For the 3rd year in a row, the Pepper $5K Startup Grant for Black Women is open for applications! This is a no strings attached financial grant for Black women entrepreneurs as well as an opportunity to gain mentorship, resources, and exposure for your company.

With less than 3% of venture capital funds going toward women-led businesses, and only 0.3% of that going to Black women — Pepper created the Startup Grant in 2020 to help close the gap for women of color founders, specifically Black women.

Applications are open until August 26th and Pepper will announce five semi-finalists by October 7.

What to Expect from Pepper’s Startup Grant Program

One recipient will receive a no strings attached $5k financial grant and the following benefits:

• Mentorship calls with the Pepper founders

• Dedicated promotion on Pepper’s social media

• Access to consultations with experts in legal, fundraising, finance, marketing, and more to address your specific needs

Eligibility Requirements

• Have a business in any industry

• At least 50% of the business must be owned, controlled, or operated and managed by Black, or African-American, female or non-binary identifying owner(s)

• At least 18 years old

• U.S. resident, and your business must have a U.S. legal entity

• Early stage business with less than $500K in external equity funding raised

For more information, visit wearpepper.com/pages/grant