By Andrea Stevens
AFRO Staff Writer
astevens@afro.com

Across the country, Black women are launching and growing businesses at record rates but often without the same access to capital as their peers. To help bridge that gap, a growing number of grant programs are stepping up with targeted support for Black women entrepreneurs, providing not only funding but also mentorship, training and networking.

Felicia Wise is an expert in grant contracting and development with the United Negro College Fund. This week, she offers advice on how to adhere to grant guidelines, what to do if a business owner runs into issues with their grant and how grant negotiating agreements are essential. Credit: Photo Courtesy / Felicia Wise

Programs like the SoGal Foundation’s Black Women Entrepreneurs Grant, the Amber Grant Foundation, the Fearless Fund and IFundWomen of Color have created paths for Black women to receive support tailored to their specific needs. These programs not only fund businesses but help build trust between funders and grantees.

Felicia Wise, who oversees grants from start to finish at United Negro College Fund (UNCF) as the senior director of grants management and program development, said maintaining trust is essential to long-term success– especially when issues arise.Â