Starting and running a business is not easy. It takes hard work, money, knowledge, and the right people around you. For Black business owners, there are often extra challenges like lack of access to capital, limited connections, and systemic barriers. But the good news is that there are many organizations, programs, and networks created to support Black entrepreneurs. These resources offer mentorship, networking, and funding opportunities. They are helping to break down barriers and build stronger, successful Black-owned businesses. Below are some of the most helpful resources every Black business owner should know, explained in simple and detailed terms.
1. National Black Chamber of Commerce (NBCC) The National Black Chamber of Commerce is one of the biggest and most well-known organizations supporting Black businesses. It was created to help Black entrepreneurs succeed by providing them with tools, education, and networking opportunities. The NBCC has thousands of members in the U.S. and in other countries as well. It holds conferences, training workshops, and business expos where Black business owners can meet, learn, and grow. The Chamber also connects its members to corporate partners and government agencies. Being a member of the NBCC means being part of a powerful network that is focused on Black economic empowerment.
2. Black Business Association (BBA) Founded in 1970, the Black Business Association is one of the oldest active organizations focused on the growth of Black businesses in the United States. Based in Los Angeles, the BBA offers business development programs, advocacy, and access to capital. The association helps Black entrepreneurs understand how to apply for contracts with the government and big corporations. They also help members gain certification as minority-owned businesses, which can open the door to more business opportunities. The BBA is well-connected in the political and business world and uses its voice to advocate for policies that support Black businesses.
3. National Minority Supplier Development Council (NMSDC) The National Minority Supplier Development Council is a strong resource for Black business owners who want to work with big companies. The NMSDC connects minority-owned businesses with over 1,400 corporate members, including many Fortune 500 companies. To benefit from this network, a business must become certified as a minority business enterprise (MBE). Once certified, the business can join events, trade fairs, and training programs. The NMSDC also helps business owners build relationships with corporate buyers and grow through business mentorship. Their main goal is to close the racial wealth gap by helping minority businesses thrive.
4. U.S. Black Chambers, Inc. (USBC) The U.S. Black Chambers is known as the “national voice of Black business.” It brings together many Black chambers of commerce and business groups from across the country. USBC focuses on five areas: access to capital, contracting, entrepreneur training, advocacy, and chamber development. They have a platform called ByBlack, which is the first national certification program for Black-owned businesses. ByBlack helps customers and companies easily find and support certified Black-owned businesses. The USBC also offers online classes and webinars to teach skills like business planning, marketing, and financial management.
5. Black Founders Black Founders is an organization created by tech entrepreneurs who saw the need for more support for Black people in the tech industry. They focus on helping Black startup founders build their companies from the ground up. Through programs like networking events, mentorship, and workshops, Black Founders creates space for innovation and business growth. They also provide resources for pitching to investors and building scalable tech products. The goal is to increase the number of successful Black tech founders and reduce the racial gap in Silicon Valley and the tech world in general.
6. The Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA) The MBDA is a federal agency under the U.S. Department of Commerce that supports minority-owned businesses. They operate business centers in many cities across the United States. These centers provide free consulting on how to get financing, write a business plan, find government contracts, and grow your company. The MBDA also hosts summits and webinars that teach business owners about market trends and funding sources. They are a trusted government resource and have helped thousands of Black entrepreneurs become more successful over the years.
7. Black Girl Ventures (BGV) Black Girl Ventures is focused on helping Black and Brown women entrepreneurs. Founded by Shelly Bell, BGV creates funding opportunities through pitch competitions and community giving. In these competitions, women pitch their businesses in front of a crowd, and the audience votes with their dollars. The funds go directly to the winners. BGV also offers mentorship, networking, and visibility to women-led businesses. Their mission is to create economic power in Black and Brown communities by helping women raise capital and grow strong, profitable companies.
8. Backstage Capital Backstage Capital is a venture capital fund that invests in underrepresented founders, including Black entrepreneurs, women, and LGBTQ+ founders. Founded by Arlan Hamilton, Backstage Capital is known for believing in founders who are often overlooked by traditional investors. They provide early-stage funding, mentorship, and support to help startups grow. They have invested in over 150 companies led by underrepresented founders. If you’re a Black business owner with a startup and a strong vision, Backstage Capital could be a key resource.
9. Operation HOPE Operation HOPE is a nonprofit that works to bring financial literacy and business training to underserved communities. They run a program called HOPE Inside that teaches people how to start businesses, improve their credit, and get funding. Operation HOPE also partners with banks and community centers to bring these services to neighborhoods where they are needed most. For a Black entrepreneur just starting out, Operation HOPE can be a helpful guide in learning how to manage money, grow a business, and achieve long-term success.
10. SCORE (Service Corps of Retired Executives) SCORE is a national network of volunteers who provide free mentoring and education to small business owners. Many of their mentors are experienced professionals or retired executives who want to give back by helping new entrepreneurs. Black business owners can benefit from personalized mentorship, business planning advice, and workshops. While SCORE is not specifically for Black businesses, they do offer targeted programs for minority-owned businesses and provide valuable knowledge in areas like marketing, finance, and operations.
11. The Center for Black Innovation The Center for Black Innovation supports Black entrepreneurs in tech and innovation. They run programs in cities like Miami and help early-stage companies through funding, mentorship, and training. The center focuses on helping founders solve problems in their own communities and create businesses that make a lasting impact. They also work to build data and research around Black entrepreneurship and provide tools to help entrepreneurs measure their growth and success.
12. Local Black Chambers of Commerce Besides national organizations, local Black Chambers of Commerce play an important role in helping Black businesses. These chambers offer support at the community level, including networking events, training, and help accessing government grants or business loans. Joining a local chamber connects you with other Black entrepreneurs in your area and gives you a chance to work together on shared goals. These chambers often have relationships with local governments and can help you promote your business in your city or region.
13. The Fearless Fund The Fearless Fund is another funding organization focused on women of color. They invest in early-stage businesses owned by Black women and other women of color. The fund also provides training, coaching, and events to help women build their companies with confidence. Their mission is to change the way capital is distributed and make sure more money goes into the hands of women founders who have been ignored for too long. If you are a Black woman building a business, especially in industries like beauty, wellness, food, or tech, the Fearless Fund may be a perfect fit.
14. Black-Owned Business Directories Directories like WeBuyBlack, Official Black Wall Street, and Support Black Owned are great tools to promote and grow your business. These platforms allow customers who want to buy from Black businesses to find your products or services. You can create a profile, share your website, and get more exposure. Some of these platforms also offer resources, training, and advertising options to help you reach a wider audience. Being listed in these directories also builds credibility and shows that you are part of a growing movement to support Black business excellence.
15. Digital Undivided Digital Undivided focuses on helping Black and Latinx women entrepreneurs in the digital space. They offer programs like the BIG Incubator, which provides business training, coaching, and access to investors. They also conduct research to understand the challenges women of color face in business. Digital Undivided helps founders move from idea to growth with structure and support, especially in tech-driven industries. Their programs are powerful for turning a small business idea into a scalable and successful company.
The journey of being a Black business owner may come with unique challenges, but it is also filled with opportunities. The resources mentioned above are powerful tools that can help you grow, connect, and succeed. Whether you need funding, mentorship, training, or just a community of support, there is a program or organization that is ready to help you. Take time to research them, apply for programs, join their networks, and use the support that is out there. You are not alone in your journey, and with the right tools, your business can go far and create a lasting impact.
