POWERSHIFT ENTREPRENEURS GRANT

The NAACP Powershift Entrepreneur Grant aims to empower Black entrepreneurs and businesses through funding and resources and has, in previous years, contributed largely to the growth of Black businesses across the nation.

All rising and established Black entrepreneurs are encouraged to apply for the Powershift Entrepreneur Grant. Businesses selected will receive a $25,000 grant along with resources as tools to propel their futures.

LESLIE’S CERTIFICATION BOOST GRANT

NAACP and Leslie’s Certification Boost Grant is intended to assist entrepreneurs in obtaining vital business certifications, which are important to facilitate networking, business connections, and draw partnership opportunities with larger corporations and organizations. 

$5,000 grants will be awarded to deserving entrepreneurs to support small businesses in rural and urban communities across five states and companies led by people of color, women, and people with disabilities, or businesses located in Historically Underutilized Business Zones (HUBZones), focusing on businesses in Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, and Texas.

KEEP IT LOCAL BUSINESS FUND

The NAACP and the Nextdoor Kind Foundation will award chosen U.S. small business owners of color microgrants from the Keep It Local Business Fund, in partnership with Hello Alice. The hope is that these microgrants light a spark within recipients to drive change in their community and inspire similar efforts in communities around the world — ultimately creating a movement of kindness rising.

POWER FORWARD SMALL BUSINESS GRANT

Vistaprint and the Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation launched the Power Forward Small Business Grant in partnership with NAACP and announced a combined commitment of $1 million. This grant program aims to create a lasting impact through the economic empowerment of Black-owned small businesses across New England with grants of $25,000 to be awarded on a rolling basis.

Grant recipients will have opportunities to be featured on national co-branded platforms and receive marketing and design resources customized to their specific needs to help their businesses grow and thrive.

NAACP X BACARDI: BACKING THE B.A.R.

NAACP x BACARDI are working together to provide dedicated support to Black-owned businesses in the beverage alcohol service, sales, and hospitality industries. Backing the B.A.R. awarded more than $350,000 in acceleration grants, education, support, and entrepreneurship solutions for Black-owned bars, restaurants, nightclubs, lounges, liquor stores, and small businesses in the process of applying for a liquor license.

COALESCING FORCE

We remain a uniting force in the movement, coalescing together leading voices and organizations to collaborate on initiatives that bring us closer to the future we all envision.

Our partners share our belief that business as usual is stifling Black lives. Through our campaigns, events, and initiatives, partners aid us in our mission to build Black political and economic power.

Our recent partnerships include:

• Foundations: Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Kellogg Foundation, BeyGOOD, Boston Celtics Shamrock Foundation, and more
• Corporations: Google, CBS, Vistaprint, Airbnb, Bacardi, and more.
• Civil Rights and Social Justice: When We All Vote, National Action Network, Leadership Conference for Human and Civil Rights, National Urban League, UnidosUs, and more.
• Faith-Based Groups: Learn more about our Faith Forward initiative
• Historically Black organizations: NNPA, National Pan-Hellenic Council, National Bar Association, and more.

Our recent partnerships include the coalition to Stop Hate For Profit, the Black-Owned Business Center with Hello Alice, and our continued work to build a national Culture of Health with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.