If you’re a Black business owner—whether you’re a startup or a long-time entrepreneur—you know that getting the money you need to operate and grow your business is critical to success. That’s why Bank of America and Seneca Women created this Access to Capital Directory. It puts at your fingertips hundreds of organizations providing funding for Black-owned businesses across the U.S.
A good place to start is to learn how to use this Directory and to learn more about the types of capital included by visiting the About page. You can also start your search using the Search Tool below.
A new way to connect to capital and coaching for your business
Bank of America has launched the Access to Capital Connector, an online platform designed to help small businesses by linking them directly to local Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) for capital, coaching and support. The Connector was created in partnership with the Community Reinvestment Fund, USA (CRF), a national nonprofit CDFI.
Featured Sources of Capital
Act One Ventures
Venture Capital
Pre-Seed, Seed
Act One is a VC with a track record of success that backs companies with demonstrated founder-market fit (expertise in industry & relevant software solutions). Act One was founded in 2016 by Michael Silton & Alejandro Guerrero, and 70% of the Fund’s portfolio was founded by women & people of color.
LiftFund Inc.
CDFI
LiftFund was founded to level the financial playing field for the underestimated entrepreneur. LiftFund offers small business loans to entrepreneurs located in the following states: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Louisiana, Missouri, Mississippi, New York, New Mexico, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, and Texas.
Black Girl Ventures
Crowdfund
Early Stage, Growth Stage • $1,000,000
Black Girl Ventures Foundation (BGV) is a 501(c) non-profit organization that focuses on Black and Brown women-identifying founders. BGV's mission is to provide Black and Brown women-identifying founders with access to community, capital, and capacity building.
e2JDJ
Venture Capital
Early Stage, Seed
E²JDJ is an early stage VC fund that invests in AgriFood technology driven companies that are moving the needle on human and planetary health.
Propel Nonprofits
CDFI
Propel Nonprofits is a proud partner of The Minneapolis Foundation and LISC Twin Cities in a new grant opportunity to support small business recovery.
News
Facts and stats about Black-owned businesses
Bankrate pulls together the numbers; For instance, Black-owned businesses employ more than 1 million people in the US.
21 funding options for Black-owned companies
The US Chamber rounds up some great opportunities, including from VCs and CDFIs.
Apply for a business scholarship for entrepreneurs
From April 8 through May 23, entrepreneurs can apply for a $10,000 Diverse Business Scholarship sponsored by Bank of America, funded through the generosity of Bank of America’s third parties, and administered by Scholarship America.
Resources
CDFI Ambassadors
Get Help Navigating the World of CDFIs
CDFIs are financial institutions that have a primary mission of community development and provide credit and financial services to underserved populations. Bank of America’s CDFI Ambassadors help cultivate partnerships and educate borrowers.
Business Education
Bank of America Institute for Women’s Entrepreneurship at Cornell
An unparalleled opportunity for women to earn a certificate in business from this Ivy League university, through a free online program made possible by Bank of America.
Business 101
Tools for Small Businesses
Whether you need information about finance or optimizing your operations, these resources from Bank of America can help you do the next right thing for your business.