17 Grants and Resources for LGBTQ-Owned Businesses

LGBTQ-owned businesses are just as likely to apply for loans as non-LGBTQ-owned businesses, but less likely to receive them.^[0]

Nevertheless, numerous organizations across the country are offering small business grants and resources for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs to fill the funding gap.

Here are some of the best options.

Small business subsidies It provides free loans, i.e. access to capital that does not need to be repaid. Grants are available from a variety of sources, and while applying can be time-consuming and competitive, securing this funding for your business is well worth the effort.

For example, businesses in the United States can apply for climate justice grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000. To qualify, your organization must work with and represent queer, transgender, and intersex people on climate justice, environmental racism, or weather and disaster resilience and adaptation. You must announce the project you are working on.

of national pride grant We offer eligible businesses the opportunity to receive one of 25 grant packages totaling $25,000. This grant program is distributed by Founders First, a nonprofit organization that supports and accelerates the growth of small businesses led by individuals from diverse backgrounds.

To qualify for the National Pride Grant, you must identify yourself as an LGBTQIA+ business owner, be in business for at least one year, employ 2-50 people, and have annual revenue of less than $5 million . Applications are accepted on the Founders First website and must include a short pitch video.

Pre-registration for the 2024 grant cycle is now open. The complete application will be released on April 30, 2024.

of business transformation grants is a microgrant designed to support individuals from systematically oppressed groups, including people of color, formerly incarcerated people, gay, transgender, and nonbinary individuals. Grantees will receive $1,000 and his customized one-year business strategy and development program.

This small business grant is offered twice a year, with applications submitted for review in March and August. To qualify, you must reside in the United States, be able to demonstrate financial need, and run a business with a focus on social impact. business ideas. Applications for the next cycle will run from September 15 to 30, 2024.

provider Cadence Cash Equal Access Fund, this grant is open to all small businesses, but with a special focus on businesses that impact underrepresented communities. $5,000 grants will be awarded quarterly and applications will be accepted on a rolling basis.

of David Bohnett Foundation We support a variety of nonprofit organizations, including the LGBTQ+ community, leadership programs, and gun violence prevention. For LGBTQ+ community programs, organizations should strive for a better society through their work, especially by advocating for equal rights and protection for all LGBTQ+ people.

The Foundation is not currently accepting grant applications. Suggestions are by invitation only. To draw attention to these types of organizations, nonprofit grantsHost a community event to showcase your latest projects, invite grantmakers to your event, and encourage community members to talk and write reviews about how your organization has impacted them. can.

Food business operators Feed the Soul Foundation. The business must be at least 51% owned by someone who identifies as one of the following: Black, Indigenous, or Latinx. military combat veteran. the formerly incarcerated and the elderly. In addition to the scholarship, the recipient will receive six months of educational training services.

National LGBT Chamber of Commerce (NGLCC) Community Impact Grant Program is a funding initiative to support LGBTQ-owned restaurants or restaurants owned by LGBTQ+ allies. Through a partnership with the Grubhub Community Fund, the program provides grants of $10,000 to $25,000 to restaurants, bars, and cafes that serve meals.

To be eligible, you must demonstrate that you are an LGBTQ-owned or affiliated facility. Applications will be accepted in batches based on Eastern, Central and Western regions. Applications for the 2023 grant cycle are now closed, but please visit NGLCC's website for future updates.

In partnership with Startup Girl Foundation, Pepper is offering $5,000 grants to Black women or non-binary entrepreneurs. Grantees will also receive a coaching call with Pepper's founder, exclusive promotions on Pepper's social and media accounts, and consultations with a variety of business experts.

In order to fall under any of these Start-up grant, at least 50% of your business must be owned, managed, or operated by owners who identify as Black or African American, women, or non-binary. You must also be an early-stage business with less than $500,000 of her raised in external equity financing.Application of 2023 cycle It closed in August.

Queer to Stay is an annual grant program administered by the Human Rights Campaign and the television network Showtime. The program supports LGBTQ+ people of color, women, and transgender communities, especially small businesses affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

When the initiative launched in 2020, 10 companies across the United States received funding and continues to grow each year. In 2023, 25 companies received grants. Dates for the 2024 cycle have not yet been announced.

Many states, cities, and local governments have dedicated grant programs for LGBTQ+ business owners. Some programs may be administered by your state or city's chamber of commerce, while others may be distributed through local LGBTQ+ advocacy groups.

for example, Founders First Job Creators Quest Grant provides regional grants to small businesses in several regions across the country. texas, California, Twin Cities and Chicago. Pre-registration is now open for businesses in Texas, Pennsylvania and New Jersey, with full applications opening this summer. To qualify, your business must be founded by someone who identifies as LGBTQ+, Latinx, Black, Asian, or female.

LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs also have access to a variety of resources to help launch and grow their businesses. These tools can provide additional funding opportunities, business training, and community support, among other forms of assistance.

Gainels is an investment organization dedicated to supporting funding for businesses run by diverse and underrepresented individuals, including businesses owned by LGBTQ+ people. Gaingels has developed an ecosystem of private investors dedicated to diversity and inclusion, and these investors, along with Gaingels itself, are working to fund startups.

pipeline angels is an angel investor firm that funds transgender women, cisgender women, nonbinary, Two Spirit, agender, and gender nonconforming founders. The company is funded through pitch summits, where entrepreneurs present their business ideas in hopes of receiving funding from investors.

IFundWomen is a marketplace specializing in: Small business subsidies for women. The company also offers business coaching, networking, training, and crowdfunding. Within the crowdfunding platform, IFundWomen Focuses on gay-owned businesses and their fundraising campaigns.

If you would like to raise funds through crowdfunding, you need to sign up for an account, add information about your business, set a financial goal, and specify the reward your donors will receive for their donation. If you choose to be a business owned by a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you will be added to the Spotlight section of the site.

StartOut is an organization that promotes the growth of LGBTQ+ businesses and works to ensure that LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs have equal opportunities to succeed.through startbusiness owners have access to a variety of resources, including community networks and forums, in-person and digital events, product discounts, and expert office hours.

The organization also offers a mentorship program, an investor portal to help entrepreneurs looking for funding, and a startup accelerator. StartOut Growth Lab is his 5-month intensive program that provides mentorship, education, and networking opportunities for business owners.

of NGLCC is the largest advocacy organization dedicated to expanding economic opportunities for LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs and the only certifying body for businesses owned by LGBTQ+ people.

Achieving LGBT Business Enterprise (LGBTBE) certification gives you access to the entire NGLCC network, which includes hundreds of corporate and government partners. After one year, certified LGBTBE businesses will also be eligible to receive scholarship programs, mentorship and leadership training, and other business development tools.

In addition to LGBTBE certification, NGLCC manages initiatives such as mentorship programs, in-person and virtual events, webinars, and educational courses. The organization also has a network of affiliated chambers that can assist at the state or local level.

this venture capital fund We invest in companies led by underrepresented founders, including women, people of color, and LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs. It needs to be a scalable startup business that can generate a 10x return on investment.

backstage capital is not currently accepting new applications for its portfolio, but you can check the website for updates and take advantage of additional resources it offers.

Small Business Development Center (SBDC) is sponsored by the U.S. Small Business Administration and hosted by local colleges and universities, state economic development departments, and other private entities. These centers are designed to provide small business owners with a wide range of support including training, mentorship, coaching and networking.

Many SBDCs connect you with experts who can help you raise capital, manage your finances, and grow your business. Although these centers are not explicitly dedicated to LGBTQ+ entrepreneurs, all business owners are welcome and can take advantage of their services.

Finding and applying for suitable business grants can be difficult and time-consuming. If you don't qualify for a specific grant or would like to explore other ways to fund LGBTQ-owned businesses, consider the options below.