trying to scale past the survival stage, a non-dilutive infusion of capital (no equity loss) can be the difference between stagnation and real momentum. Galaxy grants for women and galaxy grants for individuals from underrepresented communities signal something important: this isn’t a program that treats equity as an afterthought. It’s built into the foundation. If you identify as a woman founder, a person of color, or both, this program was specifically designed with your challenges in mind. There are also galaxy grants for small business owners who operate nonprofits or community-facing enterprises, further expanding who can benefit from this funding model. Types of Galaxy Grants Available 1. Startup Galaxy Grants These grants are tailored for early-stage businesses aiming to launch innovative products or services. Funding is typically used for: Product development Market validation Initial operational costs 2. Small Business Expansion Grants Designed for established businesses, these grants support: Scaling operations Hiring employees Expanding into new markets 3. Nonprofit and Community Grants Nonprofit organizations can leverage Galaxy Grants to: Fund social programs Expand outreach initiatives Improve infrastructure 4. Research and Innovation Grants These grants prioritize cutting-edge research projects and technological advancements, offering substantial funding for: Scientific studies Prototyping Development of intellectual property Galaxy Grant Eligibility Requirements Before you invest time in the Galaxy Grant application, it’s essential to confirm that you meet the eligibility criteria. While specific requirements can vary by funding cycle, here is a general framework of what most applicants need to qualify: Legally registered Business Entity U.S.-Based Operations Ownership Demographics (typically 51% or more for woman and minority-owned business) Clearly defined project objectives Revenue and Size Business Plan Submission Compliance with grant-specific guidelines Always review the Galaxy of Stars Grant requirements specific to the current cycle before applying, as details do change from round to round. If you’re unsure whether you qualify, please check your grant eligibility. Geographic Restrictions Currently, the Galaxy Grant is primarily available to U.S.-based applicants, which is an important consideration for international entrepreneurs. While this limitation may exclude some applicants, it aligns with the organization’s focus on supporting underserved communities within the United States. Entrepreneurs outside the U.S. may need to explore alternative grant opportunities in their respective regions. Galaxy Grant Application Process The galaxy grants application is designed to be as accessible as possible for busy entrepreneurs. Here is a general step-by-step breakdown of what to expect: Step 1 — Review the Guidelines Before anything else, read the current cycle’s official guidelines in full. Step 2 — Gather Your Documents Common documents required include proof of business registration, an